19.10.2015 Studded tires:

1. Continental IceContact 2
2. Cordiant Snow Cross
3. Dunlop ice touch
4. Gislaved Nord * Frost 100
5. Hankook Winter i * Pike RS Plus
6. Maxxis Arctictrekker NP3
7. Pirelli Ice zero
8. Toyo observe g3-ice

Friction tires:

1. Continental ContiVikingContact 6
2. Cordiant Winter Drive
3. Goodyear ultragrip Ice 2
4. Maxxis SP-02 Arctictrekker
5. Nokian nordman Rs
6. Toyo Observe GSi-5

Among the novelties in the test were the Continental IceContact 2 winter tires with an increased number of studs (190 studs), the Hankook i * Pike RS (170 studs) and a new version of the Goodear UltraGrip IceArctic tires with a reduced number of studs (100 studs). Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8, Nokian Nordman 5, Pirelli ice The Zero, Cordiant Snow Cross, Dunlop Ice Touch and Maxxis Arctictrekker NP3 also have a large number of pimples. 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” shook, swept and blew snow off the track. The weather also helped - on the eve of the passability test, it started snowing.

To measure characteristics when driving on wet road it was decided to return to Sweden in April, but to another landfill - 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

The ice track test winners were studded and friction tires Nokian and the novelty of the season Continental IceContact 2. Overall, this test is the victory for the studded tires. On the ice circle, the situation is somewhat different - this is due to other characteristics of the ice surface. The top picks were 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. 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			Distance required for acceleration on ice up to a speed of 20 km / h (traction control system is on) 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 the early morning of the first day of the test drive, a noisy and bright column of Audi started from the center of Reykjavik deep into this magical land. The air warmed up to + 3 °, it was cloudy, the asphalt was wet. But as soon as we leave the city limits after some 10 minutes, the weather picture changes dramatically: a rapid wind and a roadbed covered with a quite noticeable layer of snow - these are the first tests for our wheels. Well, let's go further!

Iceland proved to be the perfect place to test performance winter tires: intricate road serpentines, narrow bridges, unexpected rut with collected water, snow-covered steep shoulders and dry cold asphalt.

For several days, we drove about 1,000 kilometers at different speeds and roads, we can say that the ride was quite comfortable, there were frankly dangerous moments even when driving at a speed of 180 km / h from the snow into a puddle. The tires behaved decently and did not make you nervous while driving.

Choosing tires for the winter? Then we recommend reading our review.

Tires are noisy moderately. I did not observe any unpleasant acoustic sensations from the spikes and the protector. But, of course, you feel more comfortable in urban areas and on roads with moderate snow cover. In deep snow and in wet snow "porridge" the car takes away, and the handling falls - the rubber does its job worse.

The climate in Iceland is as varied and unpredictable as Iceland itself is beautiful and unusual. The bright, spring-like warm sun is instantly replaced by a stormy wind hurling over windshield handfuls of fine snow. And then we are covered with pouring rain, but it is worth moving down the next winding hill - dry asphalt and not a hint of bad weather. We can say with full responsibility - in a couple of days the Cordiant Snow Cross tires have been in almost all possible weather conditions and have shown themselves worthy!

The main technologies of the new tires Cordiant Snow Cross:

- the studs on the tire are installed in 16 rows. This improves braking and acceleration dynamics on icy and snowy winter roads;

- two-layer tread design. This ensures the operational reliability, safety and economy of the tire;

- tire breaker of combined design. This gives the tire strength and reliability, puncture resistance, improved handling, and shape stabilization;

- studding with spikes in the shape of an "asterisk". This shape of the studs provides increased safety on icy and snowy roads;

- "Z-shaped" lamellas. High grip of the tire with the winter road surface is ensured by additional edges and increased siping of the tread pattern.

