Nokian Nordman RS2 is a mid-class winter friction tire with a directional tread pattern, designed for passenger cars.
The model also has options for crossovers and SUVs.
Nokian Nordman RS2 test from Finnish Moottori (2018)
In 2018, experts from the Finnish publication Moottori tested the Nokian Nordman RS2 winter tire at size 205/55 R16 and compared it with seven similar mid- and premium-class friction tires.
Test results
According to the test results, the Nokian Nordman RS2 took seventh place on asphalt, eighth on snow and sixth on ice.
The tire showed a very long braking distance on wet asphalt and average on dry. In the “winter disciplines” she also found herself predominantly an outsider, but it’s difficult to call it a failure. Firstly, the gap from the leaders in the results was small: the difference with the leader in the length of the braking distance on snow was only 0.3 meters, and on ice - 1.3 meters (at the same time, handling and acceleration were not bad). Secondly, it is necessary to take into account that Nordman is a middle-class tire, while its competitors were expensive tires from premium brands (except for Hankook W616), which, as expected, showed better results.
| Discipline | Place | A comment | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Braking on wet asphalt from 80 km/h | 8 | Worst result. The braking distance is 6.2 meters longer than that of the test leader. | |
| 7 | The time to complete the route is 2.2 seconds longer than that of the test leader. | ||
| Handling on wet asphalt | 6-7 | Subjective assessment of controllability - 7.5 points. | |
| Braking on dry asphalt from 80 km/h | 4 | The braking distance is 1.1 meters longer than that of the test leader. | |
| Handling on dry asphalt | 7-8 | One of the worst results. Subjective assessment of controllability - 7 points. | |
| Braking on ice from 20 km/h | 8 | Worst result. The braking distance is 1.3 meters longer than that of the test leader. | |
| Acceleration on ice | 6 | The acceleration time to 25 km/h is 0.17 seconds longer than that of the test leader. | |
| Handling on ice | 5 | The time to complete the route is 5.8 seconds longer than that of the test leader. | |
| Handling on ice | 5 | Subjective assessment of controllability - 5.5 points. | |
| Braking on snow from 40 km/h | 8 | Worst result. The braking distance is 0.3 meters longer than that of the test leader. | |
| Acceleration in the snow | 8 | Worst result. The acceleration time to 30 km/h is 0.33 seconds longer than that of the test leader. | |
| Handling on snow | 6 | The time to complete the route is 1.2 seconds longer than that of the test leader. | |
| Handling on snow | 5-6 | Subjective assessment of controllability - 8 points. | |
| Noise | 8 | Worst result. Subjective assessment of noise level - 8.5 points. | |
In the next comparative test of winter tires of the popular “crossover” size 215/65 R16, 23 models competed - an absolute mass record in the entire history of Autoreview tests! Not only did we manage to embrace the immensity, but at the same time we also stopped the shipment of one of the shipments of Nokian tires...
IN Owners of crossovers, especially all-wheel drive ones, are often not enthusiastic about the seasonal change of standard summer tires to winter ones. After all, almost all original tires are marked with the M+S index, which de jure allows you to drive them in winter. The main thing is that the residual tread depth is at least 4 mm (otherwise - a fine of 500 rubles). But you need to understand that the M+S marking does not obligate the manufacturer to anything! To apply the marking, no tests or certificates are required confirming the suitability of tires for winter, and therefore more and more often it can be seen on openly summer, and “asphalt” tires, which incidentally indicates the devaluation of not only the letter S (snow, “snow”), but also M (mud, “dirt”). So we look not at the letters, but at the tread, and if we don’t see many small slots-lamellas, then we draw the conclusion: driving on these in winter is dangerous. And it’s even better when there is a “Snowflake” stamp on the sidewall in the form of three mountain peaks with a snowflake - these models really are. The participants in our test all had the following markings: 14 sets with spikes and nine without.
The test program is standard, all the tracks of the White Hell training ground near the Finnish town of Ivalo are well known to us - and the main thing is to be lucky with the weather. Almost lucky: there were no snowfalls, although the temperature fluctuated from 5 to 23 degrees below zero, so its influence had to be taken into account by conducting additional races on “reference” tires. But measurements of longitudinal dynamics took place in a closed hangar with a more stable temperature.
