In the last 3 years, the tires of the Cordiant concern really please, the quality is growing, and with it the army of satisfied fans of inexpensive high-quality tires is growing. In today's review, we will consider the novelty of 2013, which has been in trend for 2 years already, collects a huge amount of positive feedback... Meet the Cordiant Snow Cross studded tire.
All as one users, seeing the tread pattern, start screaming - this is a clone of Hakki 7, do not think that you buy Cordiant and get the same Hakku, the difference is huge and blah blah.
Of course, comparing a Finnish tire and ours with a 3-fold price difference is wrong. Whoever has money - he takes Hakku without hesitation and does not care. Those who have no money - they have to look for reviews on the internet, shovel mountains of information, look for tests, videos and other information. Yes, even when testing tires, they are taken from one "weight" category - premium, comfort, budget. And comparing the tires of the budget class with the comfort class is simply pointless. In most tests, the expensive tire will be ahead, but how much? And is it so important in daily use? In general, let's talk better about Snow Cross - according to the test results and numerous reviews, it is really worth paying attention to it. Photo:
The previous Snow Max model also showed excellent results, the people are happy as an elephant. And Snow Cross is a continuation of Max's technologies, Cross is even better, more adaptable, more technological, if you like. Tire production technology does not stand still and the best tires of 2005 will now perform very poorly. That is why the people are studying the novelties of the market, because for sure they will be better than the previous ones. Progress cannot be stopped.
Cordiant Snow Cross - Studded Rubber Composition rubber compound even improved, there is even more silica, and therefore the tire remains soft even in severe frosts (-30), due to which the tire after a long night frosty parking will not be square, but will remain round)) Well, a winter tire should always be soft - this is a priori !
The tread pattern is similar to the Hakku-7, but superficially and structurally, there are considerable differences. Nevertheless, according to the opinions of the people (a lot of them have accumulated over 2 years), the tire digs deep snow excellently, loose snow is also excellent. Snow porridge - great, water and moisture-saturated snow are well removed from the contact patch. Snow Cross Photo:
And here is a photo of Hakki 7 for comparison, there is a difference and it is noticeable, so there is no need to la-la that the tread is the same (in Hakki, the spikes go almost non-stop throughout the tire, in Kordiant - much less often):
Cross studs - again a new technology, the shape of the tire and its insides, fit. As a result, the loss of thorns is minimal, it is, but in comparison with its competitors, Cordiant is really better. Which of the competitors lost? Such a popular Nokian Nordman 4, which is good for everyone, but does not hold the spikes as cool as we would like. Of course, no one has yet canceled the correctness of the running-in, but nevertheless, according to the people's reviews, it is clear that Snow Cross's spikes really hold better. And if you compare with Yokohama IG35 - here you yourself know, Yokka holds perfectly on the ice only in the first season, in the second - she is already without thorns))
By the way, we will recommend another chic option, but already a Velcro tire - the quality is the highest, the reviews are overwhelmingly excellent. Well, and a great price. If the city is being cleaned and the temperature permits, be sure to take it.
On ice, the Snow Cross shows excellent results for a budget tire (and the difference between tires of a different price category is minimal). It is not always possible to start a car into a skid on purpose, and if you drive on a winter road with your head, then the hold on the ice will be 5 points.
Video - test on loose snow
In the snow - this tire is just made for him. Rolled snow - 6 out of 5 points, loose, wet, deep - ideal. It digs snow smartly, side hooks for "digging" and for removing water are wide and deep.
What are the downsides? We read in the reviews - they slow down badly on bare asphalt at +5. Hehe, these are spikes and a priori they should slow down badly. Hakka 7 will also slow down badly, but probably a little better than Snow Cross))
Another disadvantage is poor balancing. This is not a fact, it all depends on the tire that you come across. In most, it is completely balanced, but there are exceptions. This means that the workmanship is not kept up to standard and this is bad. On the other hand, buy tires immediately with tire fitting, and if there are a lot of weights, ask for another tire, they will replace it without any problems.
In general, we boldly put 4.5 points on rubber, in budget class she is really one of the best. Not long ago, as yesterday, we saw Shevik on this rubber, came up, talked - the owner is terribly pleased, he drives a lot in the snow and likes to park in snowdrifts when there is no parking space. With this rubber, he has no problems at all. All types of winter road surfaces are ideal, except for bare asphalt - here it is a little worse. We definitely recommend buying, an excellent inexpensive spike.
The path of development of the Russian statehood is long and winding, it is full of great achievements, and we can be proud of our ancestors. But this pathos every autumn (and even more often) breaks down on the thought: could it have been possible to create this very statehood a little further south? Where are cold, snow and ice - the main winter opponents of the driver, are there only on mountain peaks? But since history does not know the subjunctive mood, residents of the middle and northern latitudes have to live in a climate where cold weather prevails for most of the year. One parameter will be of interest to us - the average daily temperature. If it is below +7 0 С, then during this period it is recommended to use winter types of tires. Moreover, in the same Moscow, according to the observation data of 2011-2012, already in October the average temperature of all days was only +6 0 С, and only in April it again reached +6.8 0 С. In other words, since October in for more than six months we have been driving in unfavorable (and often simply dangerous) road conditions... For the northern regions, this period can extend up to 9–11 months.
Despite significant progress in the development of winter tires, studded tires are still very popular in countries with a Scandinavian climate, which includes most of the territory of the Russian Federation. The first such model was developed by Michelin back in 1933. In the USSR, the creation of winter tires was approached only in the early 1970s, it was the legendary NIISHP-Rally, which was produced in small batches of several thousand pieces a year and immediately became a huge deficit - it was allocated only to athletes and “the right people”.
In our time, there is no shortage of offers on the market, but since good tires- the product is far from cheap, the subject of desire of many drivers is symbiosis good characteristics and a reasonable price. One of the manufacturers of this type of tire is the domestic brand Cordiant, which is launching a new spike model on the market this winter, the Snow Cross.
Verification by Iceland
With their obvious winter orientation, modern (even studded) tires must have decent performance both on snow and on wet asphalt - this is the inevitable specifics of operation in megacities, and prolonged thaws are not uncommon in our country. Iceland in this sense has become an ideal natural testing ground for rapid tire tests in all modes.
Located at the Arctic Circle, washed from the south by the warm Gulf Stream, and heated from the inside by the heat from the earth's crust, Iceland is a volcanic island. Active geysers and the famous volcano with the unpronounceable name Eyjafjallajokull remind of this. As a result, warm Atlantic and cold polar air masses constantly collide over Iceland. The proverb “If you don’t like the weather in Iceland, wait 5 minutes” very accurately reveals the peculiarities of the local climate. In a couple of hours and 100 km of path, you can find yourself several times in different seasons - from early autumn to late spring, with several transitions from dry asphalt to snow-covered trails. And when there is no snow or rain, in some places the road heats up as if we were rolling in sunny California. It was in such and such conditions that we tested the work of the new winter tire Cordiant Snow Cross.
Mathematical calculation
When designing new items, designers widely used mathematical modeling. Such development methods have long been a surprise, not only in the tire industry, but in many other industries as well. Their main advantage lies in the fact that almost finished products are brought to the test sites for final tests, requiring minimal modifications "in fact". The rest of the problems have already been solved in the silence and comfort of the laboratories, and have not been obtained as a result of long and expensive field tests.
All this makes it possible to reduce the cost of development, reduce the price for the buyer, and use the freed up funds to develop even more advanced models. For example, it was computer optimization of the tire carcass that made it possible to reduce the tire weight by ~ 0.5 kg, which, in combination with a new tread compound, led to a decrease in rolling resistance by ~ 15%. Usage new system The parameterization of the profiles led to the preservation of the properties and behavior of the tires, regardless of the standard size. That is, by changing the car model or simply putting beautiful 16-inch alloy wheels instead of the standard 15-inch wheels, the driver will not feel much difference in the car's behavior (if the right choice standard size, of course). It turns out about the same as moving into a new apartment, but keeping your favorite slippers.
The main parameter, which by 80% determines the characteristics of tires, is the uniformity of pressure distribution in the tire contact patch. It is he who is the basis for good traction and coupling properties. If the highway summer tires one can conditionally distinguish three modes of operation - dry asphalt, wet and "a little mud", while in winter they add snow, ice and the most unpleasant - wet snow slurry, when the already slippery ice is additionally "lubricated" by melted snow or chemical reagents. Because of this, the pattern of any winter tire is very different from its summer counterpart.
The main features of the Cordiant Snow Cross tires:
- Strong V-shaped tread design (to effectively drain slurry and reduce the tendency to aquaplaning).
- Large central rib (holds the trajectory better on uneven surfaces).
- The developed zigzag shape of the sipes contributes to "sticking" to the winter road.
- The increased number of sipes improves grip due to more engagement edges.
