2010 AMS Winter Tyre Test

In 2010 Auto Motor Und Sport [AMS] visited Sweden to test ten 205/55 r16 winter tyres. On test were the usual mix of premium and mid range tyres, including the TyreReviews favourite Nokian WRG2.

Winning the test was the Goodyear UltraGrip 7+, thanks to an extremely strong snow performance which was only equaled by the mid-range brand Fulda (who incidentally are owned by Goodyear). The new Michelin Aplin A4 and the Continental TS830 rounded out the top 3 with extremely strong dry and wet scores which make the tyres more appealing to climates like the UK where the roads see little snow but plenty of freezing mornings in both dry and damp conditions.

While the the Nokian WRG2 only placed 8th, it also verified its suitability for UK type climates by winning the wet section of the test with comments of sporty handling. Unfortunately its snow performance was the worst of the test, but it would vastly outperform a normal summer tyre should adverse conditions present themselves.

Here are the full results with breakdown scores and comments.

1st: Goodyear UltraGrip 7+

Goodyear UltraGrip 7 Plus
  • 205/55 r16
  • 3PMSF: no
  1. Total: 264
  2. Dry: 86
  3. Wet: 83
  4. Snow: 95
Very good handling, good traction and short braking distances on snow, balanced properties in wet and dry, quiet
Slightly increased rolling resistance

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2nd: Michelin Alpin A4

Michelin Alpin A4
  • 205/55 r16
  • 3PMSF: no
  1. Total: 259
  2. Dry: 90
  3. Wet: 92
  4. Snow: 77
Good handling and excellent braking performance on wet roads, good handling characteristics on dry roads, low rolling resistance
Snow performance wasn't group leading

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3rd: Continental WinterContact TS830

Continental WinterContact TS830
  • 205/55 r16
  • 3PMSF: no
  1. Total: 257
  2. Dry: 93
  3. Wet: 94
  4. Snow: 70
Good handling and short braking distances on snow, very good wetness characteristics, good aquaplaning resistance
Limited snow traction

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4th: Fulda Kristall Control HP

Fulda Kristall Control HP
  • 205/55 r16
  • 3PMSF: no
  1. Total: 244
  2. Dry: 79
  3. Wet: 67
  4. Snow: 98
Excellent handling, great braking power and very good traction on snow, good aquaplaning
Only average driving characteristics and a relatively long stopping distances on wet roads

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5th: Dunlop SP Winter Sport 3D

Dunlop SP Winter Sport 3D
  • 205/55 r16
  • 3PMSF: no
  1. Total: 242
  2. Dry: 81
  3. Wet: 86
  4. Snow: 75
Very good handling characteristics and short braking distances in dry, good ride comfort, good wet performances
Average snow performance

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6th: Pirelli Sottozero Serie II

Pirelli Sottozero Serie II
  • 205/55 r16
  • 3PMSF: no
  1. Total: 234
  2. Dry: 87
  3. Wet: 83
  4. Snow: 64
Good handling characteristics and short braking distances on dry roads, very good wetness characteristics, low rolling resistance
Moderate traction and longer stopping distance on snow

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7th: Vredestein Snowtrac 3

Vredestein Snowtrac 3
  • 205/55 r16
  • 3PMSF: no
  1. Total: 233
  2. Dry: 82
  3. Wet: 82
  4. Snow: 69
Good handling and braking performance in dry, good wet performances, comfortable
Average snow scores, increased rolling resistance

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8th: Nokian WRG2

Nokian WRG2
  • 205/55 r16
  • 3PMSF: no
  1. Total: 232
  2. Dry: 86
  3. Wet: 98
  4. Snow: 48
Very good handling characteristics and short braking distances on wet roads, good properties in dry
Average cornering, traction and braking on snow

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9th: Bridgestone Blizzak LM32

Bridgestone Blizzak LM32
  • 205/55 r16
  • 3PMSF: no
  1. Total: 221
  2. Dry: 85
  3. Wet: 75
  4. Snow: 61
Good handling and braking performance on dry roads, wet satisfactory properties, good comfort
Average snow scores

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10th: Kumho IZen KW23

Kumho IZen KW23
  • 205/55 r16
  • 3PMSF: no
  1. Total: 196
  2. Dry: 78
  3. Wet: 66
  4. Snow: 52
Good handling and braking performance in dry conditions
Traction and braking on snow poor, long braking distance in wet conditions

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