2023 Sports Cars Winter Tyre Test

In the 2023 Sports Cars Winter Tyre Test conducted by AutoBild Sportscars, several tyres 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 tyre also performed well in snow scenarios, ranking third in snow traction, snow handling, and snow slalom. The rolling resistance of this tyre 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 tyre'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 tyre registered the lowest noise level among all tested tyres, 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 tyre'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 tyre​.

This comparison reveals that while both tyres 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.

Test Size: 225/40 R18
Tyres Tested: 11 tyres
Test Categories:
5 categories (12 tests)
Similar Tests

Test Category Best Performer Worst Performer Difference
Dry (2 tests)
Dry Braking Falken EUROWINTER HS02 Pro: 43.9 M Bridgestone Blizzak LM005: 47.2 M3.3 M (7.0%)
Dry Handling Bridgestone Blizzak LM005: 103.4 Km/H Austone SP 901: 100.2 Km/H3.2 Km/H (3.2%)
Wet (4 tests)
Wet Braking Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3: 46.7 M Austone SP 901: 60.5 M13.8 M (22.8%)
Wet Handling Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3: 83.2 Km/H Austone SP 901: 72.9 Km/H10.3 Km/H (14.1%)
Straight Aqua Hankook Winter i cept evo3: 102.2 Km/H Austone SP 901: 91.9 Km/H10.3 Km/H (11.2%)
Curved Aquaplaning Hankook Winter i cept evo3: 3.21 m/sec2 Austone SP 901: 1.74 m/sec21.5 m/sec2 (84.5%)
Snow (4 tests)
Snow Braking Michelin Pilot Alpin 5: 28.6 M Goodride SW608: 38 M9.4 M (24.7%)
Snow Traction Michelin Pilot Alpin 5: 2218 N Goodride SW608: 1936 N282.0 N (14.6%)
Snow Handling Austone SP 901: 58.4 Km/H Goodride SW608: 48.3 Km/H10.1 Km/H (20.9%)
Snow Slalom Austone SP 901: 4.33 m/sec2 Goodride SW608: 2.77 m/sec21.6 m/sec2 (56.3%)
Comfort (1 tests)
Noise Michelin Pilot Alpin 5: 69.5 dB Hankook Winter i cept evo3: 73.6 dB4.1 dB (5.6%)
Value (1 tests)
Rolling Resistance Continental WinterContact TS 870 P: 8.29 kg / t Vredestein Wintrac Pro: 9.94 kg / t1.7 kg / t (16.6%)

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

Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
  • 225/40 R18 92V
  • EU Label: D/B/71
  • 3PMSF: yes
  • Price: 575.00
Test#ResultBestDifference%
Dry Braking4th44.3 M43.9 M+0.4 M99.1%
Dry Handling4th102.5 Km/H103.4 Km/H-0.9 Km/H99.13%
Wet Braking1st46.7 M100%
Wet Handling1st83.2 Km/H100%
Straight Aqua2nd100.1 Km/H102.2 Km/H-2.1 Km/H97.95%
Curved Aquaplaning2nd2.9 m/sec23.21 m/sec2-0.31 m/sec290.34%
Snow Braking5th30.1 M28.6 M+1.5 M95.02%
Snow Traction3rd2174 N2218 N-44 N98.02%
Snow Handling3rd55.7 Km/H58.4 Km/H-2.7 Km/H95.38%
Snow Slalom3rd3.68 m/sec24.33 m/sec2-0.65 m/sec284.99%
Noise2nd69.8 dB69.5 dB+0.3 dB99.57%
Rolling Resistance7th9.2 kg / t8.29 kg / t+0.91 kg / t90.11%
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.

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1st: Michelin Pilot Alpin 5

Michelin Pilot Alpin 5
  • 225/40 R18 92V
  • EU Label: D/B/70
  • 3PMSF: yes
  • Price: 650.00
Test#ResultBestDifference%
Dry Braking2nd44 M43.9 M+0.1 M99.77%
Dry Handling2nd103.1 Km/H103.4 Km/H-0.3 Km/H99.71%
Wet Braking9th49.9 M46.7 M+3.2 M93.59%
Wet Handling4th81.4 Km/H83.2 Km/H-1.8 Km/H97.84%
Straight Aqua3rd99 Km/H102.2 Km/H-3.2 Km/H96.87%
Curved Aquaplaning9th2.5 m/sec23.21 m/sec2-0.71 m/sec277.88%
Snow Braking1st28.6 M100%
Snow Traction1st2218 N100%
Snow Handling2nd55.8 Km/H58.4 Km/H-2.6 Km/H95.55%
Snow Slalom2nd3.73 m/sec24.33 m/sec2-0.6 m/sec286.14%
Noise1st69.5 dB100%
Rolling Resistance3rd8.89 kg / t8.29 kg / t+0.6 kg / t93.25%
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.