- Studding is made with a double-flanged anchor-type stud with a height of 11 mm. The number of studs per tire is 110-130 pieces, depending on the standard size, this provides the maximum number of studs in the contact patch from the point of view of road surface wear. At the same time, a snowflake-shaped double-flange anchor spike with a carbide core breaks the upper ice edge and eliminates tire slippage during acceleration and deceleration. The asymmetrically spaced 16 rows of studs alternately come into contact with the road. Thus, at least 10 thorns are constantly present in the contact patch.
- Studding - distributing studs to the left and right of the tire centerline - reduces noise.
| Stopping distance measurements according to the Test World organization method, m | ||
| Rolled snow, from 80 km / h | Ice, from 50 km / h | |
| Cordiant Snow Cross | 59,26 | 39,82 |
| Cordiant Sno-Max | 62,81 | 41,84 |
| Finnish competitor | 61,36 | 41,62 |
Owners of crossovers, especially four-wheel drive ones, often relate to the seasonal change of regular summer tires to winter ones without enthusiasm. After all, almost all native tires are marked with the M + S index, which de jure allows them to be used in winter. The main thing that residual depth the tread was not less than 4 mm (otherwise - a fine of 500 rubles). But you need to understand that the M + S marking does not oblige the manufacturer to anything! Marking does not require any tests or certificates confirming the suitability of tires for winter, and therefore more and more often it can be seen on frankly summer, and "asphalt" tires, which incidentally speaks of the devaluation of not only the letter S (snow, "snow"), but also M (mud). So we are not looking at the letters, but at the tread, and if we do not see many small slits-lamellas, then we conclude: it is dangerous to ride on such ones in winter. Better yet, when the sidewall has the “Snowflake” mark in the form of three mountain peaks with a snowflake - these models really passed the exam on a snow track. The participants in our test are all marked with the following markings: these are 14 kits with spikes and nine without them.
The test program is standard, all the tracks of the White Hell test site near the Finnish town of Ivalo are well known to us - and most importantly, to be lucky with the weather. Almost lucky: there was no snowfall, although the temperature danced from 5 to 23 degrees of frost, so its influence had to be taken into account when conducting additional races on "reference" tires. But the measurements of the longitudinal dynamics took place in a closed hangar with a more stable temperature.
This is where the embarrassment happened with Nokian tires, and with a model that has been produced for several years. Both in acceleration and in deceleration, non-studded Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2 SUV yielded not only to its principal competitors, but even to the tires of their own "second line" - the Nordman RS2 SUV tires! Nokian testers working in the neighborhood were alarmed, they themselves repeated the measurements ... An official investigation showed that the failed tires were produced at a plant near St. Petersburg at the end of 2016, more precisely in the 48th week. Then there was a failure in the technological cycle. They did not share the details with us (apparently, there were deviations either in the duration or in the temperature of vulcanization), but we were assured that the defective batch did not go on sale. Although outwardly everything is in order, and even the hardness of the tread rubber is the same as on tires produced in the 41st week of 2016 (their results were taken into account), but the difference in grip properties on ice reaches eight percent.
After measurements in the hangar, we get out into the growing frost - and once again we notice that as the temperature drops, the friction tires begin to catch up and even overtake the “spikes”. At minus twenty, the ice becomes so hard that the spikes cannot scratch it, and the tread rubber on most studded tires is harder - in the cold the friction tires are more elastic, they have a larger overall length of the sipes.
We, I repeat, take into account the changing conditions and adjust the results, but if all tests were carried out in a light frost, the friction tires would roll back to the bottom lines of the protocols.
Handling tests were carried out on the ice of the polar lake Tammijärvi
And in the snow, frost plays into the hands of friction models: while maintaining the elasticity of the tread, they better cling to the snow shagreen.
This time, the estimates of the cross-country ability were supported by instrumental measurements - the acceleration time in deep snow with the traction control system turned off. It is curious that Russian tires topped and closed the rating: the best - Cordiant, and the most helpless on the virgin soil - Viatti tires produced by the Nizhnekamsk tire plant.
The asphalt part of the tests is especially relevant for residents of large cities, in which the streets are cleared of snow and ice for most of the winter.
The final part of the tests is already in April, on "summer" surfaces. And along the way, we note that this time there were no tires littering with spikes.
At the top of the final ranking are the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 9 SUV tires. Expected result: if the model of the previous generation regularly won in our tests, then the new one, and even with two types of studs, easily outperformed the competitors.
Expensive? Then we carefully look at the points, the main advantages and disadvantages of other tires - and choose the best option for your pocket. And yet we avoid buying outsider tires - such savings are fraught with incomparably high costs.
Studded tire rating
| Dimension | 215/65 R16 |
|---|---|
| (55 standard sizes are available from 215/65 R16 to 315/40 R21) | |
| Speed index | T (190 km / h) |
| Lifting capacity index | 102 (850 kg) |
| Weight, kg | 11,9 |
| 9,8 | |
| 49 | |
| Number of thorns | 172 |
| 1,05/1,54 | |
| Manufacturer country | Finland |
Hakkapeliitta index 9 is a novelty of the season: here for the first time two types of cleats were used. Those in the middle part of the tread have transversely oriented carbide inserts: they are responsible for longitudinal grip properties, and at the edges above the tread there are such trefoils that work effectively in turns. And this is not a marketing gimmick: an unequivocal superiority over competitors both on the handling track and in braking on ice. And in other types of winter tests, the tires are at height. On asphalt, the grip is moderate, and the main problem is noise at speeds from 70 to 90 km / h.
The best tires for tough winter conditions!
| Dimension | 215/65 R16 |
|---|---|
| (2 standard sizes 205/55 R16 and 215/65 R16 are available) | |
| Speed index | T (190 km / h) |
| Lifting capacity index | 98 (750 kg) |
| Weight, kg | 11,2 |
| Tread depth, mm | 9,5 |
| Shore hardness of tread rubber, unit | 56 |
| Number of thorns | 170 |
| Protrusion of studs before / after tests, mm | 1,52/1,47 |
| Manufacturer country | South Korea |
This year, Hankook officially opened its polar training ground in Ivalo, Finland: the tracks and testing approaches are in many ways similar to those used by Nokian Tires. This also applies to the peculiarities of the tires themselves: the number of sprockets-stars was increased, which ensured decent test results on ice. But in deep snow, the tires do not shine, as well as on the asphalt, and besides, they make a lot of noise. But it is easy for them to forgive: the Hankook Winter i * Pike RS + tires are one and a half times cheaper than the Finnish novelty.
| Dimension | 215/65 R16 |
|---|---|
| (91 standard sizes available from 175/70 R14 to 275/40 R22) | |
| Speed index | T (190 km / h) |
| Lifting capacity index | 102 (850 kg) |
| Weight, kg | 11,4 |
| Tread depth, mm | 9,5 |
| Shore hardness of tread rubber, unit | 54 |
| Number of thorns | 130 |
| Protrusion of studs before / after tests, mm | 1,03/1,25 |
| Manufacturer country | Russia |
The tires produced in Voronezh are laced with powerful brace spikes - and they work gorgeous on ice during acceleration and braking. But in corners there are sharp breaks in sliding, so without a stabilization system, you have to be on the lookout. But - a good balance of adhesion properties on slippery road and on asphalt, and therefore they can be safely recommended for winter operation in large cities. If you do not make high demands on acoustic comfort.
| Dimension | 215/65 R16 |
|---|---|
| (75 standard sizes are available from 155/70 R13 to 275/40 R20) | |
| Speed index | T (190 km / h) |
| Lifting capacity index | 102 (850 kg) |
| Weight, kg | 11,6 |
| Tread depth, mm | 9,2 |
| Shore hardness of tread rubber, unit | 54 |
| Number of thorns | 130 |
| Protrusion of studs before / after tests, mm | 1,37/1,41 |
| Manufacturer country | Russia |
The tires are manufactured at the Russian Continental plant near Kaluga. The Gislaved brand is owned by Continental - and the Nord * Frost 200 mimics the asymmetrical tread pattern of the first generation ContiIceContact tires, but with simpler studs and no thermochemical retention. However, they also work well - especially in the lateral direction.