And here is a short video about the tests of the Cordiant Snow Cross tires in Iceland:

If I ask you a trivial question: "What types of winter tires do you know?" Sit down, as they say, five! But I'm not talking about that a bit. Russia occupies a vast territory, with completely different climatic regimes, sometimes terrible roads, the absence of storm sewers, with constant repair of asphalt concrete, etc. Use in such "military" conditions of the so-called. "Alpine" tires, those supplied by European and Asian manufacturers who know little about the Siberian frosts, may be prestigious, but not safe. ((material_113701)) At the same time, few people realize that there is a competent alternative - the "Nordic" type of tires. These are the same models that have a wide temperature window of application. I'm talking about Scandinavian products and some domestic companies. This rubber has a more aggressive tread pattern, a special compound formulation, possibly (due to design features), makes a little more noise, but at the same time behaves on the road an order of magnitude more adequate. On such tires, it is equally confident to move around at +5, as at -53 degrees. “Alpine” models, alas, cannot boast of such a temperature fork, even if the manufacturing company has a name with orders up to the knees. In the 2016 season, every tenth winter tire sold in Russia carried a “clawed” Cordiant nameplate. A young but ambitious Russian brand is proud of its success, since not many global giants are strong enough to take and capture 10.9% of the market. The brand's tires are positioned in the mid-price segment "B". That is, they are not the most expensive, but also not frankly cheap. This is the “fruitful” niche that the consumer is especially eager to “bite” into today. Again, based on the results of 2016, these products are, in fact, the best alternative to premium counterparts. ((Gallery_753)) As confirmation of the words, the introductory test of new studded Snow tire Cross 2. The products will appear on the official sale only in the fall of 2018, and the tires provided for testing are just single engineering samples. We were twice stressed that this is not a final product, changes are possible in the tread pattern and rubber compound formulation, work will continue on the branded spike, etc. The fine-tuning will last at least another six months, after which the next, perhaps, final tests will be held at the Finnish test site in Ivola. ((Photo_text_34)) Whether you like a tire or not is a subjective question, you must admit, especially when you evaluate only one brand of tire and only on one car ... Truth, as usual, is learned by comparison. And in order to achieve greater adequacy in our assessments, we were provided with several models for testing - Cordiant Snow Cross and Snow Cross 2, Nokian Hakkapeliitta 7 and 8, Dunlop SP Winter ice 02. The company, as you can see, is a motley one: the Finns (a share of 7.8% without Nordmann) stood firmly in defense of the "premium", the British (4.7%) took the rap for the mass segment. In the first exercise, using the Racelogic device, it was necessary to verify the objective braking distance of the car. Dunlop did not participate in this tour - the rivalry was between representatives of the two northern neighbors. The organizers found a quiet icy street in the resort of Dzhemruk and drove a BMW 318i along it, as they say, race after race. Initially, by the way, they wanted to use the ice of a local lake for this, but the weather in the mountains, you understand, is unpredictable: a sharp drop in the mercury column from -22 to almost 0 degrees. forced to change plans. ((gallery_752)) Mobile tire fitting worked promptly - on the Bavarian "three-ruble note" they alternately mounted either Snow Cross, then Snow Cross 2, then the eighth "Hakka" and sent to the track, where they gave 6-10 attempts. The scheme is simple: you accelerate to 60 km / h, Racelogic gives voice, the brake pedal sharply to the floor, and roll in anticipation of full deceleration. The braking distance was measured in the range from 40 km / h to 5 km / h. For the final figures, the average was taken. He clearly pleased the representatives of Cordiant: Snow Cross 2 - 17.8 meters, Snow Cross - 18.4 meters, Hakkapeliitta 8 - 18.9 meters. ((material_111562)) Last but not least, the success of Snow Cross 2 is due to the side blocks of the tread pattern, a kind of brake activators. They have an irregular shape of the novelty. The higher the firmness of the grip on the pattern block, the more the tires cling to the road surface. Hence, as you know, more confident braking. By the way, about some discrepancy between the above figures. They can be explained simply: different drivers chose different sections of the road for acceleration, including the side part, where the ice crust gave way to the rolled snow. In any case, the contenders for the victory showed approximately the same braking results, there was no big separation from each other, which is very important. The subjective stage of testing took us to the runway of the local