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.

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
225/40 R18 92V EU Label: D/B/71 3PMSF: yes Price: 575.00	Test # Result Best Difference % Dry Braking 4th 44.3 M 43.9 M +0.4 M 99.1% Dry Handling 4th 102.5 Km/H 103.4 Km/H -0.9 Km/H 99.13% Wet Braking 1st 46.7 M 100% Wet Handling 1st 83.2 Km/H 100% Straight Aqua 2nd 100.1 Km/H 102.2 Km/H -2.1 Km/H 97.95% Curved Aquaplaning 2nd 2.9 m/sec2 3.21 m/sec2 -0.31 m/sec2 90.34% Snow Braking 5th 30.1 M 28.6 M +1.5 M 95.02% Snow Traction 3rd 2174 N 2218 N -44 N 98.02% Snow Handling 3rd 55.7 Km/H 58.4 Km/H -2.7 Km/H 95.38% Snow Slalom 3rd 3.68 m/sec2 4.33 m/sec2 -0.65 m/sec2 84.99% Noise 2nd 69.8 dB 69.5 dB +0.3 dB 99.57% Rolling Resistance 7th 9.2 kg / t 8.29 kg / t +0.91 kg / t 90.11% 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
225/40 R18 92V EU Label: D/B/70 3PMSF: yes Price: 650.00	Test # Result Best Difference % Dry Braking 2nd 44 M 43.9 M +0.1 M 99.77% Dry Handling 2nd 103.1 Km/H 103.4 Km/H -0.3 Km/H 99.71% Wet Braking 9th 49.9 M 46.7 M +3.2 M 93.59% Wet Handling 4th 81.4 Km/H 83.2 Km/H -1.8 Km/H 97.84% Straight Aqua 3rd 99 Km/H 102.2 Km/H -3.2 Km/H 96.87% Curved Aquaplaning 9th 2.5 m/sec2 3.21 m/sec2 -0.71 m/sec2 77.88% Snow Braking 1st 28.6 M 100% Snow Traction 1st 2218 N 100% Snow Handling 2nd 55.8 Km/H 58.4 Km/H -2.6 Km/H 95.55% Snow Slalom 2nd 3.73 m/sec2 4.33 m/sec2 -0.6 m/sec2 86.14% Noise 1st 69.5 dB 100% Rolling Resistance 3rd 8.89 kg / t 8.29 kg / t +0.6 kg / t 93.25% 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
225/40 R18 92V EU Label: C/B/71 3PMSF: yes Price: 600.00	Test # Result Best Difference % Dry Braking 6th 44.6 M 43.9 M +0.7 M 98.43% Dry Handling 7th 102.2 Km/H 103.4 Km/H -1.2 Km/H 98.84% Wet Braking 3rd 47.4 M 46.7 M +0.7 M 98.52% Wet Handling 7th 81.1 Km/H 83.2 Km/H -2.1 Km/H 97.48% Straight Aqua 7th 97.2 Km/H 102.2 Km/H -5 Km/H 95.11% Curved Aquaplaning 3rd 2.86 m/sec2 3.21 m/sec2 -0.35 m/sec2 89.1% Snow Braking 3rd 29.7 M 28.6 M +1.1 M 96.3% Snow Traction 5th 2153 N 2218 N -65 N 97.07% Snow Handling 4th 55.6 Km/H 58.4 Km/H -2.8 Km/H 95.21% Snow Slalom 4th 3.66 m/sec2 4.33 m/sec2 -0.67 m/sec2 84.53% Noise 3rd 69.9 dB 69.5 dB +0.4 dB 99.43% Rolling Resistance 1st 8.29 kg / t 100% 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
225/40 R18 92V EU Label: D/B/72 3PMSF: yes Price: 510.00	Test # Result Best Difference % Dry Braking 7th 44.8 M 43.9 M +0.9 M 97.99% Dry Handling 6th 102.4 Km/H 103.4 Km/H -1 Km/H 99.03% Wet Braking 7th 47.8 M 46.7 M +1.1 M 97.7% Wet Handling 6th 81.2 Km/H 83.2 Km/H -2 Km/H 97.6% Straight Aqua 1st 102.2 Km/H 100% Curved Aquaplaning 1st 3.21 m/sec2 100% Snow Braking 6th 30.8 M 28.6 M +2.2 M 92.86% Snow Traction 4th 2164 N 2218 N -54 N 97.57% Snow Handling 7th 54.8 Km/H 58.4 Km/H -3.6 Km/H 93.84% Snow Slalom 6th 3.53 m/sec2 4.33 m/sec2 -0.8 m/sec2 81.52% Noise 11th 73.6 dB 69.5 dB +4.1 dB 94.43% Rolling Resistance 10th 9.36 kg / t 8.29 kg / t +1.07 kg / t 88.57% 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