This is where the confusion happened with Nokian tires, and with a model that has been produced for several years. In both acceleration and braking, the studless Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2 SUV was inferior not only to its principal competitors, but even to its own “second line” tires - Nordman RS2 SUV tires! Nokian testers working nearby were alarmed and repeated the measurements themselves... 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 they assured that the defective batch did not go on sale. Although everything appears to be in order by appearance, and even the hardness of the tread rubber is the same as on the tires released in the 41st week of 2016 (their results were counted), but the difference in grip on ice reaches eight percent.
After taking measurements in the hangar, we head out into the deepening frost - and once again we notice that as the temperature drops, the friction tires begin to catch up and even overtake the studded tires. At minus twenty, the ice becomes so hard that the studs cannot scratch it, and the tread rubber of most studded tires is harder - in the cold, friction tires are more elastic, they have a longer total length of the slots-lamellas.
We, I repeat, take into account the changing conditions and adjust the results, but if all the tests were carried out in light frost, the friction tires would fall 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 is good for friction models: while maintaining the elasticity of the tread, they cling better to snow shagreen.
This time the cross-country ability ratings were supported by instrumental measurements - acceleration time in deep snow with the traction control system turned off. It is curious that Russian tires topped and closed the ranking: the best are Cordiant, and the most helpless in the virgin lands are Viatti tires produced by the Nizhnekamsk Tire Plant.
Where we test and test tires for their safety: we are looking for answers about how short braking distances they provide on asphalt, snow and ice (the latter applies to winter tires), how well they hold the road in turns and bends, how they resist aquaplaning, etc. P. In a word, during the tests we receive objective - obtained and measured using instruments - data in meters, centimeters, kilometers per hour and even in seconds. Based on this data, we can get an accurate and complete picture of how safe and effective a particular tire is and how it compares to other tires that have undergone the same tests and trials.
According to the results of comparative tests, Nokian tires are among the best. As our readers know, Nokian is a native Finnish tire manufacturer. However, since 2005, Nokian tires have been produced at its own plant in Vsevolozhsk (Leningrad region, Russia). Moreover, 80% of all Finnish brand tires are produced here, and only 20% of tires are produced at an enterprise located in the Finnish town of Nokia. That’s why we mostly come across Russian-made Nokian tires for testing.
Comparative tire tests are, after all, one thing, but tire performance in real use is another. We think so. Therefore, last fall, just before the start of the winter season, the site’s editors took two sets of winter tires for durability testing and handed them over to their colleagues and friends for testing. We chose Nokian Nordman RS2 SUV and Nokian WR D4 tires in the popular “16th” size. The tires were fitted respectively to a Hyundai Tucson (front wheel drive) and a Peugeot 308SW. Let us immediately note that the owners of these cars did not pay much attention to the brand of winter tires and usually deliberately bought what was cheaper. This was our goal: to provide motorist friends with good quality and efficient tires to find out what and how their winter driving experience and sensations will change.
The market value of both tires is not off the charts. Nordman is a budget line of winter and summer tires from Nokian. Nokian Nordman RS2 SUV 215/65 R16 participating in the resource test will cost 170 rubles per wheel. For comparison, the domestic winter Belshina of the same size costs from 115 rubles per wheel.
Nokian WR D4 is a full-fledged premium winter tire. The cost of such a tire in size 205/55 R16 is 203 rubles - in principle, this is a normal price, quite at the level of premium competitors of European brands.
Both sets of tires were put on in early November and removed in mid-April.
Resource tests.Nordman RS2 SUV
Nokian Nordman RS2 SUV tires are Scandinavian-type winter tires. They are “Velcro”. They are also “tires for harsh winters”. By the way, before the appearance of the Hakkapeliitta R2 SUV winter tire in the lineup, the same tread pattern as on the Nordman RS2 SUV was used on the Hakkapeliitta R SUV tires. In a word, the Nordman RS2 SUV became the owner of at least the tread of a premium Scandinavian-type winter tire. This means that the budget tire has inherited “pump sipes” that improve grip on winter roads. Also, the Nordman tread has brake boosters in the tread blocks, which improve traction when braking, especially on snow.
In recent years, Belarusian winters have become warmer and wetter. But if snow does fall, it falls in abundance and remains for weeks. It can be rightly noted that in Belarus the mild, rainy European winter 2-3 times a season is replaced by a snowy and rather harsh Scandinavian winter.
