Test source Auto Bild

2012 Auto Bild Performance Winter Tire Test

Overall test winnerDunlop SP WinterSport 4D

Winter tires shouldn't mean limited performance, and many modern winter tires are rated up to V which means they're safe to run at 149mph for extended periods.

Data analyzed and reviewed byJonathan Benson

October 15, 2012 4 min read Updated January 8, 2025

Tire shortlist Read the test

Tires tested: 9
Tested size: 225/45 R17

At a glance

Tire shortlist

9 Tires tested

Published finishing positions, with the strengths and considerations from this test. Owner reviews cover other sizes and driving conditions.

1^st

Dunlop SP WinterSport 4D

+Winter tires of the highest class with the best traction and shortest braking distances on snow, secure handling in wet conditions and excellent cornering and short braking distances, very quiet, good aquaplaning properties

38 owner reviews Test Results

2^nd

Pirelli Sottozero Serie II

+The Pirelli has a balanced winter profile with superb dynamic properties and good traction on a snowy and wet track, exemplary steering precision, stable running and good grip in all weather conditions

31 owner reviews Test Results

3^rd

Continental WinterContact TS 830 P

+Convincing all-rounder with good winter qualities and short wet braking distances, stable handling and steering precision with good lateral grip on dry roads. Best ride comfort in the test

39 owner reviews Test Results

4^th

Michelin Alpin A4

+Safe handling in all weather conditions, good traction and short braking distances on snow Quiet.

−Slightly longer braking distances and average cornering on wet track

55 owner reviews Test Results

5^th

Hankook Winter i cept RS

+Good aquaplaning properties, dynamic handling and high steering precision on dry roads, low rolling resistance

−Weaknesses in driving performance on snowy and wet roads

6 owner reviews Test Results

6^th

Nokian WR A3

+Excellent confidence with the fastest lap time, good steering precision and shortest stopping distance on a dry track. Stable driving characteristics in the wet, low rolling resistance

−Limited aquaplaning, wet slightly longer braking distances

76 owner reviews Test Results

7^th

Toyo Snowprox S953

+The Toyo is a winter tire with good traction and delay on snowy slopes, convincing handling in all weather conditions; low noise

−Slightly long wet braking distances, increased rolling resistance, average comfort

10 owner reviews Test Results

8^th

Bridgestone Blizzak LM32

+Short stopping distances and high traction on snow, good aquaplaning safety reserves, low rolling resistance

−Weak cornering on snow; understeer with slow steering response; moderate comfort

19 owner reviews Test Results

9^th

Semperit Speed Grip 2

+Balanced safe handling and good traction on wet road, low rolling resistance and a low noise level

−Only average handling; understeering driving behavior on wet and snow-covered roads

17 owner reviews Test Results

Tire shortlist

Compare selected tires

2012 Auto Bild Performance Winter Tire Test · 225/45 R17

Tire	Dunlop SP WinterSport 4D	Pirelli Sottozero Serie II	Continental WinterContact TS 830 P	Michelin Alpin A4	Hankook Winter i cept RS	Nokian WR A3	Toyo Snowprox S953	Bridgestone Blizzak LM32	Semperit Speed Grip 2
Position	1^st	2^nd	3^rd	4^th	5^th	6^th	7^th	8^th	9^th
Keep researching	Read owner reviews Test Results	Read owner reviews Test Results	Read owner reviews Test Results	Read owner reviews Test Results	Read owner reviews Test Results	Read owner reviews Test Results	Read owner reviews Test Results	Read owner reviews Test Results	Read owner reviews Test Results

Explore the complete results →

The full test

The evidence behind the verdict

Winter tires shouldn't mean limited performance, and many modern winter tires are rated up to V which means they're safe to run at 149mph for extended periods.

To test nine of the best, Auto Bild equipped a Golf GTI with the recommended 225/45 R17 winter tire size in V rating, and subjected them to handling, braking and comfort tests in the dry, wet and snowy conditions.

The Results

All discipline results (6)

Test	Result
Dry	7
Wet	8
Snow	9
Comfort	7
Rolling Resistance	7
Noise	8

Total: 46

All discipline results (6)

Test	Result
Dry	7
Wet	7
Snow	9
Comfort	7
Rolling Resistance	6
Noise	7

Total: 43

All discipline results (6)

Test	Result
Dry	8
Wet	7
Snow	7
Comfort	8
Rolling Resistance	10
Noise	7

Total: 47

All discipline results (6)

Test	Result
Dry	7
Wet	6
Snow	8
Comfort	6
Rolling Resistance	7
Noise	7

Total: 41

All discipline results (6)

Test	Result
Dry	6
Wet	6
Snow	7
Comfort	5
Rolling Resistance	7
Noise	7

Total: 38

All discipline results (6)

Test	Result
Dry	8
Wet	6
Snow	6
Comfort	7
Rolling Resistance	8
Noise	6

Total: 41

All discipline results (6)

Test	Result
Dry	6
Wet	6
Snow	8
Comfort	5
Rolling Resistance	5
Noise	8

Total: 38

All discipline results (6)

Test	Result
Dry	5
Wet	6
Snow	7
Comfort	5
Rolling Resistance	10
Noise	6

Total: 39

All discipline results (6)

Test	Result
Dry	6
Wet	7
Snow	6
Comfort	6
Rolling Resistance	8
Noise	8

Total: 41

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Discussion

4 comments

Hakka Nov 22, 2013 archived

I see they didn't put in Hakkapaliitta R2.. hmmmm.

#998
1. TireReviews Hakka Nov 24, 2013 archived
  
  That's a nordic winter tire, a grade above the tires in this test.
  
  #999
Jon Oct 18, 2012 archived

Shouldn't the nokian be above the hankook?

#695
1. TireReviews Jon Oct 18, 2012 archived
  
  Auto Bild weight the scoring in favor of snow and ice performance which means in Auto Bilds final result the Hankook beat the Nokian, even with a lower overall score.
  
  #696

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2012 Auto Bild Performance Winter Tire Test