225/40 R18 92V EU Label: C/A/72 3PMSF: yes Price: 565.00	Test # Result Best Difference % Dry Braking 11th 47.2 M 43.9 M +3.3 M 93.01% Dry Handling 1st 103.4 Km/H 100% Wet Braking 2nd 47.1 M 46.7 M +0.4 M 99.15% Wet Handling 2nd 82.7 Km/H 83.2 Km/H -0.5 Km/H 99.4% Straight Aqua 4th 98.6 Km/H 102.2 Km/H -3.6 Km/H 96.48% Curved Aquaplaning 6th 2.67 m/sec2 3.21 m/sec2 -0.54 m/sec2 83.18% Snow Braking 4th 29.8 M 28.6 M +1.2 M 95.97% Snow Traction 6th 2151 N 2218 N -67 N 96.98% Snow Handling 5th 55.5 Km/H 58.4 Km/H -2.9 Km/H 95.03% Snow Slalom 8th 3.47 m/sec2 4.33 m/sec2 -0.86 m/sec2 80.14% Noise 4th 70 dB 69.5 dB +0.5 dB 99.29% Rolling Resistance 2nd 8.72 kg / t 8.29 kg / t +0.43 kg / t 95.07% 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 £143.69
6th: Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2
225/40 R18 92V EU Label: C/B/72 3PMSF: yes Price: 565.00	Test # Result Best Difference % Dry Braking 8th 45.3 M 43.9 M +1.4 M 96.91% Dry Handling 9th 101.2 Km/H 103.4 Km/H -2.2 Km/H 97.87% Wet Braking 5th 47.5 M 46.7 M +0.8 M 98.32% Wet Handling 4th 81.4 Km/H 83.2 Km/H -1.8 Km/H 97.84% Straight Aqua 5th 98.5 Km/H 102.2 Km/H -3.7 Km/H 96.38% Curved Aquaplaning 4th 2.76 m/sec2 3.21 m/sec2 -0.45 m/sec2 85.98% Snow Braking 7th 30.9 M 28.6 M +2.3 M 92.56% Snow Traction 2nd 2198 N 2218 N -20 N 99.1% Snow Handling 6th 55.3 Km/H 58.4 Km/H -3.1 Km/H 94.69% Snow Slalom 7th 3.51 m/sec2 4.33 m/sec2 -0.82 m/sec2 81.06% Noise 6th 71.1 dB 69.5 dB +1.6 dB 97.75% Rolling Resistance 5th 9.1 kg / t 8.29 kg / t +0.81 kg / t 91.1% 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
225/40 R18 92W EU Label: E/B/72 3PMSF: yes Price: 500.00	Test # Result Best Difference % Dry Braking 5th 44.4 M 43.9 M +0.5 M 98.87% Dry Handling 8th 101.4 Km/H 103.4 Km/H -2 Km/H 98.07% Wet Braking 3rd 47.4 M 46.7 M +0.7 M 98.52% Wet Handling 3rd 81.9 Km/H 83.2 Km/H -1.3 Km/H 98.44% Straight Aqua 5th 98.5 Km/H 102.2 Km/H -3.7 Km/H 96.38% Curved Aquaplaning 8th 2.54 m/sec2 3.21 m/sec2 -0.67 m/sec2 79.13% Snow Braking 10th 31.5 M 28.6 M +2.9 M 90.79% Snow Traction 8th 2098 N 2218 N -120 N 94.59% Snow Handling 9th 53.4 Km/H 58.4 Km/H -5 Km/H 91.44% Snow Slalom 9th 3.39 m/sec2 4.33 m/sec2 -0.94 m/sec2 78.29% Noise 8th 71.9 dB 69.5 dB +2.4 dB 96.66% Rolling Resistance 11th 9.94 kg / t 8.29 kg / t +1.65 kg / t 83.4% 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