The owner of a Hyundai Tucson considers snow maneuverability and the ability to handle icy roads to be the priority qualities of winter tires. He says that he doesn’t like to “swing a shovel” in the yard and prefers to literally drive straight ahead. But more on that later.
In the first weeks after the start of operation, the driver of the Hyundai Tucson noted a smooth ride and even a decreased noise level from the tires. That is, Nordman RS2 SUV tires turned out to be quieter and softer than summer tires. At the same time, as the driver notes, high directional stability and quick responses to the steering wheel have been maintained. According to him, he previously considered winter tires a compromise that had to be endured throughout the winter season and benefited when snow fell, roads and especially yards, which are usually difficult to clear, were covered.
Also, the experience of the owner of a Hyundai Tucson suggests that when driving on winter tires on highways, you need to especially carefully maintain the distance to the car in front. There were cases when it was necessary, not urgently, but rather sharply to brake, and then winter tires on wet cold asphalt or dry asphalt at significant negative temperatures began to slip quite early. ABS worked and stopped blocking the front wheels to skid literally at a third of the pedal stroke. Having put Nordman RS2 SUV tires on his crossover, the Hyundai Tucson driver noted that braking has become more effective and confident. He even specially braked urgently on an open road and noted that “the brakes have become better” and the ABS “began to work like summer.” That is, in the last phase of the brake pedal stroke. In short, the characteristics of the crossover have clearly changed for the better and safer with the installation of Nordman RS2 SUV tires.
In mid-December 2016, Minsk was covered several times with freezing rain, which glazed not only cars, but also roads, albeit just for a couple of morning hours. The driver of the Hyundai Tucson that day did not even immediately decide to drive the car for work. The cars were slipping and moving very reluctantly. He decided to do a little test, checking the grip of his tires on the road. He is still impressed by the fact that his crossover drove along the icy road as if it were on asphalt and, without hesitation, took the ascent along the street where the shuttle bus was helplessly skidding. In general, the Nordman RS2 SUV deserved another praise, helping out the driver in difficult weather.
At the beginning of January 2017, snow finally fell in Minsk. Moreover, immediately in “Scandinavian” quantities. The owner of a crossover shod with Nordman RS2 SUV noted excellent cross-country ability on both fresh and compacted snow. When, after a couple of days, the snow in the courtyards thoroughly hardened, forming ruts and potholes, the crossover retained the ability to confidently drive and climb snow mounds. At the same time, the car got out of the ruts well and almost did not slip.
Over five and a half months of operation during the 2016/2017 winter season, Nordman RS2 SUV tires covered 7,340 km. Mainly around Minsk and on cleared roads. The remaining tread depth indicators still show a figure eight.
Visually, wear on the Nokian Nordman RS2 tread after the first season and 7,300 km is visible only on the front axle tires: on the rather soft “Scandinavian” rubber compound, the “blunting” of the edges of numerous lamellas is noticeable.
But the tires on the rear axle look like new: the “craquelure” even remains in the shoulder area, indicating sufficient running-in of the new Nokian Nordman RS2 winter tires.
Resource tests.NokianWRD4
These tires complement the WR family, which also includes WR D3, WR A3 and WR A4 tires. Interestingly, WR D4 is available in fit sizes from 14 to 20 inches. That is, the choice of standard sizes for this model is wider than that of the WR D3 (these are offered in 13-inch sizes) and WR A3 and WR A4 (these are also available in 21-inch sizes). WR D4 tires are designed for mild winters. However, as we know, in tire comparison tests the WR D4 model turns out to be stronger than its WR brothers. Moreover, Nokian WR D4 became the world's first winter tires for passenger cars to achieve “A” level of grip on wet roads (according to the European Union classification). That is, they are very effective both on ice and snow, and on wet asphalt.
The tread of Nokian WR D4 tires looks technologically advanced.
Nokian WR D4 look very impressive. “Some kind of high-tech,” was the first impression of the owner of the Peugeot 308SW, “I’ve never seen anything like it before. And any Chinese or Koreans are unlikely to be able to copy something like that.”
