AUTO BILD’s winter tire test finals: Semperit finished in TOP 3

In preparation for the upcoming winter season, AUTO BILD conducted its extensive winter tire supertest, evaluating 53 winter tires in the popular size 205/55 R16, commonly fitted on vehicles like the VW Golf, Opel Astra, Skoda Octavia, Ford Focus, and Audi A3.

Qualification Process

The initial phase involved a rigorous safety check focusing on braking performance. All 53 tires underwent wet braking tests from 80 km/h. Tires with excessively long braking distances were immediately disqualified, narrowing the field to 33. These remaining tires then faced braking tests on snow from 50 km/h. The combined braking distances on wet and snowy surfaces were calculated, and the top 20 tires with the shortest total distances advanced to the final round for comprehensive testing.

Qualification winner

Bridgestone Blizzak 6

Bridgestone Blizzak 6

★★★★☆ 4.4/5

Dimensions: 175/30R16 - 315/65R22

Number of sizes: 78

Number of tests: 4

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The final test

The test revealed significant differences in performance among winter tires, emphasizing the importance of making an informed choice. Safety should be a top priority, as high-quality tires can drastically reduce braking distances on wet and snowy roads, enhancing overall driving safety. Investing in tires like the Hankook Winter i*cept RS3 or Michelin Alpin 6 can offer long-term cost savings due to their durability and fuel efficiency, making them economically sensible choices. Additionally, environmental considerations are becoming increasingly important. Tires that incorporate sustainable materials and technologies, like the Michelin Alpin 6, allow drivers to reduce their ecological footprint without sacrificing performance. It should be noted that now the Michelin Alpin 7 is available on the market which should be even better.

But of course, only one tyre can win and in tyre tests, it’s usually the one that is the most balanced, which is what the Continental WinterContact TS 870 is really great at, which is why it won the test. In second place, there is the last-year’s new tyre by Goodyear, the UltraGrip Performance 3. What these two have in common is that they are not very well rated in the price/value ratio, meaning they are quite expensive for the mileage they offer.

Test winner

Continental WinterContact TS 870

Continental WinterContact TS 870

★★★★½ 4.9/5

Dimensions: 155/40R14 - 225/70R19

Number of sizes: 58

Number of tests: 5

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The big “Semperit” surprise

But what surprised us the most is the result of the Semperit Speed-Grip 5, which is a Continental subbrand, originally from Austria. The new tyre features a V shaped tread like the Continental’s winter tyres do and is also incredibly well balanced, which is also similar to Continental tyres. It’s got almost the same rating from all the disciplines, except for costs, where it got almost perfect marks. And there is no wonder – except for the one chinese tyre in the test, there weren’t any cheaper tyres.

Semperit Speed-Grip 5

Semperit Speed-Grip 5

★★★☆☆ 3.4/5

Dimensions: 165/40R14 - 275/70R21

Number of sizes: 80

Number of tests: 5

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Continental and Bridgestone Showcase Dry Handling Excellence

In the dry handling tests, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 and the Bridgestone Blizzak 6 “Enliten” demonstrated performance close to that of summer tires. The testers remarked that the Continental and Bridgestone “offer dynamic qualities” on dry roads. While winter tires typically don’t match summer tires in dry conditions, these models provided responsive handling and short braking distances, enhancing driver confidence in varying weather conditions.

Bridgestone Blizzak 6

Bridgestone Blizzak 6

★★★★☆ 4.4/5

Dimensions: 175/30R16 - 315/65R22

Number of sizes: 78

Number of tests: 4

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Michelin Alpin 6 Receives Environmental Recognition

Despite being one of the more expensive options, the Michelin Alpin 6 was recognized for its sustainability efforts. AUTO BILD awarded it the environmental seal for its “exemplary commitment to environmentally conscious and sustainable mobility.” The tire incorporates renewable raw materials in its construction, and its long service life reduces environmental impact. The Alpin 6 “can score the most points” for its contribution to eco-friendly driving.

Michelin ALPIN 6

Michelin ALPIN 6

★★★☆☆ 3.5/5

Dimensions: 155/40R15 - 225/70R20

Number of sizes: 59

Number of tests: 5

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Hankook Winter i*cept RS3 Named “Economical tyre of the Year”

The Hankook Winter i*cept RS3 stood out for its cost efficiency and environmental friendliness. It achieved the highest mileage in wear tests, indicating a long tire life. The testers noted its “outstanding mileage performance,” which, combined with a moderate purchase price and low rolling resistance, earned it the title of “Eco-Master of the Year.” This means drivers can save money over time without compromising on safety.

Hankook W462 Winter i*cept RS3

Hankook W462 Winter i*cept RS3

★★★½☆ 3.8/5

Dimensions: 165/45R14 - 225/70R17

Number of sizes: 49

Number of tests: 5

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Giti Winter W2 Excels in Snow Handling

One of the surprising outcomes was the exceptional performance of the Giti Winter W2 in snow handling. In the handling tests on snow-covered tracks, it surpassed many well-known brands. According to the testers, “The Giti Winter W2 provides ample safety reserves on snow-covered roads.” Its superior grip and stability made it a top contender, especially in the slalom and traction tests. Unfortunately, it has some reserves in the wet braking, so it came 13th with “satisfactory” rating.

Giti Gitiwinter W2

Giti Gitiwinter W2

★★☆☆☆ 2.1/5

Dimensions: 175/40R15 - 255/65R19

Number of sizes: 30

Number of tests: 5

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