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3rd: Continental WinterContact TS 870 P

Continental WinterContact TS 870 P
  • 225/40 R18 92V
  • EU Label: C/B/71
  • 3PMSF: yes
  • Price: 600.00
Test#ResultBestDifference%
Dry Braking6th44.6 M43.9 M+0.7 M98.43%
Dry Handling7th102.2 Km/H103.4 Km/H-1.2 Km/H98.84%
Wet Braking3rd47.4 M46.7 M+0.7 M98.52%
Wet Handling7th81.1 Km/H83.2 Km/H-2.1 Km/H97.48%
Straight Aqua7th97.2 Km/H102.2 Km/H-5 Km/H95.11%
Curved Aquaplaning3rd2.86 m/sec23.21 m/sec2-0.35 m/sec289.1%
Snow Braking3rd29.7 M28.6 M+1.1 M96.3%
Snow Traction5th2153 N2218 N-65 N97.07%
Snow Handling4th55.6 Km/H58.4 Km/H-2.8 Km/H95.21%
Snow Slalom4th3.66 m/sec24.33 m/sec2-0.67 m/sec284.53%
Noise3rd69.9 dB69.5 dB+0.4 dB99.43%
Rolling Resistance1st8.29 kg / t100%
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.

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4th: Hankook Winter i cept evo3

Hankook Winter i cept evo3
  • 225/40 R18 92V
  • EU Label: D/B/72
  • 3PMSF: yes
  • Price: 510.00
Test#ResultBestDifference%
Dry Braking7th44.8 M43.9 M+0.9 M97.99%
Dry Handling6th102.4 Km/H103.4 Km/H-1 Km/H99.03%
Wet Braking7th47.8 M46.7 M+1.1 M97.7%
Wet Handling6th81.2 Km/H83.2 Km/H-2 Km/H97.6%
Straight Aqua1st102.2 Km/H100%
Curved Aquaplaning1st3.21 m/sec2100%
Snow Braking6th30.8 M28.6 M+2.2 M92.86%
Snow Traction4th2164 N2218 N-54 N97.57%
Snow Handling7th54.8 Km/H58.4 Km/H-3.6 Km/H93.84%
Snow Slalom6th3.53 m/sec24.33 m/sec2-0.8 m/sec281.52%
Noise11th73.6 dB69.5 dB+4.1 dB94.43%
Rolling Resistance10th9.36 kg / t8.29 kg / t+1.07 kg / t88.57%
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.

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5th: Bridgestone Blizzak LM005

Bridgestone Blizzak LM005
  • 225/40 R18 92V
  • EU Label: C/A/72
  • 3PMSF: yes
  • Price: 565.00
Test#ResultBestDifference%
Dry Braking11th47.2 M43.9 M+3.3 M93.01%
Dry Handling1st103.4 Km/H100%
Wet Braking2nd47.1 M46.7 M+0.4 M99.15%
Wet Handling2nd82.7 Km/H83.2 Km/H-0.5 Km/H99.4%
Straight Aqua4th98.6 Km/H102.2 Km/H-3.6 Km/H96.48%
Curved Aquaplaning6th2.67 m/sec23.21 m/sec2-0.54 m/sec283.18%
Snow Braking4th29.8 M28.6 M+1.2 M95.97%
Snow Traction6th2151 N2218 N-67 N96.98%
Snow Handling5th55.5 Km/H58.4 Km/H-2.9 Km/H95.03%
Snow Slalom8th3.47 m/sec24.33 m/sec2-0.86 m/sec280.14%
Noise4th70 dB69.5 dB+0.5 dB99.29%
Rolling Resistance2nd8.72 kg / t8.29 kg / t+0.43 kg / t95.07%
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.

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6th: Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2

Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2
  • 225/40 R18 92V
  • EU Label: C/B/72
  • 3PMSF: yes
  • Price: 565.00
Test#ResultBestDifference%
Dry Braking8th45.3 M43.9 M+1.4 M96.91%
Dry Handling9th101.2 Km/H103.4 Km/H-2.2 Km/H97.87%
Wet Braking5th47.5 M46.7 M+0.8 M98.32%
Wet Handling4th81.4 Km/H83.2 Km/H-1.8 Km/H97.84%
Straight Aqua5th98.5 Km/H102.2 Km/H-3.7 Km/H96.38%
Curved Aquaplaning4th2.76 m/sec23.21 m/sec2-0.45 m/sec285.98%
Snow Braking7th30.9 M28.6 M+2.3 M92.56%
Snow Traction2nd2198 N2218 N-20 N99.1%
Snow Handling6th55.3 Km/H58.4 Km/H-3.1 Km/H94.69%
Snow Slalom7th3.51 m/sec24.33 m/sec2-0.82 m/sec281.06%
Noise6th71.1 dB69.5 dB+1.6 dB97.75%
Rolling Resistance5th9.1 kg / t8.29 kg / t+0.81 kg / t91.1%
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.