The impressions became greater after changing the car's shoes to these tires. The ride became smoother and a little more elastic. Such mixed impressions were formed due to the fact that the WR D4 tires are light and their carcass is very elastic, if not rigid. That is, the car’s chassis lost a couple of kilograms of unsprung mass, and at the same time the “rubber ball effect” that inexpensive summer tires gave to the ride disappeared.
In addition, steering response has improved and become sharper. The driver of the Peugeot 308SW noted that on roundabouts at high speeds, the feedback on the steering wheel became clearer and more transparent.
Being a great “European winter” tire, Nokian WR D4 tires grip dry, wet and even dirty asphalt very tenaciously. The driver of the Peugeot 308SW even tried to drive recklessly in turns and barely achieved drift, loss of traction or blinking of the ESP activation indicator. “But I almost fell out of the seat because of the body roll of the car, and I was scared about the suspension: it is clearly weaker than these tires,” noted the driver of the Peugeot 308SW.
And he also remembers the freezing rain in Minsk, which caused many inconveniences during the early morning commute. There were no problems. The car drove as usual, confidently and clearly. “Although many had problems with grip that morning,” recalls the owner of Nokian WR D4 tires.
A couple of weeks of the “Scandinavian winter”, when the temperature dropped below -25°C for several days, also passed unnoticed. Our pilot even specifically felt the WR D4 tread in severe frost and it seemed soft to him, as if it were at zero temperature. The Eurozima from Nokian did not become stiff and provided excellent cross-country ability both on frozen snow and asphalt.
Judging by the wear indicator, after 9100 km the tread of Nokian WR D4 tires has become smaller by 1 mm.
Over five and a half months of operation during the 2016/2017 winter season, Nordman RS2 SUV tires covered 9,124 km on the streets of Minsk and on long trips around Belarus. The tread looks fresh, but the “eight” is no longer visible on the wear indicator. That is, the tread has definitely become smaller by a millimeter.
19.10.2015 Studded tires:
- Continental IceContact 2
- Cordiant Snow Cross
- Dunlop Ice Touch
- Gislaved Nord*Frost 100
- Hankook Winter i*Pike RS Plus
- Maxxis Arctictrekker NP3
- Pirelli Ice Zero
- Toyo Observe G3-Ice
Friction tires:
- Continental ContiVikingContact 6
- Cordiant Winter Drive
- Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 2
- Maxxis SP-02 Arctictrekker
- Nokian Nordman RS
- Toyo Observe GSi-5
Among the new products in the test were winter tires with an increased number of studs Continental IceContact 2 (190 studs), Hankook i*Pike RS (170) and a new version of Goodear UltraGrip IceArctic tires with a reduced number of studs (100 studs). Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8, Nokian Nordman 5, Pirelli Ice Zero, Cordiant Snow Cross, Dunlop Ice Touch and Maxxis Arctictrekker NP3 also have a large number of studs. 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 tire tread. From January 1, 2016, a similar restriction will appear in Russia, but with a limit of 60 studs per 1 linear meter. It is easy to calculate that for tires of size 205/55 R16 the limit will be about 100 studs. What then to do with tires that have more studs? Don't panic, everything is legal! To do this, companies that want to install too many studs on their tires need to prove that this will not increase wear on the road surface. To achieve this, manufacturers install lightweight studs, use a special stud system, etc.
Tests
Driving a car on a winter road requires greater concentration, 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 weather conditions necessary for the test at the winter testing ground. A special heating system melted the ice in front of the pits and the entrance to the frozen lake, and a special “vacuum cleaner” raked, swept and blew snow off the track. The weather also helped - on the eve of the cross-country ability test it started snowing.
To measure the characteristics when driving on wet roads, it was decided to return to Sweden in April, but to another test site - in the city of Gislaved. There, not far from the buildings of the former tire factory of the same name, there is a testing ground with several tracks, one of which is equipped with the irrigation system necessary for this test.
results
The winners of the test on the ice track were Nokian studded and friction tires and the new Continental IceContact 2 for the season. Overall, studded tires won in this test. On the ice circle the situation is somewhat different - this is due to other characteristics of the ice surface. The best 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 a shorter braking distance and a shorter acceleration distance on loose and compacted snow. The best in the winding track test are the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2 and the Cordiant Snow Cross.