In general, these are well-balanced tires for use in large cities and beyond.
| Dimension | 215/65 R16 |
|---|---|
| (37 standard sizes are available from 155/70 R13 to 225/55 R18) | |
| Speed index | T (190 km / h) |
| Lifting capacity index | 102 (850 kg) |
| Weight, kg | 11,9 |
| Tread depth, mm | 9,6 |
| Shore hardness of tread rubber, unit | 54 |
| Number of thorns | 130 |
| Protrusion of studs before / after tests, mm | 1,63/1,62 |
| Manufacturer country | Russia |
The tires were produced at the Yaroslavl Tire Plant and the tread pattern suspiciously resembles the Finnish Nokian Hakkapeliitta 7 tires, which even became a reason for litigation. But the Cordiant company managed to justify itself - and to increase production volumes, including by expanding the range of dimensions. Decent tires for their money, but they do not like asphalt roads: they do not hold very well, and rolling is accompanied by a loud and unpleasant rumble of the tread. Tires are not for the city.
| Dimension | 215/65 R16 |
|---|---|
| (42 standard sizes are available from 205/70 R15 to 275/50 R22) | |
| Speed index | T (190 km / h) |
| Lifting capacity index | 102 (850 kg) |
| Weight, kg | 12,2 |
| Tread depth, mm | 9,2 |
| Shore hardness of tread rubber, unit | 57 |
| Number of thorns | 130 |
| Protrusion of studs before / after tests, mm | 1,08/1,16 |
| Manufacturer country | Finland |
Nordman tires are Nokian Tires' second line, and the production uses molds from outdated Nokian tires. New for the Nordman 7 SUV season is the reincarnation of the Hakkapeliitta 7 SUV, which was produced from 2010 to 2017. Quite good grip on ice and snow, and on asphalt even better than the current "parent" model. Including in terms of acoustic comfort: there are fewer spikes.
| Dimension | 215/65 R16 |
|---|---|
| (38 standard sizes are available from 175/65 R15 to 245/45 R19) | |
| Speed index | T (190 km / h) |
| Lifting capacity index | 98 (750 kg) |
| Weight, kg | 10,2 |
| Tread depth, mm | 10,5 |
| Shore hardness of tread rubber, unit | 56 |
| Number of thorns | 130 |
| Protrusion of studs before / after tests, mm | 1,26/1,39 |
| Manufacturer country | Germany |
The model was introduced in 2012 and has not yet received a replacement. On ice, the tires work well in the longitudinal direction, but when cornering, they suddenly break into sliding. On the snow, including on the virgin soil, everything is much better. But on the pavement, the aggressive pattern generates an obsessive low-frequency rumble already from 30 km / h.
| Dimension | 215/65 R16 |
|---|---|
| (58 standard sizes are available from 175/65 R14 to 265/40 R20) | |
| Speed index | T (190 km / h) |
| Lifting capacity index | 102 (850 kg) |
| Weight, kg | 11,3 |
| Tread depth, mm | 9,3 |
| Shore hardness of tread rubber, unit | 56 |
| Number of thorns | 104 |
| Protrusion of studs before / after tests, mm | 1,05/1,09 |
| Manufacturer country | Russia |
Michelin with the X-Ice North 3 tire continues to bend the line to comply with European studding rules: no more than 50 studs per running meter of tread. And the spikes themselves are simple, round in cross section. This led to an unimportant hold on the ice. The picture is better on rolled snow, but getting out of the snow is a problem: the tread is to blame.
| Dimension | 215/65 R16 |
|---|---|
| (23 standard sizes are available from 175/70 R13 to 245/45 R17) | |
| Speed index | Q (160 km / h) |
| Lifting capacity index | 102 (850 kg) |
| Weight, kg | 11 |
| Tread depth, mm | 9,2 |
| Shore hardness of tread rubber, unit | 51 |
| Number of thorns | 100 |
| Protrusion of studs before / after tests, mm | 0,87/1,06 |
| Manufacturer country | Russia |
BFGoodrich tires are Michelin's "second line", they are produced at the same plant in Davydovo near Moscow as Michelin X-Ice North 3 tires. But the tread is its own, original. It's a pity that there are also few pimples, they are round, overly sunken - and as a result mediocre behavior on the ice.
The situation is better on snow, including virgin soil. And even better - on asphalt, although you need to remember that the permissible speed is 160 km / h, although studded competitors have 190.
| Dimension | 215/65 R16 |
|---|---|
| (35 standard sizes are available from 175/70 R13 to 265/60 R18) | |
| Speed index | T (190 km / h) |
| Lifting capacity index | 98 (750 kg) |
| Weight, kg | 10,9 |
| Tread depth, mm | 9,6 |
| Shore hardness of tread rubber, unit | 56 |
| Number of thorns | 130 |
| Protrusion of studs before / after tests, mm | 0,85/0,94 |
| Manufacturer country | Russia |
Formula - "second line" by Pirelli... In last year's tests on Lada Vesta, the tires took fifth place, but now the indicators are more modest. Especially on ice. Even after running-in, the protrusion of the studs above the tread surface is less than a millimeter (last year we recorded 1.1 mm on new tires). On rolled snow, the results are better, although we do not recommend climbing into snowdrifts. On the asphalt they are excellent.
Not a bad budget tire option for urban use.
| Dimension | 215/65 R16 |
|---|---|
| (122 standard sizes are available from 175/70 R13 to 285/45 R22) | |
| Speed index | T (190 km / h) |
| Lifting capacity index | 98 (750 kg) |
| Weight, kg | 12,2 |
| Tread depth, mm | 9,5 |
| Shore hardness of tread rubber, unit | 55 |
| Number of thorns | 125 |
| Protrusion of studs before / after tests, mm | 1,18/1,37 |
| Manufacturer country | Japan |
For many, the Made in Japan brand is a quality mark. But something went wrong with Toyo winter tires. It seems that the studs are not simple - with cruciform inserts, and the studding is of high quality, but the grip properties are moderate on ice, as well as on snow. However, the car's response to driving is well balanced.
On the asphalt - far from best comfort and adhesion properties.
The joy is the low price, which is quite consistent with the quality of the tires.
| Dimension | 215/65 R16 |
|---|---|
| (19 standard sizes available from 205/70 R15 to 265/60 R18) | |
| Speed index | T (190 km / h) |
| Lifting capacity index | 98 (750 kg) |
| Weight, kg | 11,5 |
| Tread depth, mm | 9,3 |
| Shore hardness of tread rubber, unit | 59 |
| Number of thorns | 120 |
| Protrusion of studs before / after tests, mm | 0,93/1,03 |
| Manufacturer country | Russia |
Under the "Italian" name - tires produced in Nizhnekamsk using off-take technology. The design and production technology is the product of an engineering firm managed by one of the former top managers of Continental. However, the grip on ice and snow is mediocre, and most of all upset that winter tires, "developed by European specialists specifically for Russian roads," were helpless in deep snow. They are also noisy and tough. Not an option - even given the low price.
| Dimension | 215/65 R16 |
|---|---|
| (96 standard sizes are available from 175/70 R13 to 275/50 R22) | |
| Speed index | T (190 km / h) |
| Lifting capacity index | 102 (850 kg) |
| Weight, kg | 12,1 |
| Tread depth, mm | 9 |
| Shore hardness of tread rubber, unit | 53 |
| Number of thorns | 128 |
| Protrusion of studs before / after tests, mm | 0,57/0,73 |
| Manufacturer country | Russia |
One could immediately assume that the ice test of the Yokohama Ice Guard 55 tires will fail. Instead of the prescribed 1.2 mm, the spikes protrude by an average of 0.57 mm - and do not work. And the buyer is counting on Japanese quality - even though the tires are produced in Lipetsk.
There are also complaints about the tread: on packed snow - the maximum braking distance, and on virgin soil - the worst traction ability. For Russian conditions, other tires are needed, and they already exist: this season, sales of the new Yokohama IG65 model with an increased number of "curly" studs begin. More details about new tires - in one of the next issues of Autoreview.
| Dimension | 215/65 R16 |
|---|---|
| (38 standard sizes are available from 175/70 R13 to 235/60 R18) | |
| Speed index | T (190 km / h) |
| Lifting capacity index | 102 (850 kg) |
| Weight, kg | 11,7 |
| Tread depth, mm | 9,4 |
| Shore hardness of tread rubber, unit | 61 |
| Number of thorns | 128 |
| Protrusion of studs before / after tests, mm | 0,79/1,0 |
| Manufacturer country | South Korea |
Interestingly, duplicated in the name win - is it from the word "win" or from the word "winter"? For example, wintry ("cold", "inhospitable") or winch ("winch") are better suited. What kind of winter or victory can we talk about if studded tires are inferior on ice to most friction tires and the Nexen's slowest overall handling on the track? The tread rubber is clearly not designed to work at low temperatures, as evidenced by its increased hardness.
Of the positive emotions, only a relatively quiet (for tires with spikes) rolling remains.
Non-studded tire rating
| Dimension | 215/65 R16 |
|---|---|
| (61 sizes available from 205/70 R15 to 295/40 R21) | |
| Speed index | R (170 km / h) |
| Lifting capacity index | 102 (850 kg) |
| Weight, kg | 11,4 |
| Tread depth, mm | 8,9 |
| Shore hardness of tread rubber, unit | 53 |
| Manufacturer country | Russia |
The SUV-indexed off-road tires have sidewalls reinforced with aramid fiber, which is reminiscent of the Aramid Sidewalls brand. So there should be no problems with impact resistance, in contrast to the "passenger" tires of the same name.
In severe frost, Nokian friction tires provide excellent grip on ice, behave well on snow, and small claims appear only on asphalt.
