In the 2023 Sports Cars Winter Tire Test conducted by AutoBild Sportscars, several tires were evaluated on a Toyota GR Yaris, size 225/40 R18. The performance was evaluated across a range of parameters including dry braking, dry handling, wet braking, wet handling, straight aquaplaning, curved aquaplaning, snow braking, snow traction, snow handling, snow slalom, noise, and rolling resistance.
The Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 emerged as a strong performer, especially in wet conditions, securing the first position in both wet braking and wet handling. The tire also performed well in snow scenarios, ranking third in snow traction, snow handling, and snow slalom. The rolling resistance of this tire was found to be on the higher side, placing seventh, which might indicate a trade-off for its commendable grip in wet and snowy conditions. The tire's performance in dry conditions was satisfactory but not leading, with a fourth-place finish in both dry braking and dry handling. The noise level was relatively low, scoring the second position, which might contribute to a quieter and more comfortable ride.
On the other hand, the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 showcased excellence in snow performance. It topped the charts in snow braking and snow traction, indicating a strong grip and control in snowy conditions. Furthermore, the Michelin tire registered the lowest noise level among all tested tires, potentially offering a quieter ride. However, it didn't lead in other categories but still showed competitive results. For instance, in dry and wet conditions, the tire's performance was solid but didn't outshine competitors. The rolling resistance was not mentioned for Michelin, but it's a crucial factor that could impact fuel efficiency and thereby the overall value proposition of the tire.
This comparison reveals that while both tires excel in certain areas, the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 might be a better choice for those prioritizing wet condition performance, whereas the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 could be the go-to option for snow performance and a quieter ride. Considering the nuanced performance across different conditions, the selection between these two would come down to the individual's driving conditions and priorities.
5 categories (12 tests)
| Test Category | Best Performer | Worst Performer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry (2 tests) | |||
| Dry Braking | ▲ Falken EUROWINTER HS02 Pro: 43.9 M | ▼ Bridgestone Blizzak LM005: 47.2 M | 3.3 M (7.0%) |
| Dry Handling | ▲ Bridgestone Blizzak LM005: 103.4 Km/H | ▼ Austone SP 901: 100.2 Km/H | 3.2 Km/H (3.2%) |
| Wet (4 tests) | |||
| Wet Braking | ▲ Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3: 46.7 M | ▼ Austone SP 901: 60.5 M | 13.8 M (22.8%) |
| Wet Handling | ▲ Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3: 83.2 Km/H | ▼ Austone SP 901: 72.9 Km/H | 10.3 Km/H (14.1%) |
| Straight Aqua | ▲ Hankook Winter i cept evo3: 102.2 Km/H | ▼ Austone SP 901: 91.9 Km/H | 10.3 Km/H (11.2%) |
| Curved Aquaplaning | ▲ Hankook Winter i cept evo3: 3.21 m/sec2 | ▼ Austone SP 901: 1.74 m/sec2 | 1.5 m/sec2 (84.5%) |
| Snow (4 tests) | |||
| Snow Braking | ▲ Michelin Pilot Alpin 5: 28.6 M | ▼ Goodride SW608: 38 M | 9.4 M (24.7%) |
| Snow Traction | ▲ Michelin Pilot Alpin 5: 2218 N | ▼ Goodride SW608: 1936 N | 282.0 N (14.6%) |
| Snow Handling | ▲ Austone SP 901: 58.4 Km/H | ▼ Goodride SW608: 48.3 Km/H | 10.1 Km/H (20.9%) |
| Snow Slalom | ▲ Austone SP 901: 4.33 m/sec2 | ▼ Goodride SW608: 2.77 m/sec2 | 1.6 m/sec2 (56.3%) |
| Comfort (1 tests) | |||
| Noise | ▲ Michelin Pilot Alpin 5: 69.5 dB | ▼ Hankook Winter i cept evo3: 73.6 dB | 4.1 dB (5.6%) |
| Value (1 tests) | |||
| Rolling Resistance | ▲ Continental WinterContact TS 870 P: 8.29 kg / t | ▼ Vredestein Wintrac Pro: 9.94 kg / t | 1.7 kg / t (16.6%) |
Dry
In the Dry Braking test, Falken EUROWINTER HS02 Pro emerged as the best tire, stopping the car at 43.9 meters, while Goodride SW608 was the worst, 2.6 meters behind.
