2010 European Winter Tire Test

The European winter tire test is the largest of the year, covering 28 tires in 2 different sizes, 225/45 r17 discussed in this part of the article, and 185/65 r15 here.

This year the tests were more stringent than ever. Not only did the 28 tires have their dry, wet, snow and ice grip tested but they were also scored on their wear, fuel consumption and comfort properties.

Following the trend from the European summer test, the big brands once again dominated with Michelin, Continental and Dunlop taking the top 3 spots.

The new Michelin Aplin A4 placed first thanks to it's consistent scoring, topping both the wear test and the wet segment of the handling tests. The Continental ContiWinterContact TS830P continued it's strong results in 2010 placing second by winning the snow section overall, and the Dunlop SP Winter Sport 3D placed 3rd overall thanks again to consistent excellent results.

Here are the full results. The scores were weighted in favour of wet weather and snow performance, with the final results being 15% Dry, 30% wet, 20% snow, 10% ice, 10% fuel, 5% comfort and 10% wear.

1st: Michelin Alpin A4

Michelin Alpin A4
  • 225/45 r17
  • 3PMSF: no
  1. Total: 18
  2. Dry: 2.4
  3. Wet: 2.8
  4. Snow: 2.8
  5. Ice: 2.1
  6. Comfort: 1.3
  7. Rolling Resistance: 2.1
  8. Wear: 4.5
A very balanced tire scoring very well in all safety related tests. Top marks for wear and on wet surfaces.

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2nd: Continental WinterContact TS 830 P

Continental WinterContact TS 830 P
  • 225/45 r17
  • 3PMSF: no
  1. Total: 17.3
  2. Dry: 2.4
  3. Wet: 2.5
  4. Snow: 3.2
  5. Ice: 2.1
  6. Comfort: 1.9
  7. Rolling Resistance: 2.5
  8. Wear: 2.7
A very balanced tire scoring very well in all safety related tests. Top marks on snow

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3rd: Dunlop SP Winter Sport 3D

Dunlop SP Winter Sport 3D
  • 225/45 r17
  • 3PMSF: no
  1. Total: 15.8
  2. Dry: 2.5
  3. Wet: 2.7
  4. Snow: 2.5
  5. Ice: 1.7
  6. Comfort: 1.5
  7. Rolling Resistance: 2.1
  8. Wear: 2.8
A very balanced tire scoring very well in all safety related tests

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4th: Uniroyal MS plus 66

Uniroyal MS plus 66
  • 225/45 r17
  • 3PMSF: no
  1. Total: 15.3
  2. Dry: 2.4
  3. Wet: 2.8
  4. Snow: 2.2
  5. Ice: 1.8
  6. Comfort: 1.7
  7. Rolling Resistance: 1.7
  8. Wear: 2.7
Top marks on wet roads
A slight weakness on snow and with fuel consumption

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5th: Semperit Speed Grip

Semperit Speed Grip
  • 225/45 r17
  • 3PMSF: no
  1. Total: 15
  2. Dry: 2.5
  3. Wet: 2.5
  4. Snow: 2.3
  5. Ice: 1.9
  6. Comfort: 1.6
  7. Rolling Resistance: 1.6
  8. Wear: 2.6
Great wet grip
A slight weakness on snow and in fuel consumption

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6th: Fulda Kristall Control HP

Fulda Kristall Control HP
  • 225/45 r17
  • 3PMSF: no
  1. Total: 14.5
  2. Dry: 2.3
  3. Wet: 2.3
  4. Snow: 3
  5. Ice: 1.6
  6. Comfort: 1.2
  7. Rolling Resistance: 2.1
  8. Wear: 2
Very good on snow
Slight weakness on wet roads and ice

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7th: Nokian WRG2

Nokian WRG2
  • 225/45 r17
  • 3PMSF: no
  1. Total: 14.5
  2. Dry: 2.7
  3. Wet: 2.4
  4. Snow: 2.3
  5. Ice: 2.2
  6. Comfort: 0.7
  7. Rolling Resistance: 2.1
  8. Wear: 2.1
Excellent dry grip
Slight weakness on wet roads and ice

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8th: Goodyear Ultra Grip Performance 2

Goodyear Ultra Grip Performance 2
  • 225/45 r17
  • 3PMSF: no
  1. Total: 14.6
  2. Dry: 2.2
  3. Wet: 2.3
  4. Snow: 2.4
  5. Ice: 2
  6. Comfort: 1.2
  7. Rolling Resistance: 2
  8. Wear: 2.5
Good dry grip
Slight weakness on wet roads and snow

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9th: Pirelli Winter 210 Sottozero 2

Pirelli Winter 210 Sottozero 2
  • 225/45 r17
  • 3PMSF: no
  1. Total: 13.3
  2. Dry: 2.4
  3. Wet: 2.1
  4. Snow: 2.3
  5. Ice: 1.6
  6. Comfort: 0.9
  7. Rolling Resistance: 2.2
  8. Wear: 1.8
Slight weakness on wet roads and in snow and ice

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10th: Yokohama W Drive

Yokohama W Drive
  • 225/45 r17
  • 3PMSF: no
  1. Total: 14.7
  2. Dry: 2.8
  3. Wet: 2.2
  4. Snow: 1.7
  5. Ice: 1.7
  6. Comfort: 1.3
  7. Rolling Resistance: 2
  8. Wear: 3
Top marks on dry roads
Weak on snow

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Notes:

There were three other tires tested that TireReviews doesn't cover. The "Ceat Winter Formula" placed just behind the Goodyear with a slight weakness in the wet, and "Interstate Winter IWT-2" and "Westlake SW601 Snow Master" rounded out the table, both given the ??not recommended?? label as a consequence of terrible wet weather performance.

Continue to the 185/65 r15 results
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