On wet roads, the most effective studded tires were Gislaved Nord*Frost 100, Nokian Nordman 5 and Pirelli Ice Zero, and on dry roads, friction tires Continental ContiVikingContact 6 and Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 2. The quietest tires among the participants 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 were marked in green.
| Braking distance on ice (using ABS) from a speed of 20 km/h in meters at an air temperature of -5 ° C | Distance required to accelerate on ice to a speed of 20 km/h (traction control on) in meters at an air temperature of -5 °C s | |||
| 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 complete a winding 620 meter long track 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 ease of driving cars on ice in points on a ten-point scale | Braking distance (using ABS) from 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
|
|
| Distance required to accelerate to a speed of 20 km/h on packed snow (traction control on) in meters at a temperature of -7°C | Distance required to accelerate from 5 to 15 km/h on loose snow 15 cm deep (traction control 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 complete a winding track 1500 meters long on snow in seconds at an air temperature of -6°C | Subjective assessment of the ease of driving on 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 ratings of smoothness in points
| Braking distance on wet asphalt from 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 from 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
|
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| Cordiant Snow Cross | 56.2
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| Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 | 4
|
| Hankook Winter i*Pike RS Plus | 56.6
| Pirelli Ice Zero | 4
|
|
Results
All obtained indicators were summarized in a general table.
According to the results of all tests, the top three included studded tires Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8, Continental IceContact 2 and Goodyear UltraGrip Ice Arctic. The best friction tires were Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 2 and Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2.
Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8
Minimum braking distance and acceleration on ice, works well on packed snow
Increased braking distance on dry roads, acoustic effect, high price
Continental IceContact 2
Traction and handling on ice and snow, smooth ride
Noise, high price
Goodyear UltraGrip Ice Arctic
Grip on snowy, icy and wet roads, minimal braking distance
Controllability
Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 2
Low noise level, excellent behavior on asphalt and snow
Grip on icy roads
Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2
The best grip on ice among friction tires, handling on a snowy track
Grip on wet roads, on compacted and loose snow.
Winter is coming, and we have already tested budget winter tires in the popular size 205/55 R16. Already known models and new items of the season took part in the test. Ten sets of tires were tested on winter roads and asphalt. The domestic Belshina presented a couple of pleasant surprises. But let's talk about everything in order.
At a winter testing ground in Finland, we tested ten sets of tires: Nokian Nordman RS2, Gislaved Soft Frost 200, Cordiant Winter Drive, Hankook Winter I*Cept iZ2, Dunlop Winter Maxx WM01, Kumho I`Zen KW31, Sava Eskimo Ice, Belshina Artmotion Snow Bel-317, Viatti Brina V521, Nitto Therma Spike.
The most expensive tires in our test were Dunlop tires - 195 rubles, but the Russian Cordiant tires were the cheapest - 93 rubles. But all tires in one way or another belong to the budget line in their model ranges.
The winter part of the tests was carried out at the polar test site on ice and snow at a temperature of −10...-8 °C. The spring part of the tests took place at a temperature of +5...7 °C.
Ice test
Ice is not the most pleasant surface for friction tires, but if they are of the Scandinavian type, they should perform well even in such conditions.
When braking on ice, the difference between first and last place was 4 meters. When braking from a speed of 25 km/h, this is quite a lot.
In the “Acceleration on Ice” exercise, the situation remained virtually unchanged, only Hankook and Sava swapped places. However, for some, the results of this test may not be decisive when choosing tires.
But the ability of a tire to hold a corner, that is, the level of lateral grip, is an important indicator. We evaluate it by moving as fast as possible around the ice circle.
Here, Viatti tires unexpectedly took second place, the four outsiders remained unchanged. But for a more comprehensive assessment of the behavior of both tires and the car on ice, we conduct a series of races along a winding ice track. In addition to lap times, we subjectively evaluate the car's handling.
The main surprise was not the first place of Cordiant (although the Russian tires surprised), but the seventh place of Belshina. Moreover, the loss to the leaders is not so great, but for ourselves we noted that the car on domestic tires drives, although not too fast, but predictably, and therefore safely. Nitto frankly failed in this test, losing even to the penultimate place by about 4 seconds.
Snow test
If tests on ice quickly reveal shortcomings in the tire design, then snow is no longer such a demanding surface. In braking, the spread of results was only 7%.
We can’t help but note Belshina’s excellent fourth result. She lost a meter of braking distance to the leader. Nitto also managed to fail in the snow, showing the longest braking distance.