Excellent Winter tires for use both in the city and beyond.
| Dimension | 215/65 R16 |
|---|---|
| (97 standard sizes are available from 175/70 R13 to 275/45 R20) | |
| Speed index | T (190 km / h) |
| Lifting capacity index | 102 (850 kg) |
| Weight, kg | 11,9 |
| Tread depth, mm | 8 |
| Shore hardness of tread rubber, unit | 52 |
| Manufacturer country | Germany |
Leapfrog. The year before last, we liked ContiVikingContact 6 tires on asphalt, but they did not work well on ice, last year the situation changed to the opposite, this year it is better again on asphalt ... The dimensions, of course, are different, but the reason must be sought in the composition of the rubber compound : The tread rubber on the ContiVikingContact 6 was noticeably softer last year.
We are now taking into account the latest version of these tires from late 2016 production. Not ideal on ice and snow (especially deep), but great on asphalt.
Good winter tires for urban use. And the most comfortable ones!
| Dimension | 215/65 R16 |
|---|---|
| (57 standard sizes are available from 175/70 R13 to 255/45 R19) | |
| Speed index | S (180 km / h) |
| Lifting capacity index | 98 (750 kg) |
| Weight, kg | 10,7 |
| Tread depth, mm | 8,6 |
| Shore hardness of tread rubber, unit | 46 |
| Manufacturer country | Japan |
Since studs are illegal in Japan, local manufacturers focus on friction winter tires. So we will consider it natural that
Lightweight tires with soft, quiet rolling. But at the same time - an imbalance of "winter" grip properties in the longitudinal and transverse directions, and abrupt breakdowns in sliding, it seems, are provoked by the sidewalls that are soft for a heavy crossover. Indeed, in the Goodyear range of winter tires there is a model specifically for crossovers and SUVs - UltraGrip Ice SUV, but these tires are not available in the size 215/65 R16. However, if the car is equipped with a stabilization system, then Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 2 tires are a good choice.
| Dimension | 215/65 R16 |
|---|---|
| (16 standard sizes are available from 215/65 R16 to 255/60 R18) | |
| Speed index | R (170 km / h) |
| Lifting capacity index | 102 (850 kg) |
| Weight, kg | 11,2 |
| Tread depth, mm | 8,9 |
| Shore hardness of tread rubber, unit | 56 |
| Manufacturer country | Russia |
The tread pattern is exactly the same as the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R tires, but the materials are simpler. Another option for extending the life cycle of molds. And - considering the price - a very good option. Moreover, in some disciplines, Nordman RS2 SUV tires are even preferable: braking distances on ice are shorter!
Quality tires for a reasonable price. On ice they are almost as good as the leaders among tires without studs, and on snow they have even better grip in the longitudinal direction. Although on the track the handling is harsh and in deep snow they row mediocre.
The grip properties on asphalt are above average, there are no problems with comfort either, which means that these tires are relevant for large cities.
| Dimension | 215/65 R16 |
|---|---|
| (38 standard sizes are available from 155/65 R14 to 255/50 R19) | |
| Speed index | T (190 km / h) |
| Lifting capacity index | 102 (850 kg) |
| Weight, kg | 10,6 |
| Tread depth, mm | 9 |
| Shore hardness of tread rubber, unit | 51 |
| Manufacturer country | Slovakia |
The Gislaved brand continues to lose its authenticity. So the "new" Gislaved Soft * Frost 200 is nothing more than the ContiVikingContact tires of the previous, third generation. Fortunately, these are balanced tires - safe, comfortable, not very expensive - and therefore we safely recommend them for urban use, although an accidental arrival in a snowdrift can postpone the planned trip.
The Marshal brand belongs to the Korean company Kumho Tire, but these tires copy the Finnish Nokian Hakkapeliitta R tires in terms of the tread pattern and even the rare R speed index - and some sellers play on this similarity. By the way, on snow and on asphalt friction tires Marshal and Nokian are close, but on ice the loss of the copy is already obvious. They are also some of the noisiest and toughest friction tires around.
| Dimension | 215/65 R16 |
|---|---|
| (37 standard sizes are available from 175/65 R14 to 245/60 R18) | |
| Speed index | Q (160 km / h) |
| Lifting capacity index | 98 (750 kg) |
| Weight, kg | 12,4 |
| Tread depth, mm | 8,9 |
| Shore hardness of tread rubber, unit | 49 |
| Manufacturer country | Japan |
Winter tires Nitto (brand owned by Toyo Tires) appeared in Russia recently. The Therma Spike managed to please us with grip on ice, but lost the studs on asphalt more than anyone else. And friction tires Nitto Winter SN2 immediately signed their helplessness on the ice and in the snow. And all the more surprising is the failure of these tires even on asphalt.
Something is wrong with these Nitto ...
19.10.2015 Studded tires:
- Continental IceContact 2
- Cordiant Snow Cross
- Dunlop ice touch
- Gislaved Nord * Frost 100
- Hankook Winter i * Pike RS Plus
- Maxxis Arctictrekker NP3
- Pirelli ice Zero
- Toyo observe g3-ice
Friction tires:
- Continental ContiVikingContact 6
- Cordiant Winter Drive
- Goodyear ultragrip ice 2
- Maxxis SP-02 Arctictrekker
- Nokian nordman Rs
- Toyo Observe GSi-5
Among the novelties in the test were the winter tires with an increased number of studs Continental IceContact 2 (190 studs), Hankook i * Pike RS (170) and a new version Reduced studs (100 studs) Goodear UltraGrip IceArctic tires. The Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8, Nokian Nordman 5, Pirelli Ice Zero, Cordiant Snow Cross, Dunlop Ice Touch and Maxxis Arctictrekker NP3 also have a large number of studs. We remind you that in European countries from July 1, 2013 there is a limit on the number of studs - 50 per 1 linear meter of the tire tread. From January 1, 2016, a similar restriction will appear in Russia, but with a limit of 60 spikes per 1 running meter. It is not difficult to calculate that for tires of size 205/55 R16 the limit will be about 100 studs. What, then, to do with tires with more studs? Don't panic, everything is legal! To do this, companies looking to install too many studs on their tires need to prove that this will not increase road wear. To achieve this, manufacturers install lightweight studs, use a special studding system, etc.
Testing
Driving a car on a winter road requires a greater concentration of attention, experience and knowledge from the driver, since it includes all types of weather conditions: sun, rain, snow and ice. Thanks to modern technologies, it was possible to create the necessary weather conditions for the test at the winter training ground. A special heating system melted the ice in front of the boxes and the entrance to the frozen lake, and a special “vacuum cleaner” raked, swept and blew snow off the track. The weather also helped - on the eve of the passability test, it started snowing.
To measure the characteristics when driving on a wet road, it was decided to return to Sweden in April, but to another training ground - to the city of Gislaved. There, not far from the buildings of the former tire plant of the same name, there is a polygon with several tracks, one of which is equipped with the irrigation system necessary for this test.
results
Stud and friction winners in the ice track test Nokian tires and the novelty of the season Continental IceContact 2. Overall, this test is won by studded tires. On the ice circle, the situation is somewhat different - this is due to other characteristics of the ice surface. Top Rated Continental IceContact 2, Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 and Goodyear UltraGrip Ice arctic.
On the snowy track, the leaders were Goodyear UltraGrip Ice Arctic, Cordiant Snow Cross and Pirelli Ice Zero. They have shorter braking distances and shorter acceleration distances on loose and packed snow. The best in the winding track test are the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2 and Cordiant Snow Cross.
Gislaved Nord * Frost 100, Nokian Nordman 5 and Pirelli Ice Zero studded tires proved to be the most efficient on wet roads, and Continental ContiVikingContact 6 and Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 2 studded tires proved to be the most efficient on dry roads. The quietest tires among the competitors were Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 2, Continental ContiVikingContact 6 and Cordiant Winter Drive.
