While the new Dunlop Winter Response 2 won't be getting an official launch to the UK market, it's already available to buy, and thanks to placing rather well in a couple of recent winter tire tests we thought it would be worth acknowledging.

Aimed at the smaller cars, with sizes only in the 14 and 15 inch range, the new Dunlop Winter Response 2 seems to be particularly at home on snow and wet roads.

Placing a strong second place in the two tire tests it's featured in, it looks to be a good alternative to the Continental Winter Contact TS850 if availability of the Conti becomes limited.

Further Reading

• 2013 ACE Winter Tire Test
• 2013 ADAC Winter Tire Test (185/60 R15)
• Dunlop Winter Response 2 reviews
• Dunlop Tires

Dunlop Winter Response 2: excellent performance in winter

Dunlop announces that it is launching its new Winter Response 2, a winter tire for small and compact cars. The tire offers an impressive performance when braking and handling in winter conditions. Building on the European tire label which has been mandatory since November 2012, the Winter Response 2 offers a B rating in wet grip on 16 of the 22 sizes to be launched on the market.

The Winter Response 2 is the next generation tire to the successful Winter Response and the perfect complement to SP Winter Sport 4D, which covers the high-performance range of Dunlop winter tires portfolios. The Winter Response 2 is available in 22 dimensions from 155/65 R14 to 195/65 R 15. The tire is now available in dealers across the UK.

The Winter Response 2 is designed to tackle important safety issues such as braking performance, handling on snow and ice and in the wet winter conditions. Through its innovative technology, these needs have been improved on Winter Response 2, as compared to its predecessor. This includes the incorporation of 45 degree shoulder blades to improve grip on snow and ice when cornering. The new profile design with an innovative tread block geometry improves traction under acceleration and braking on snow covered roads.

The increased density of blades leads to more biting edges and provides a more stable performance in the wet and provides additional traction, shorter braking distances and more stable cornering on snow.

The Winter Response 2 also comes with improved fuel efficiencies.