airfield. Like a year ago, in Karelia, the day before (and on the day of the races) there was heavy snow, and the proposed "snakes" with permutations simply "drowned" in its abundance. Two or three attempts at speed - and a decent parapet was formed in the corners. The "aviation" slalom with the stabilization system turned off resembled the ski "white circus", when the chances of winning were higher for those participants who were among the first to take the distance. ((gallery_755)) Rolling up to the next cone, we turn the steering wheel, simultaneously release the throttle, then stabilize the course and - the accelerator pedal to the floor. Everything, as you understand, is relatively simple, however, on loose deep snow, under which there is an ice base, and in bends - a rolled pit, following the instructor's instructions was not as filigree as it could be on an ordinary winter road. In addition, the car was constantly thrown into a worn-out and pretty broken stitch, which was not always possible to bypass. It is difficult even for an experienced expert to scrupulously evaluate tire handling in such conditions, and yet they managed to learn something. On the linear "snake" the Finnish test participant was in priority: the seventh "Hakki" had better drift behavior and a quick exit from it. On the "Alpine" Dunlops the car was buried every now and then, wasting precious seconds to free itself from the snow captivity, struggling with difficulty with drifts in turns. Pleased, in turn, with Snow Cross 2: the new "snow pockets" used in the construction showed that they can work on loose snow. To the place, as it seemed, and the side lugs. They make it much easier to get out of the snow rut, helping the vehicle to follow the course. Interestingly, Cordiant uses similar elements on its light truck tires, for which drivers appreciate them. On the "rearrangement" I did not find any particular difference between the Finnish tires and the Snow Cross 2. The difference is, perhaps, in the nuances. But where the premium brand is definitely better is at linear exit from the corner. It’s like an "old soldier" uses all his life experience and clings to any unevenness of the runway base. Later, when the line of cars moved onto public roads, I felt how competent the operation of Snow Cross 2 in the so-called mode became. mixed, which from the point of view of danger is adequate to clean ice. Self-locking 3D sipes are used in the new tire. When we drive in a straight line, the sipes open and close at the contact patch under the weight of the car. This is a well-known microdrainage (when the lamellae are narrowed - they push out the mix and water). Complex shape of sipes - for improved handling. When we turn the steering wheel and maneuver, the 3D sipes behave more rigidly and, accordingly, the tread pattern holds its shape better, the car goes a little faster. ((gallery_756)) The "second" Snow Cross uses a completely new tread pattern, which is easy to distinguish from the first generation of the model. Wide longitudinal and lateral grooves effectively resist the effect of aquaplaning and sliding in mixed doubles. Spikes are used on the central rib of the tire. Moreover, the manufacturer speaks about a new scheme of studding - thanks to the new design pins of the mold, the retention of the stud in the "saddle" is brought to a different level. ((material_117960)) And in the movement in the contact patch in any situation there are at least 10 spikes, which is extremely important. The branded "Cordiante" spike-Cor, as stated above, is likely to be even more improved form, but it is too early to talk about it. The contact patch for Snow Cross 2 is rectangular. it perfect option... It is known that as the speed increases, this spot gets smaller as the pressure in the tire increases. If the stain suddenly takes the shape of a small oval, it means that all the technologies used in the development of the tire have stopped working. In Snow Cross 2, all elements of the tread pattern work optimally in the contact patch. And the pressure level in the spot is also optimized. What else to add? Increased the amount of silica and used rapeseed oil. The topic is hackneyed: gives the tire performance a wide temperature window, from which, as you remember, we started our review. What are its digital values, it will become known after the upcoming tests in the Arctic. But they will definitely not be worse than the results of the Snow Cross model, and this, recall, is from +5 to -53 degrees. ((gallery_754)) In the mid-price segment of tires, this is the best indicator on the market. And among the premium competitors, the Russian tire is not destined for the last place. At the same time, one of the most important parameters of the sale of goods - price - plays into the hands of Cordiant Snow Cross 2. We will learn it only in 2018, but, according to industry experts, it is reasonable to expect an increase of 5% (for example, from the current 3 RUB 500 for standard size 205 / 55R16), no more. This, you see, is a trifling increase for a new, higher level of security.