The results of each test were tabulated. Studded tires were marked in yellow and friction tires in green.
| Braking distance on ice (using ABS) at a speed of 20 km / h in meters at an air temperature of -5 ° С | The distance required to accelerate on ice up to a speed of 20 km / h ( traction control system included) in meters at an air temperature of -5 ° С with | |||
| Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 | 5.9 | Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 | 8.7 | |
| 6.1 | Pirelli ice zero | 9.5 | ||
| Continental IceContact 2 | 6.2 | Continental IceContact 2 | 9.6 | |
| Pirelli ice zero | 6.2 | Hankook Winter i * Pike RS Plus | 9.8 | |
| 6.3 | Goodyear ultragrip ice arctic | 9.8 | ||
| Cordiant Snow Cross | 6.7 | Cordiant Snow Cross | 9.9 | |
| Dunlop ice touch | 6.7 | Dunlop ice touch | 10.6 | |
| Nokian nordman 5 | 7.1 | Nokian nordman 5 | 10.6 | |
| Toyo observe g3-ice | 7.2 | Toyo observe g3-ice | 11.2 | |
| Maxxis Arctictrekker NP3 | 7.3 | Maxxis Arctictrekker NP3 | 11.6 | |
| Gislaved Nord * Frost 100 | 7.5 | Gislaved Nord * Frost 100 | 11.6 | |
| Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2 | 8.6 | Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2 | 13.4 | |
| Nokian nordman rs | 8.7 | Nokian nordman rs | 13.8 | |
| Maxxis SP-02 Arctictrekker | 8.9 | Toyo Observe GSi-5 | 14.1 | |
| Cordiant Winter Drive | 8.9 | Cordiant Winter Drive | 14.1 | |
| 9.0 | Continental ContiVikingContact 6 | 14.1 | ||
| Goodyear ultragrip ice 2 | 9.0 | Goodyear ultragrip ice 2 | 14.1 | |
| Toyo Observe GSi-5 | 9.6 | Maxxis SP-02 Arctictrekker | 14.2 | |
| Time to complete a circle with a diameter of 40 meters on ice in seconds at an air temperature of -1° C | Time to travel a winding track 620 meters long on ice in seconds at an air temperature of -2 ° C | |||
| Continental IceContact 2 | 15.0
| Continental IceContact 2 | 47.9
|
|
| Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 | 15.1
| Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 | 48.0
|
|
| Goodyear ultragrip ice arctic | 15.3
| Goodyear ultragrip ice arctic | 48.3
|
|
| Gislaved Nord * Frost 100 | 15.3
| Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2 | 48.3
|
|
| Pirelli ice zero | 15.4
| Nokian nordman 5 | 48.5
|
|
| Nokian nordman 5 | 15.4
| Nokian nordman rs | 49.0
|
|
| Hankook Winter i * Pike RS Plus | 15.5
| Continental ContiVikingContact 6 | 49.3
|
|
| Dunlop ice touch | 15.6
| Dunlop ice touch | 49.4
|
|
| Continental ContiVikingContact 6 | 15.9
| Pirelli ice zero | 49.4
|
|
| Maxxis Arctictrekker NP3 | 16.0
| Hankook Winter i * Pike RS Plus | 49.5
|
|
| Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2 | 16.1
| Gislaved Nord * Frost 100 | 49.8
|
|
| Nokian nordman rs | 16.1
| Cordiant Snow Cross | 49.8
|
|
| Cordiant Snow Cross | 16.2
| Goodyear ultragrip ice 2 | 50.3
|
|
| Goodyear ultragrip ice 2 | 16.2
| Maxxis Arctictrekker NP3 | 50.6
|
|
| Toyo observe g3-ice | 16.3
| Maxxis SP-02 Arctictrekker | 51.2
|
|
| Maxxis SP-02 Arctictrekker | 16.9
| Toyo observe g3-ice | 51.9
|
|
| Cordiant Winter Drive | 17.2
| Cordiant Winter Drive | 52.0
|
|
| Toyo Observe GSi-5 | 18.8
| Toyo Observe GSi-5 | 53.7
|
|
| Subjective assessment of the convenience of driving cars on ice in points on a ten-point scale | Braking distance (using ABS) at a speed of 40 km / h in meters at a temperature of -5 ° C | |||
| Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2 | 10
| Goodyear ultragrip ice arctic | 19.3
|
|
| Nokian nordman 5 | 10
| Cordiant Snow Cross | 19.4
|
|
| Continental IceContact 2 | 9
| Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 | 19.5
|
|
| Continental ContiVikingContact 6 | 9
| Hankook Winter i * Pike RS Plus | 19.6
|
|
| Goodyear ultragrip ice 2 | 9
| Dunlop ice touch | 19.7
|
|
| Maxxis Arctictrekker NP3 | 9
| Continental IceContact 2 | 19.8
|
|
| Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 | 9
| Pirelli ice zero | 19.9
|
|
| Nokian nordman rs | 9
| Cordiant Winter Drive | 19.9
|
|
| Pirelli ice zero | 9
| Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2 | 19.9
|
|
| Cordiant Snow Cross | 8
| Nokian nordman 5 | 20.0
|
|
| Cordiant Winter Drive | 8
| Goodyear ultragrip ice 2 | 20.0
|
|
| Dunlop ice touch | 8
| Gislaved Nord * Frost 100 | 20.1
|
|
| Gislaved Nord * Frost 100 | 8
| Continental ContiVikingContact 6 | 20.1
|
|
| Goodyear ultragrip ice arctic | 8
| Maxxis SP-02 Arctictrekker | 20.2
|
|
| Hankook Winter i * Pike RS Plus | 8
| Maxxis Arctictrekker NP3 | 20.3
|
|
| Maxxis SP-02 Arctictrekker | 8
| Toyo observe g3-ice | 20.3
|
|
| Toyo observe g3-ice | 7
| Toyo Observe GSi-5 | 20.3
|
|
| Toyo Observe GSi-5 | 7
| Nokian nordman rs | 20.4
|
|
| The distance required to accelerate to a speed of 20 km / h on packed snow (traction control system is on) in meters at a temperature of -7° C | The distance required to accelerate from 5 to 15 km / h on loose snow 15 cm deep (traction control is on) in meters at an air temperature of -5 ° C | |||
| Cordiant Snow Cross | 8.3
| Pirelli ice zero | 9.0
|
|
| Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 | 8.5
| Continental ContiVikingContact 6 | 9.4
|
|
| Goodyear ultragrip ice arctic | 8.6
| Goodyear ultragrip ice arctic | 9.4
|
|
| Continental IceContact 2 | 8.6
| Goodyear ultragrip ice 2 | 9.4
|
|
| Dunlop ice touch | 8.6
| Maxxis SP-02 Arctictrekker | 9.4
|
|
| Hankook Winter i * Pike RS Plus | 8.6
| Hankook Winter i * Pike RS Plus | 9.4
|
|
| Pirelli ice zero | 8.6
| Maxxis Arctictrekker NP3 | 9.4
|
|
| Gislaved Nord * Frost 100 | 8.7
| Nokian nordman 5 | 9.4
|
|
| Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2 | 8.8
| Toyo Observe GSi-5 | 9.5
|
|
| Nokian nordman rs | 8.8
| Toyo observe g3-ice | 9.6
|
|
| Nokian nordman 5 | 8.8
| Continental IceContact 2 | 9.7
|
|
| Toyo observe g3-ice | 8.8
| Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2 | 9.7
|
|
| Maxxis SP-02 Arctictrekker | 9.0
| Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 | 9.8
|
|
| Continental ContiVikingContact 6 | 9.1
| Gislaved Nord * Frost 100 | 9.9
|
|
| Cordiant Winter Drive | 9.1
| Cordiant Winter Drive | 9.9
|
|
| Goodyear ultragrip ice 2 | 9.1
| Nokian nordman rs | 9.9
|
|
| Maxxis Arctictrekker NP3 | 9.2
| Cordiant Snow Cross | 10.6
|
|
| Toyo Observe GSi-5 | 9.2
| Dunlop ice touch | 10.6
|
|
| Time to travel a winding track 1500 meters long on snow in seconds at an air temperature of -6° C | Subjective assessment of the convenience of driving on the snow in points | |||
| Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2 | 45.5
| Continental IceContact 2 | 10
|
|
| Cordiant Snow Cross | 45.8
| Cordiant Snow Cross | 10
|
|
| Maxxis SP-02 Arctictrekker | 46.2
| Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2 | 10
|
|
| Hankook Winter i * Pike RS Plus | 46.4
| Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 | 10
|
|
| Cordiant Winter Drive | 46.8
| Cordiant Winter Drive | 9
|
|
| Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 | 46.8
| Goodyear ultragrip ice 2 | 9
|
|
| Continental IceContact 2 | 47.0
| Goodyear ultragrip ice arctic | 9
|
|
| Continental ContiVikingContact 6 | 47.0
| Hankook Winter i * Pike RS Plus | 9
|
|
| Goodyear ultragrip ice 2 | 47.0
| Nokian nordman 5 | 9
|
|
| Nokian nordman rs | 47.0
| Nokian nordman rs | 9
|
|
| Goodyear ultragrip ice arctic | 47.8
| Pirelli ice zero | 9
|
|
| Dunlop ice touch | 48.2
| Continental ContiVikingContact 6 | 8
|
|
| Gislaved Nord * Frost 100 | 48.6
| Dunlop ice touch | 8
|
|
| Pirelli ice zero | 48.9
| Gislaved Nord * Frost 100 | 8
|
|
| Nokian nordman 5 | 49.5
| Maxxis SP-02 Arctictrekker | 8
|
|
| Toyo Observe GSi-5 | 50.0
| Maxxis Arctictrekker NP3 | 7
|
|
| Maxxis Arctictrekker NP3 | 51.7
| Toyo observe g3-ice | 7
|
|
| Toyo observe g3-ice | 54.0
| Toyo Observe GSi-5 | 6
|
|
| Subjective assessments of smoothness in points
| Braking distance on wet asphalt at a speed of 80 km / h (using ABS) in meters at an air temperature of +4 ° C | |||
| Goodyear ultragrip ice 2 | 10
| Gislaved Nord * Frost 100 | 39.0
|
|
| Continental IceContact 2 | 9
| Nokian nordman 5 | 40.1
|
|
| Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2 | 9
| Pirelli ice zero | 40.3
|
|
| Nokian nordman rs | 9
| Maxxis Arctictrekker NP3 | 40.6
|
|
| Continental ContiVikingContact 6 | 8
| Goodyear ultragrip ice 2 | 40.8
|
|
| Cordiant Snow Cross | 8
| Goodyear ultragrip ice arctic | 40.8
|
|
| Dunlop ice touch | 8
| Continental IceContact 2 | 41.0
|
|
| Gislaved Nord * Frost 100 | 8
| Hankook Winter i * Pike RS Plus | 41.5
|
|
| Goodyear ultragrip ice arctic | 8
| Dunlop ice touch | 42.4
|
|
| Maxxis SP-02 Arctictrekker | 8
| Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 | 42.8
|
|
| Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 | 8
| Continental ContiVikingContact 6 | 43.1
|
|
| Nokian nordman 5 | 8
| Toyo observe g3-ice | 45.3
|
|
| Pirelli ice zero | 8
| Maxxis SP-02 Arctictrekker | 45.9
|
|
| Toyo Observe GSi-5 | 8
| Nokian nordman rs | 46.1
|
|
| Toyo observe g3-ice | 8
| Cordiant Snow Cross | 46.9
|
|
| Cordiant Winter Drive | 7
| Cordiant Winter Drive | 47.3
|
|
| Hankook Winter i * Pike RS Plus | 7
| Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2 | 52.0
|
|
| Maxxis Arctictrekker NP3 | 7
| Toyo Observe GSi-5 | 52.1
|
|
| Braking distance on dry asphalt at a speed of 100 km / h (using ABS) in meters at an air temperature of +8 ° C | Subjective assessments of acoustic comfort in points | |||
| Continental ContiVikingContact 6 | 45.8
| Goodyear ultragrip ice 2 | 10
|
|
| Goodyear ultragrip ice 2 | 48.1
| Continental ContiVikingContact 6 | 9
|
|
| Maxxis SP-02 Arctictrekker | 48.6
| Cordiant Winter Drive | 9
|
|
| Dunlop ice touch | 50.8
| Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2 | 9
|
|
| Nokian nordman rs | 52.1
| Nokian nordman rs | 9
|
|
| Gislaved Nord * Frost 100 | 52.2
| Toyo Observe GSi-5 | 9
|
|
| Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2 | 52.4
| Maxxis SP-02 Arctictrekker | 8
|
|
| Goodyear ultragrip ice arctic | 52.7
| Gislaved Nord * Frost 100 | 7
|
|
| Pirelli ice zero | 52.9
| Cordiant Snow Cross | 6
|
|
| Continental IceContact 2 | 53.1
| Dunlop ice touch | 6
|
|
| Toyo Observe GSi-5 | 53.6
| Toyo observe g3-ice | 6
|
|
| Maxxis Arctictrekker NP3 | 54.1
| Continental IceContact 2 | 5
|
|
| Cordiant Winter Drive | 54.2
| Goodyear ultragrip ice arctic | 5
|
|
| Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 | 54.2
| Hankook Winter i * Pike RS Plus | 5
|
|
| Toyo observe g3-ice | 55.4
| Maxxis Arctictrekker NP3 | 5
|
|
| Nokian nordman 5 | 55.7
| Nokian nordman 5 | 5
|
|
| Cordiant Snow Cross | 56.2
|
| Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 | 4
|
| Hankook Winter i * Pike RS Plus | 56.6
| Pirelli ice zero | 4
|
|
Outcomes
All the indicators obtained were summarized in a general table.
According to the results of all tests, the top three were studded tires Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8, Continental IceContact 2 and Goodyear UltraGrip Ice Arctic. The best friction tires are Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 2 and Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2.
Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8
Minimum braking distance and acceleration on ice, works well on packed snow
Longer dry braking distances, acoustic effect, high price
Continental IceContact 2
Traction and handling on ice and snow, smooth ride
Noise, high price
Goodyear ultragrip ice arctic
Traction on snowy, icy and wet roads, minimum braking distances
Controllability
Goodyear ultragrip ice 2
Low noise level, excellent performance on asphalt and snow
Traction on icy roads
Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2
Best ice grip of a friction tire, snow handling
Grip on wet roads, on packed and loose snow.
In such weather as in the poem "The Twelve" by Alexander Blok, only studded tires will help. To make the choice easier for the buyer, the ZR expert group tested 12 sets of relatively inexpensive 15-inch "studs".
In the courtyard there is a crisis, prices are rising, incomes are not in a hurry for them - and people are increasingly looking at more affordable cars. And the majority of inexpensive foreign cars and domestic cars are shod in tires of 195/65 R15 dimension.
Eight tires from the Za Rulem magazine tested by an expert group fit into the price bracket from two to three thousand rubles apiece. The lower threshold was set by IceLink of the Chinese company Triangle, which is gradually gaining popularity in Russia, and the updated Cordiant Snow Cross. The top bar in the budget company is supported by the upgraded Hankook Winter i * Pike RS + tires with an increased number of studs to one hundred and seventy and the new Dunlop model - the SP Winter Ice 02 model. The new Matador Sibir Ice 2 model and already won popularity have entered the middle Pirelli tires Formula Ice, Toyo Observe G3 ‑ Ice and Nordman 5.
The experts also took four models, very successful in Russia, from among the most powerful, but expensive - these are Goodyear UltraGrip Ice Arctic, Michelin X-Ice North 3, Continental ContiIceContact 2 and Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8. By the way, half of the tested tires are made in Russia, and localization allows us to keep prices at reasonable prices.
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It's time to go North
Last fall, the experts of the magazine "Za Rulem" sadly recalled the rainy January and February 2015, when the test group rushed around the AVTOVAZ test site in search of a snowy area, which had not yet been completely washed away by the rain. It was then that it was decided the next time to try to escape from the warm winter, which has become a frequent guest in central Russia, to the north of Finland. Nokian has kindly provided the White Hell test site on Lake Tammijärvi for the "white" tests.
At the end of February, pre-run tires were delivered to Lapland, and in the first half of March, the main part of the winter tests was carried out on a Skoda Octavia - on snow and ice. Even in the first month of spring, real winter reigned beyond the Arctic Circle - in contrast to the Volga region, where it turned out to be unusually warm and practically snowless. In general, the experts did the right thing by going north. And not only because of the weather. Still, the conditions of a specialized tire range not only simplify the work, but also allow additional tests and more information to be obtained for evaluating each model.
All snow and ice exercises of the magazine "Za Rulem" were performed in "White hell" at an air temperature of –20 to –2 ºС. Unfortunately, the experts had to abandon the rearrangement, since there was no dense, packed snow. And on a soft track, a deep track quickly forms, the sides of which serve as a kind of lateral emphasis and do not allow correctly assessing the lateral grip of tires on snow. But the controllability assessment was carried out on two special tracks - snow and ice.
Snow and ice procedures
The experts start with methodical measurements, repeating the runs for each set of tires six to eight times, and if the results jump, then ten times. After every two to three sets, they check the condition of the pavement using the base tires and, taking into account the data obtained, recalculate the results.
On a large horizontal plateau, an expert team is engaged in acceleration and braking in the snow. Traction control and anti-lock braking systems are zealous to ensure that the wheels do not slip during acceleration and do not lock when braking. The acceleration time is fixed from 0 to 40 km / h. From scratch - because some tires "freeze" when starting from a standstill, and 40 km / h - because this speed can be picked up in the first gear, eliminating the measurement error due to switching to the second.
Braking from 40 km / h, but already up to 5 km / h, and not to a complete stop. The fact is that at very low speeds, the ABS sometimes allows the wheels to lock, lengthening the braking distance and introducing inconsistencies in the measurement results. After evaluating several sets, the surface of the plateau is "flattened" by the snowcat, which the Finns call "tampa-a-ari" in a lingering manner.
The first leaders are gradually determined - Cordiant, Formula and Nokian. Toyo has the last result. In terms of braking, Michelin was the best, while the Chinese Triangle was the underdog.
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For measurements on ice, the expert group moves to a special track covered with a huge long awning that hides the ice from snow and bright sun - the results are more stable than in open space. In Togliatti, even if the weather is favorable, it would take much longer. The procedures are the same as on snow, only the final acceleration and initial braking speed are only 30 km / h. And the acceleration time is measured not from the moment of starting, but from a speed of 5 km / h. The fact is that the tent with the snow lying on it "closes" the sky, preventing the VBOX equipment from communicating with the GPS satellites. Therefore, when accelerating and decelerating on ice, a Dutron measuring device with an optical sensor was used, which makes mistakes at walking speeds.