When accelerating on snow, the spread of results has already increased to 15%. At the same time, the top six kept the difference within 5%. "Belshina", alas, ended up in the last three, although in fact the loss of the outsiders did not exceed one and a half seconds.
Despite excellent braking results, Hankook tires were in last place in handling on a winding snowy track, losing about three seconds to the leader - Sava tires. Belshina ended up in seventh place, demonstrating good grip. But the tendency to drift prevented me from driving faster.
Asphalt test
In large cities, where roads are kept relatively clean in winter, tires spend most of their time on asphalt. Here you can also add the off-season periods, when temperatures are already low, but there is no snow yet. In such conditions, winter tires must also provide safety. We perform braking tests on asphalt, dry and wet, and also evaluate handling on wet asphalt.
It often happens that tires that did not perform very well in winter tests prove themselves on asphalt. This is exactly what happened with Belshina.
In braking on wet asphalt, Sava tires showed the best results. Belshina has an unexpected second result. And the longest braking distance turned out to be Dunlop and Kumho - they “went” 4 meters further than the leaders.
On dry asphalt, Nokian rose to first place, Belshina dropped to sixth position, losing a little more than a meter to the leader, which cannot be considered a failure.
The last surprise was presented by Belshina in the handling test on wet asphalt.
We managed to drive the wet handling track the fastest on Sava tires. Belshina's fourth place is an excellent result. In addition to the good absolute time on the track, we noted the reliable and understandable behavior of the car on domestic tires.
Rolling resistance
Tire rolling resistance is assessed on a special stand. The parameter indicates how easily the tire rolls on the road. The lower this figure, the more economical driving on such tires will be.
Results and assessments
The results of all tests with ratings can be viewed in the final table. If we analyze the intermediate scores, it turns out that in the asphalt part of the program Belshina Artmotion Snow took fifth place, behind only famous brands. But the final ninth place went to the Belarusian tire manufacturers due to lack of grip on ice.
First place winners Nokian Nordman RS2 They performed excellently in all “ice” disciplines, confidently handled the snow and braked better than anyone else on dry asphalt. But they cost from 142 rubles. We recommend it to those who live outside the city and most often drive on snow and ice.
Finnish Russian-made tires lost quite a bit to Slovak tires Gislaved Soft*Frost 200. But they pulled out due to good performance on asphalt, although in winter tests they also did not lag behind the leader. Good universal tires, but the price is slightly higher than average - 150 rubles.
Korean Hankook Winter I*Cept iZ2 They braked the best on snow and never failed in other disciplines, for which they received a well-deserved third place. At a price of 140 rubles, you can choose them as a universal “shoe” if you don’t trust the Russian product.
Polish Sava Eskimo Ice It handled well on snow and wet asphalt, but failed to accelerate in the snow. The rest of the indicators were average, so fourth place. However, the price is not the lowest - 129 rubles.
Russian tires with a vague name Viatti Brina V521 According to the test results, they took fifth place. They didn’t shoot in any of the tests, but they didn’t fail either. Therefore, at a price of 96 rubles, they can be considered a good purchase for those who do not like to spend extra money.
Sixth place finishers Cordiant Winter Drive lived up to their name, outperforming all competitors in handling on ice. But at the same time they showed the worst results in braking on dry asphalt. However, at the lowest price - 93 rubles - they are quite acceptable tires for moderate winters.
Chinese Kumho I`Zen KW31 and Japanese Dunlop Winter Maxx WM01 scored almost the same number of points, taking seventh and eighth places, respectively. In all indicators they were slightly below average, but without obvious failures. At the same time, Chinese tires cost 167 rubles, and Japanese ones - 195 (the most expensive in our test), so Chinese tires would be a more rational choice.
Ninth place went to domestic tires. The reason for the low place is unimportant results on ice, but confident behavior on asphalt, both dry and wet. At a price of 107 rubles Belshina ArtMotion Snow can be safely recommended to those who spend most of their time on clean city roads, occasionally getting into the snow. Our tires also boast a large tread depth of 10 mm.
Japanese tires Nitto Therma Spike They didn’t show themselves to be anything special, showing the worst results in three disciplines - handling on ice, braking on snow and handling on a wet track. At a price of 138 rubles, it makes sense to look towards other manufacturers.