225/40 R18 92W EU Label: C/B/72 3PMSF: yes Price: 450.00	Test # Result Best Difference % Dry Braking 2nd 44 M 43.9 M +0.1 M 99.77% Dry Handling 4th 102.5 Km/H 103.4 Km/H -0.9 Km/H 99.13% Wet Braking 8th 49.7 M 46.7 M +3 M 93.96% Wet Handling 9th 79.1 Km/H 83.2 Km/H -4.1 Km/H 95.07% Straight Aqua 10th 95.1 Km/H 102.2 Km/H -7.1 Km/H 93.05% Curved Aquaplaning 5th 2.73 m/sec2 3.21 m/sec2 -0.48 m/sec2 85.05% Snow Braking 8th 31 M 28.6 M +2.4 M 92.26% Snow Traction 9th 2096 N 2218 N -122 N 94.5% Snow Handling 8th 54.2 Km/H 58.4 Km/H -4.2 Km/H 92.81% Snow Slalom 5th 3.54 m/sec2 4.33 m/sec2 -0.79 m/sec2 81.76% Noise 9th 72.3 dB 69.5 dB +2.8 dB 96.13% Rolling Resistance 8th 9.22 kg / t 8.29 kg / t +0.93 kg / t 89.91% 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
225/40 R18 92V EU Label: D/B/72 3PMSF: yes Price: 465.00	Test # Result Best Difference % Dry Braking 1st 43.9 M 100% Dry Handling 3rd 102.6 Km/H 103.4 Km/H -0.8 Km/H 99.23% Wet Braking 5th 47.5 M 46.7 M +0.8 M 98.32% Wet Handling 8th 80.3 Km/H 83.2 Km/H -2.9 Km/H 96.51% Straight Aqua 9th 96.8 Km/H 102.2 Km/H -5.4 Km/H 94.72% Curved Aquaplaning 10th 2.45 m/sec2 3.21 m/sec2 -0.76 m/sec2 76.32% Snow Braking 9th 31.4 M 28.6 M +2.8 M 91.08% Snow Traction 10th 2026 N 2218 N -192 N 91.34% Snow Handling 10th 52.2 Km/H 58.4 Km/H -6.2 Km/H 89.38% Snow Slalom 10th 2.95 m/sec2 4.33 m/sec2 -1.38 m/sec2 68.13% Noise 7th 71.5 dB 69.5 dB +2 dB 97.2% Rolling Resistance 9th 9.3 kg / t 8.29 kg / t +1.01 kg / t 89.14% 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
10th: Austone SP 901
225/40 R18 92V EU Label: D/C/72 3PMSF: yes Price: 300.00	Test # Result Best Difference % Dry Braking 10th 47 M 43.9 M +3.1 M 93.4% Dry Handling 11th 100.2 Km/H 103.4 Km/H -3.2 Km/H 96.91% Wet Braking 11th 60.5 M 46.7 M +13.8 M 77.19% Wet Handling 11th 72.9 Km/H 83.2 Km/H -10.3 Km/H 87.62% Straight Aqua 11th 91.9 Km/H 102.2 Km/H -10.3 Km/H 89.92% Curved Aquaplaning 11th 1.74 m/sec2 3.21 m/sec2 -1.47 m/sec2 54.21% Snow Braking 2nd 29.6 M 28.6 M +1 M 96.62% Snow Traction 7th 2148 N 2218 N -70 N 96.84% Snow Handling 1st 58.4 Km/H 100% Snow Slalom 1st 4.33 m/sec2 100% Noise 5th 70.6 dB 69.5 dB +1.1 dB 98.44% Rolling Resistance 4th 8.92 kg / t 8.29 kg / t +0.63 kg / t 92.94% 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
225/40 R18 92V EU Label: D/C/72 3PMSF: yes Price: 300.00	Test # Result Best Difference % Dry Braking 9th 46.5 M 43.9 M +2.6 M 94.41% Dry Handling 10th 101 Km/H 103.4 Km/H -2.4 Km/H 97.68% Wet Braking 10th 53.7 M 46.7 M +7 M 86.96% Wet Handling 10th 77.4 Km/H 83.2 Km/H -5.8 Km/H 93.03% Straight Aqua 8th 97.1 Km/H 102.2 Km/H -5.1 Km/H 95.01% Curved Aquaplaning 7th 2.55 m/sec2 3.21 m/sec2 -0.66 m/sec2 79.44% Snow Braking 11th 38 M 28.6 M +9.4 M 75.26% Snow Traction 11th 1936 N 2218 N -282 N 87.29% Snow Handling 11th 48.3 Km/H 58.4 Km/H -10.1 Km/H 82.71% Snow Slalom 11th 2.77 m/sec2 4.33 m/sec2 -1.56 m/sec2 63.97% Noise 10th 72.8 dB 69.5 dB +3.3 dB 95.47% Rolling Resistance 6th 9.19 kg / t 8.29 kg / t +0.9 kg / t 90.21% 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