With each measurement, the tester moves the car slightly to the side, onto clean ice. When the ice rink is completely covered with fine ice crumbs carved by spikes, Multicar enters the arena and sweeps the ice. Particles of ice and snow trapped under the tires act like balls in bearings: they reduce friction, increasing acceleration time and braking distance.
The best accelerating dynamics on ice was provided by Nokian tires. Continental finished second, followed by Matador. On braking, the same alignment of leaders and outsiders remained.
The experts complete the measurements by determining the time for passing the ice circle, winding 10-12 "revolutions" on each set of tires. Conti and Dunlop take the lead.
Expert work
Vehicle behavior is assessed when driving on a snowy road at high speed. For this, a platform with a width of about fifteen meters and a length of at least five hundred is used. Such an elongated field with soft snowdrifts around the perimeter allows you to fearlessly check the clarity of straight-line movement at speeds up to 90-100 km / h, as well as simulate obstacle avoidance and a soft changeover from one lane to another.
On Cordiant, Goodyear and Nokian tires, the Skoda test feels more confident than others. The experts liked the Matador least of all: wide and uninformative "zero", delays in steering responses and significant steering angles when adjusting the course. The Chinese Triangle tires surprised us with their clarity. True, the score was slightly lowered due to the low information content of the steering wheel in the zero zone.
Not far from this long plateau, the Finns have paved a closed-configuration snow track with turns of different curvatures, small ups and downs - an excellent imitation of Russian roads.
Here Skoda is more stable to drive on Cordiant, Hankook, Nokian and Toyo tires - the experts were captivated by clear reactions and understandable behavior of the car, even in sliding. Triangle turned out to be in the lagging behind: for a Skoda, shod with these tires, the steering wheel becomes uninformative, it has to be turned at large angles, the car drives too sweepingly, with long slides - from drifting at the entrance to a turn to skidding on an arc.
On the ice of Lake Tammijärvi, a track was prepared to assess handling on very slippery surfaces. A successful lane combining fast and slow turns with short and long straight lines.
In the middle of the closed track, there is snow with a depth slightly more than the ground clearance. Just what you need to check the patency. Here the experts focused on how easy and understandable the car is to start, move and maneuver in deep snow. And how confidently it gets out back in its own footsteps, if it suddenly gets stuck.
When "taxiing" on ice, Cordiant, Hankook, Nokian (this trio were the most successful in handling on snow) and Nordman bypassed everyone due to clear reactions and understandable, predictable behavior. Goodyear spikes deserved the lowest rating due to the low steering information content, unexpectedly sharp breakdown into a skid and a long recovery of grip after the start of sliding.
Goodyear tires were second to none in flotation! Skoda on them made their way through the snowdrifts like a bulldozer, raking the snow with the front bumper. And worse than others, Triangle tires get along with snowdrifts - the car crawls through deep snow with difficulty, very hesitantly and reluctantly. On these tires it is hardly possible to get out of a visible parking lot onto a cleaned road.
Adventure with thorns
After the snow and ice tests, the spikes were recounted. ContiIceContact 2 and Formula Ice became champions in terms of reliability of fixing "studs" - during the tests they did not lose a single stud! The Michelin X-Ice North 3, Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 and Nordman 5 tires showed good results: from all four wheels each left only two studs. Goodyear UltraGrip Ice Arctic, Matador Sibir Ice 2 and Triangle IceLink each missed three or four carnations. The Toyo Observe G3 ‑ Ice tires were even weaker, losing seven studs per set. The three lagging behind are the upgraded Cordiant Snow Cross (ten pimples from the set lost), Dunlop SP Winter Ice 02 (thirteen) and Hankook Winter i * Pike RS + (fifteen).
Now comes the fun part. The largest number of studs on almost all tires has lost the left front wheel. The front is logical. The front ones slip when starting and accelerating, they bear the main load when braking. But why left? Experts have not seen anything like this before ... The fact is that the ice circle at this test site is much larger than ours, in Sosnovka, and therefore the speed is about twice as high. And since the car goes faster, then the inner wheel - and the left one, since we were driving counterclockwise - is more unloaded and slips more.
The spikes are more likely to fly out precisely when slipping, and when the wheel is unloading. On a loaded wheel, the rubber is squeezed more by vertical force, it covers the spikes more and holds them better. This means that in everyday use, the spikes often fly out during acceleration, and not during braking. If you want to conserve them, limit wheel slip while accelerating.
On the asphalt
Exercises on the "black" roads were carried out at the junction of April and May, when the asphalt was already dry, the wind died down, the air temperature was from 4 to 7 ºС. This is the temperature limit for the seasonal tire change. How will the spikes behave in these conditions?
The first exercise is measuring fuel consumption. On the warm-up lap immediately before the measurements, directional stability on asphalt and comfort - noise and smoothness - were assessed. At the end of the measurements, a "run" was made on roads with different surfaces in order to fully assess the level of comfort.
The most economical tires at city and suburban speeds were Formula, Nokian and Nordman tires. Most high consumption gave Cordiant. Although the difference, in all honesty, is scanty: 200 ml of gasoline per 100 km.
At a speed of 110-130 km / h, the Skoda Octavia steers its course most clearly and makes soft lane changes, being shod in Michelin tires. And Triangle annoys the driver most of all: smeared, very wide "zero" and lack of information content. To correct the direction of travel, the steering wheel has to be turned at large angles.
In terms of noise level, there is no significant difference between the tires crunching on the asphalt with spikes. As for the smoothness of the ride, in better side stand out Continental tires, Hankook and Michelin.
The tests are completed by evaluating the braking properties on wet and dry asphalt. Experts are interested in the braking distance from speeds of 60 and 80 km / h to a speed of 5 km / h (to cut off the possible influence of ABS). Continental tires perform best on wet pavement, with the longest distance required Dunlop tires and Cordiant. On dry surfaces, the Triangle tires have the shortest stopping distances, while the Cordiant tires have the shortest braking distances.
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Summary
With a score of 929 points, the Russian-made Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 tires won. Second place went to ContiIceContact 2 tires (916 points). The disadvantage of those and others, by and large, is the same - the high price. Goodyear UltraGrip Ice Arctic is in third place, having lost six points to the coveted mark “900” (the tires that have earned 900 points are considered excellent by the experts of the magazine “Za Rulem”).
For those who are not ready to pay more than 12 thousand rubles for a set of four tires, testers are advised to take a closer look at the Hankook Winter i * Pike RS + and Nordman 5 models - these are very good tires, they did not fail in any of the parameters.
The next five contestants, who scored from 850 to 870 points and took places from six to ten in our table of ranks, are also good, but each has its own disadvantages. Of these, experts consider the Cordiant Snow Cross tires the most profitable purchase: a modest price is combined with fairly high performance. However, these tires are not very suitable for urban conditions with clean asphalt roads.
The price of Michelin X-Ice North 3 tires can be considered slightly overpriced, not quite corresponding to the level of performance. Matador Sibir Ice 2 and Triangle IceLink by their characteristics are frankly budget products, but with careful driving you can survive the winter on them ..
