2010 Auto Bild Winter 4x4 Tyre Test

As proven in this video, owning a 4x4 off vehicle is no substitute for being on the correct tyre during the winter months.

Auto Bild have recently tested 8 tyres in 215/65 r16 on a Volvo XC70 for dry, wet and snow performance. As always the results were close amongst the premium brands, with Dunlop just beating Continental to the top spot.

Full Results

1st: Dunlop SP Winter Sport 3D

Dunlop SP Winter Sport 3D
  • 215/65 r16
  • 3PMSF: no
  1. Total: 25
  2. Dry: 7
  3. Wet: 8
  4. Snow: 10
Fantastic grip and short braking distances on snow, predictable handling, very balanced winter tyres with no real weaknesses.
Average rolling resistance.
Exemplary.

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2nd: Continental ContiCrossContact Winter

Continental ContiCrossContact Winter
  • 215/65 r16
  • 3PMSF: no
  1. Total: 23
  2. Dry: 7
  3. Wet: 6
  4. Snow: 10
Balanced winter tires, short braking distances on snow, low rolling resistance.
Slightly extended stopping distance on dry pavement, not exactly cheap.
Exemplary.

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3rd: Pirelli Winter 210 Sottozero

Pirelli Winter 210 Sottozero
  • 215/65 r16
  • 3PMSF: no
  1. Total: 22
  2. Dry: 7
  3. Wet: 6
  4. Snow: 9
Short braking distances on snow, very quiet, well-balanced winter tire, low rolling resistance.
Somewhat reduced performance in curved aquaplaning.
Exemplary.

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4th: Michelin Latitude Alpin HP

Michelin Latitude Alpin HP
  • 215/65 r16
  • 3PMSF: no
  1. Total: 19
  2. Dry: 7
  3. Wet: 5
  4. Snow: 7
Good snow grip, low rolling resistance.
Reduced adhesion on wet roads, light steering response, not exactly cheap.
Recommended.

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5th: Toyo Open Country WT

Toyo Open Country WT
  • 215/65 r16
  • 3PMSF: no
  1. Total: 19
  2. Dry: 6
  3. Wet: 5
  4. Snow: 8
Cheap, good on snow, short dry braking distance.
Slightly reduced grip on wet roads, moderate comfort, high rolling resistance.
Recommended.

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6th: Nokian W RG2 SUV

Nokian W RG2 SUV
  • 215/65 r16
  • 3PMSF: no
  1. Total: 18
  2. Dry: 8
  3. Wet: 7
  4. Snow: 3
Great on wet and dry roads, low rolling resistance.
Poor grip on snow, moderate comfort, not cheap.
Recommended.

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7th: Bridgestone Blizzak LM25 4X4

Bridgestone Blizzak LM25 4X4
  • 215/65 r16
  • 3PMSF: no
  1. Total: 18
  2. Dry: 7
  3. Wet: 5
  4. Snow: 6
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8th: Kumho Izen RV KC15

Kumho Izen RV KC15
  • 215/65 r16
  • 3PMSF: no
  1. Total: 15
  2. Dry: 5
  3. Wet: 3
  4. Snow: 7
very cheap winter tires, good on snow, very low rolling resistance.
Very poor wet grip, spongy ride in dry conditions, poor aquaplaning resistance.
Not recommended.

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