For Dry Handling, Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 took the lead with a speed of 103.4 Km/H, while Austone SP 901 was the worst, 3.2 Km/H behind the leader.
Wet
In Wet Braking, Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 excelled by stopping the car at 46.7 meters, whereas Austone SP 901 struggled, falling behind by a significant 13.8 meters.
Wet Handling saw Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 at the forefront again with a speed of 83.2 Km/H, while Austone SP 901 lagged, 10.3 Km/H slower than the top performer.
Straight Aquaplaning had Hankook Winter i cept evo3 leading the pack with a speed of 102.2 Km/H, and Austone SP 901 at the tail, 10.3 Km/H behind the leader.
Curved Aquaplaning also saw Hankook Winter i cept evo3 excelling with a speed of 3.21 m/sec², while Austone SP 901 found itself at the bottom, lagging by a significant 1.47 m/sec².
Snow
Snow Braking had Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 as the top performer, halting the car at 28.6 meters, and Goodride SW608 at the end, 2.9 meters behind.
In Snow Traction, Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 led again with a force of 2218 N, while the Goodride was back at the back.
Snow Handling surprisingly saw Austone SP 901 stealing the spotlight with a speed of 58.4 Km/H.
In the Snow Slalom test, Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 led with a speed of 4.33 m/sec².
Comfort
Internal noise level testing saw the Michelin back at the top with 69.5 dB, while Hankook Winter i cept evo3 was the loudest, 4.1 dB noisier than the quietest tire.
Value
Lastly, Rolling Resistance was dominated by Continental WinterContact TS 870 P with 8.29 kg/t, whereas Vredestein Wintrac Pro was the least efficient, 1.65 kg/t behind the leader.
Results
1st: Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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New winter profile with convincing driving characteristics in all weather, very good aquaplaning safety reserves, dynamic wet handling, moderate price. Slightly increased rolling resistance. Excellent/Test Winner. Read Reviews Buy from £147.00 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1st: Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Winter professional with convincing performance on ice and snow, dynamic wet and dry handling, direct steering response, short dry braking distances, quiet rolling noise. High price level. Excellent/Test Winner. Read Reviews | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
3rd: Continental WinterContact TS 870 P | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Balanced high performance level, stable driving behavior in all weather conditions, short wet braking distances, quiet pass-by noise, fuel-saving rolling resistance. Increased price level. Excellent. Read Reviews Buy from £160.82 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
4th: Hankook Winter i cept evo3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Premium winter tires with best safety reserves in aquaplaning, stable driving behavior in all weather, short wet and dry braking distances, favorable price level. Slightly increased rolling noise. Excellent. Read Reviews | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
5th: Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Winter professional with sporty dynamic handling on wet and dry courses, precise steering response, short wet braking distances. Extended braking distances on dry track. Good. Read Reviews Buy from £142.79 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
6th: Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Convincing driving qualities on snowy and wet tracks, good aquaplaning reserves, short wet braking distances, moderate price. Tendency to understeer on dry track, average rolling comfort. Good. Read Reviews Buy from £150.85 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
7th: Vredestein Wintrac Pro | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Good snow traction, short wet braking distances, dynamically balanced handling behavior on wet and dry track. Moderate lateral guidance on compacted snow cover, increased rolling resistance. Good. Read Reviews | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
7th: Kumho Winter Craft WP52 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Good winter qualities, safe driving behavior on dry track, short wet and dry braking distances, low price level. Limited aquaplaning safety, moderate lateral guidance in wet conditions. Good. Read Reviews | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
9th: Falken EUROWINTER HS02 Pro | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Safe wet and dry handling, short wet and dry braking distances. Limited winter qualities with weak lateral guidance and understeering snow handling, moderate rolling comfort. Satisfactory. Read Reviews Buy from £113.33 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
10th: Austone SP 901 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Good winter qualities, favorable price. Significantly limited driving safety on wet and dry track, unbalanced driving behavior, vague steering, dangerously long wet braking distances. Not recommended. Read Reviews | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
11th: Goodride SW608 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Very favorable price, good comfort. Dangerous budget tire with significantly limited adhesion and little lateral guidance on snow and ice, unbalanced driving behavior, extended wet/dry braking distances. Not recommended. Read Reviews | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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