| brand, model | 12th place | 11th place | 10th place | 9th place | 8th place | 6-7 place | |
| Triangle IceLink | Matador sibir ice 2 | Formula Ice | Dunlop SP Winter Ice 02 | Michelin X-Ice North 3 | Toyo observe g3-ice | ||
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| Country of manufacture | China | Russia | Russia | Thailand | Russia | Malaysia | |
| Load and speed index | 95T | 95T | 91T | 95T | 95T | 91T | |
| Tread pattern | directed | directed | directed | directed | directed | directed | |
| 9.4-9.7 | 8.8-9.0 | 9.3-9.5 | 8.9-9.2 | 9.0-9.2 | 8.8-9.0 | ||
| 54 | 54-55 | 59 | 61-62 | 56-57 | 59 | ||
| Number of spikes, pcs. | 128 | 110 | 110 | 116 | 96 | 119 | |
| 0.9-1.6 | 0.9-1.3 | 1.3-1.7 | 1.2-1.6 | 1.1-1.7 | 1.3-1.9 | ||
| Tire weight, kg | 10.1 | 9.0 | 8.9 | 10.2 | 9.3 | 9.7 | |
| (Maximum 140 points) | m | 17.7 | 18.9 | 17.3 | 15.8 | 18.0 | 15.3 |
| scores | 104.4 | 97.8 | 106.8 | 117.0 | 102.7 | 120.8 | |
| Maximum 120 points) | with | 32.4 | 30.5 | 30.8 | 32.5 | 30.5 | 31.5 |
| scores | 108.5 | 115.3 | 114.2 | 108.2 | 115.3 | 111.6 | |
| Maximum 50 points) | with | 5.8 | 7.0 | 6.1 | 5.5 | 6.5 | 5.6 |
| scores | 38.8 | 32.1 | 36.9 | 40.9 | 34.6 | 40.2 | |
| (Maximum 130 points) | m | 17.5 | 17.0 | 17.0 | 16.3 | 16.2 | 16.8 |
| scores | 120.3 | 123.9 | 123.9 | 129.2 | 130 | 125.4 | |
| (Maximum 40 points ) | with | 6.4 | 6.4 | 6.0 | 6.4 | 6.3 | 6.5 |
| scores | 37.5 | 37.5 | 40 | 37.5 | 38.1 | 36.9 | |
| (Maximum 110 points) | m | 20.7 | 21.0 | 21.1 | 22.4 | 21.0 | 21.8 |
| scores | 105.2 | 103.7 | 103.2 | 97.2 | 103.7 | 99.9 | |
| (Maximum 90 points) | m | 31.6 | 32.2 | 32.7 | 33.9 | 32.9 | 33.5 |
| scores | 90 | 88.3 | 87.0 | 83.9 | 86.4 | 84.9 | |
| Behavior: Expert judgment | |||||||
| Ice handling ( Maximum 40 points) | scores | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 |
| Snow handling (Maximum 30 points) | scores | 15 | 18 | 21 | 21 | 21 | 24 |
| Maximum 50 points) | scores | 30 | 35 | 35 | 40 | 35 | 35 |
| Maximum 40 points) | scores | 28 | 24 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 |
| Maximum 40 points) | scores | 20 | 28 | 28 | 24 | 32 | 28 |
| Comfort: Expert judgment | |||||||
| Internal noise ( Maximum 30 points) | scores | 21 | 18 | 21 | 21 | 21 | 18 |
| Smooth running ( Maximum 20 points) | scores | 10 | 14 | 12 | 12 | 16 | 14 |
| Fuel consumption at 90 km / h(Maximum 40 points) | l / 100km | 6.5 | 6.5 | 6.4 | 6.6 | 6.5 | 6.6 |
| scores | 39.4 | 39.4 | 40 | 38.8 | 39.4 | 38.8 | |
| Fuel consumption at 60 km / h(Maximum 30 points) | l / 100km | 4.6 | 4.6 | 4.5 | 4.6 | 4.6 | 4.6 |
| scores | 29.3 | 29.3 | 30 | 29.3 | 29.3 | 29.3 | |
| The amount of points awarded | 825 | 832 | 855 | 856 | 861 | 863 | |
| pros | Best braking properties on dry asphalt, average - on wet | Good braking properties on dry asphalt, moderate on wet | Excellent acceleration in the snow; economical at any speed | Very good braking properties on snow; high cross-country ability | Better braking properties on snow and directional stability on asphalt; soft | Clear handling on snowy roads | |
| Minuses | Low lateral grip on ice, weakest braking on snow; low permeability; problematic handling on snow and directional stability on asphalt; very tough | Weakest longitudinal grip on ice; difficult handling and low directional stability on snow; noisy | Low ride smoothness; minor claims for handling, cross-country ability, directional stability and noise level | Lowest lateral grip on ice; weak braking properties on wet asphalt; low directional stability on asphalt; increased fuel consumption at a speed of 90 km / h | Poor longitudinal grip on ice | Poor braking properties on wet asphalt; increased fuel consumption at a speed of 90 km / h | |
| brand, model | 6-7 place | 5th place | 4th place | 3rd place | 2nd place | 1st place | |
| Cordiant Snow Cross | Nordman 5 | Hankook Winter i * Pike RS + | Goodyear ultragrip ice arctic | Continental ContiIceContact 2 | Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 | ||
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| Country of manufacture | Russia | Russia | South Korea | Poland | Germany | Russia | |
| Load and speed index | 91T | 95T | 91T | 95T | 95T | 95T | |
| Tread pattern | directed | directed | directed | directed | asymmetric | directed | |
| Depth of the pattern in width, mm | 9.6-9.8 | 9.3-9.5 | 9.2-9.4 | 10.1-10.4 | 7.9-8.2 | 8.8-9.0 | |
| Shore hardness of rubber, unit | 60 | 54-55 | 51 | 55 | 50-51 | 51 | |
| Number of spikes, pcs. | 110 | 110 | 170 | 110 | 190 | 200 | |
| Protrusion of spikes after tests, mm | 1.4-1.5 | 1.0-1.4 | 1.5-2.0 | 1.4-1.6 | 1.3-1.5 | 1.0-1.4 | |
| Tire weight, kg | 9.1 | 8.4 | 9.1 | 9.5 | 9.2 | 8.5 | |
| Safety: Measurements of adhesion properties | |||||||
| Braking distance (30-5 km / h) on ice(Maximum 140 points) | m | 16.2 | 16.9 | 15.6 | 14.6 | 13.3 | 13.2 |
| scores | 114.1 | 109.3 | 118.5 | 126.6 | 138.9 | 140 | |
| Ice circle time ( Maximum 120 points) | with | 30.4 | 30.1 | 29.8 | 29.4 | 29.3 | 29.8 |
| scores | 115.7 | 116.8 | 118.0 | 119.6 | 120 | 118.0 | |
| Acceleration time (5-30 km / h) on ice ( Maximum 50 points) | with | 5.3 | 5.4 | 5.1 | 5.6 | 4.8 | 4.5 |
| scores | 42.5 | 41.7 | 44.1 | 40.2 | 46.9 | 50 | |
| Braking distance (40-5 km / h) on snow(Maximum 130 points) | m | 16.7 | 16.8 | 16.7 | 16.4 | 16.4 | 16.8 |
| scores | 126.1 | 125.4 | 126.1 | 128.4 | 128.4 | 125.4 | |
| Acceleration time (0-40 km / h) on snow(Maximum 40 points ) | with | 6.0 | 6.1 | 6.4 | 6.2 | 6.1 | 6.0 |
| scores | 40 | 39.3 | 37.5 | 38.7 | 39.3 | 40 | |
| Braking distance (60-5 km / h) on wet asphalt(Maximum 110 points) | m | 22.5 | 21.5 | 21.7 | 21.0 | 19.8 | 20.8 |
| scores | 96.8 | 101.3 | 100.4 | 103.7 | 110 | 104.7 | |
| Braking distance (80-5 km / h) on dry asphalt(Maximum 90 points) | m | 35.0 | 34.1 | 34.4 | 33.3 | 32.6 | 33.4 |
| scores | 81.3 | 83.4 | 82.7 | 85.4 | 87.2 | 85.1 | |
| Behavior: Expert judgment | |||||||
| Ice handling ( Maximum 40 points) | scores | 32 | 32 | 32 | 24 | 28 | 32 |
| Snow handling (Maximum 30 points) | scores | 24 | 21 | 24 | 21 | 21 | 24 |
| Deep snow passability (Maximum 50 points) | scores | 35 | 40 | 35 | 50 | 35 | 45 |
| Heading stability on snow (Maximum 40 points) | scores | 32 | 28 | 28 | 32 | 28 | 32 |
| Directional stability on asphalt (Maximum 40 points) | scores | 24 | 28 | 24 | 24 | 28 | 28 |
| Comfort: Expert judgment | |||||||
| Internal noise ( Maximum 30 points) | scores | 18 | 21 | 18 | 18 | 21 | 21 |
| Smooth running ( Maximum 20 points) | scores | 14 | 14 | 16 | 14 | 16 | 14 |
| Economy: Fuel consumption | |||||||
| Fuel consumption at 90 km / h(Maximum 40 points) | l / 100km | 6.6 | 6.4 | 6.4 | 6.5 | 6.6 | 6.4 |
| scores | 38.8 | 40 | 40 | 39.4 | 38.8 | 40 | |
| Fuel consumption at 60 km / h(Maximum 30 points) | l / 100km | 4.7 | 4.5 | 4.6 | 4.6 | 4.6 | 4.5 |
| scores | 28.7 | 30 | 29.3 | 29.3 | 29.3 | 30 | |
| The amount of points awarded | 863 | 871 | 874 | 894 | 916 | 929 | |
| pros | Excellent acceleration in the snow; clear handling on ice and snow; clear course following on a snowy road | Reliable handling on ice; good cross-country ability in deep snow; low fuel consumption | Low fuel consumption at a speed of 90 km / h; precise handling on an icy and snowy road; soft | High lateral grip on ice and longitudinal grip on snow; phenomenal cross-country ability, good directional stability on a snowy road | It is best to hold on to the ice in the transverse direction and brake on wet asphalt; good longitudinal grip on snow and ice; soft | Better longitudinal grip on ice and acceleration on snow; high lateral grip on ice; outstanding cross-country ability; low fuel consumption | |
| Minuses | Weakest braking properties on asphalt; increased fuel consumption at speeds of 60 and 90 km / h; noisy | Poor braking properties on dry asphalt | Poor braking properties on dry asphalt; noisy | Difficult handling on ice; minor remarks on handling on a snowy road and ride smoothness; noisy | Increased fuel consumption at a speed of 90 km / h; small claims for handling, directional stability and noise level | Minor remarks on road stability on asphalt and comfort level | |
The test material was prepared using the article of the publication