But first, it makes sense to recall those solutions that were originally incorporated into the design of the Snow Cross winter tire. The very name of one of the technologies (Snow Cor) used in this model indicates that the developers paid special attention to the tire's performance on a snowy road. The directional tread design features central rib closed form. The essence of the solution is that the rib cuts through the snow cover, effectively removing the upper layer of snow from the contact patch through angled grooves. And this significantly reduces the possibility of "aquaplaning in the snow". Good drainage in the contact patch is also facilitated by the Z-shaped sipes that penetrate the tread blocks. Opening and closing during the movement of the tire, the sipes not only remove the water suspension from the contact patch, but also create additional zones of engagement of the tire on the snow cover. But why exactly this shape of the lamellas was chosen by the developers of Cordiant? For example, the frequently used 3D sipes can cope with the above functions and ensure the rigidity of the tread blocks, which has a good effect on handling. It is worth remembering here that any tire is a child of compromise. And it is important for developers to achieve a balance of all characteristics. Cordiant engineers experimented a lot with lamellas (and not only in 3D form) and as a result came to the conclusion that the lamellas of their chosen shape, firstly, perform well the functions assigned to them, and secondly, they are less expensive in production.

The innovative shape of the cleat provides a secure grip in the tire

The proprietary Ice Cor technology is used in the studding of the Cordiant Snow tire. These are asymmetrically located studs, the number of rows of which is 16. Thus, there are at least 10 studs in the contact patch of the tire with the road at the same time.

What new solutions have been used in this season's Snow Cross winter tires? First of all, this is a new spike developed by the renowned company Scason. The body of the spike is aluminum and the insert is made of tungsten carbide. As with sipes, many tests have been carried out with the spikes. Five options were pre-selected, from which the final choice was made. The shape of the carbide insert is two squares shifted relative to each other, that is, the insert has eight sharp edges, allowing you to confidently grip the ice. The shape of the spike leg was selected in such a way as to ensure its reliable fastening in the tread layer of the tire under shock loads. In comparative tests of tires equipped with old and new studs, only due to the use of the novelty, the brake was reduced by 8%, and the lap time on the ice improved by 7%. Acceleration on ice has also improved.

16 rows of studs (factory studded only) asymmetrically arranged

A separate "engineering" topic is a new rubber compound, which took three years to develop, and the work was carried out in partnership with colleagues from German institutes. But the time was well spent: only due to the new compound, the braking distance was reduced by 12% (at a speed of 20 km / h, this is the body of a passenger car), and acceleration on ice improved by 9%. The new rubber compound not only became more elastic, but also expanded the temperature range of its use. An argument that is very important in determining the market for which the tire is intended: the rubber compound of the Snow Cross model of winter tires remains stable up to a temperature of -53 ° C. Structurally, the tire has a two-layer tread: directly under the tread with a soft rubber compound there is a hard, so-called base layer , which, first of all, provides a reliable fastening of the spike. In addition, this layer creates a reliable support for the cleat, thereby exerting additional pressure on the cleat during contact with the ice surface.

For the winter season 2016-2017, the range of Cordiant Snow Cross tires has been expanded by 25 standard sizes. New popular sizes with 17 and 18 inch rims have appeared. Moreover, a whole line for the production of these tires was launched at the Cordiant-Vostok plant. There are also 13 standard sizes of tires for SUV cars: the design of tires for cars of this segment is distinguished by a reinforced sidewall.

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. In both acceleration and braking, the non-studded Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2 SUVs yielded not only to 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 passability were supported by instrumental measurements - the acceleration time in deep snow with the traction control system... 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, at the main advantages and disadvantages of other tires - and choose the best option affordable. 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 forms winter tests tires 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 models. Nokian tire... 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 is Pirelli's second line. 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 with the winter Toyo tires Something went wrong. 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 winter or victory can we talk about when studded tires are inferior to most friction tires on ice, and on the Nexen handling track they are the slowest in the overall standings? 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 outside.

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 the 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 prohibited in Japan, local manufacturers focus on friction winter tires... So we will consider it natural that

Speed ​​index T (190 km / h) Lifting capacity index 98 (750 kg) Weight, kg 8,9 Tread depth, mm 8,4 Shore hardness of tread rubber, unit 56 Manufacturer country Germany

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. After all, in the gamut winter tires Goodyear has a model specifically for crossovers and SUVs - the UltraGrip Ice SUV, but these tires are not available in 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!

Weight, kg 11,4 Tread depth, mm 8,7 Shore hardness of tread rubber, unit 50 Manufacturer country Russia

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.

54 Manufacturer country China

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 ...