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7th: Vredestein Wintrac Pro

Vredestein Wintrac Pro
  • 225/40 R18 92W
  • EU Label: E/B/72
  • 3PMSF: yes
  • Price: 500.00
Test#ResultBestDifference%
Dry Braking5th44.4 M43.9 M+0.5 M98.87%
Dry Handling8th101.4 Km/H103.4 Km/H-2 Km/H98.07%
Wet Braking3rd47.4 M46.7 M+0.7 M98.52%
Wet Handling3rd81.9 Km/H83.2 Km/H-1.3 Km/H98.44%
Straight Aqua5th98.5 Km/H102.2 Km/H-3.7 Km/H96.38%
Curved Aquaplaning8th2.54 m/sec23.21 m/sec2-0.67 m/sec279.13%
Snow Braking10th31.5 M28.6 M+2.9 M90.79%
Snow Traction8th2098 N2218 N-120 N94.59%
Snow Handling9th53.4 Km/H58.4 Km/H-5 Km/H91.44%
Snow Slalom9th3.39 m/sec24.33 m/sec2-0.94 m/sec278.29%
Noise8th71.9 dB69.5 dB+2.4 dB96.66%
Rolling Resistance11th9.94 kg / t8.29 kg / t+1.65 kg / t83.4%
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.

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7th: Kumho Winter Craft WP52

Kumho Winter Craft WP52
  • 225/40 R18 92W
  • EU Label: C/B/72
  • 3PMSF: yes
  • Price: 450.00
Test#ResultBestDifference%
Dry Braking2nd44 M43.9 M+0.1 M99.77%
Dry Handling4th102.5 Km/H103.4 Km/H-0.9 Km/H99.13%
Wet Braking8th49.7 M46.7 M+3 M93.96%
Wet Handling9th79.1 Km/H83.2 Km/H-4.1 Km/H95.07%
Straight Aqua10th95.1 Km/H102.2 Km/H-7.1 Km/H93.05%
Curved Aquaplaning5th2.73 m/sec23.21 m/sec2-0.48 m/sec285.05%
Snow Braking8th31 M28.6 M+2.4 M92.26%
Snow Traction9th2096 N2218 N-122 N94.5%
Snow Handling8th54.2 Km/H58.4 Km/H-4.2 Km/H92.81%
Snow Slalom5th3.54 m/sec24.33 m/sec2-0.79 m/sec281.76%
Noise9th72.3 dB69.5 dB+2.8 dB96.13%
Rolling Resistance8th9.22 kg / t8.29 kg / t+0.93 kg / t89.91%
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.

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9th: Falken EUROWINTER HS02 Pro

Falken EUROWINTER HS02 Pro
  • 225/40 R18 92V
  • EU Label: D/B/72
  • 3PMSF: yes
  • Price: 465.00
Test#ResultBestDifference%
Dry Braking1st43.9 M100%
Dry Handling3rd102.6 Km/H103.4 Km/H-0.8 Km/H99.23%
Wet Braking5th47.5 M46.7 M+0.8 M98.32%
Wet Handling8th80.3 Km/H83.2 Km/H-2.9 Km/H96.51%
Straight Aqua9th96.8 Km/H102.2 Km/H-5.4 Km/H94.72%
Curved Aquaplaning10th2.45 m/sec23.21 m/sec2-0.76 m/sec276.32%
Snow Braking9th31.4 M28.6 M+2.8 M91.08%
Snow Traction10th2026 N2218 N-192 N91.34%
Snow Handling10th52.2 Km/H58.4 Km/H-6.2 Km/H89.38%
Snow Slalom10th2.95 m/sec24.33 m/sec2-1.38 m/sec268.13%
Noise7th71.5 dB69.5 dB+2 dB97.2%
Rolling Resistance9th9.3 kg / t8.29 kg / t+1.01 kg / t89.14%
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.

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10th: Austone SP 901

Austone SP 901
  • 225/40 R18 92V
  • EU Label: D/C/72
  • 3PMSF: yes
  • Price: 300.00
Test#ResultBestDifference%
Dry Braking10th47 M43.9 M+3.1 M93.4%
Dry Handling11th100.2 Km/H103.4 Km/H-3.2 Km/H96.91%
Wet Braking11th60.5 M46.7 M+13.8 M77.19%
Wet Handling11th72.9 Km/H83.2 Km/H-10.3 Km/H87.62%
Straight Aqua11th91.9 Km/H102.2 Km/H-10.3 Km/H89.92%
Curved Aquaplaning11th1.74 m/sec23.21 m/sec2-1.47 m/sec254.21%
Snow Braking2nd29.6 M28.6 M+1 M96.62%
Snow Traction7th2148 N2218 N-70 N96.84%
Snow Handling1st58.4 Km/H100%
Snow Slalom1st4.33 m/sec2100%
Noise5th70.6 dB69.5 dB+1.1 dB98.44%
Rolling Resistance4th8.92 kg / t8.29 kg / t+0.63 kg / t92.94%
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.

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11th: Goodride SW608

Goodride SW608
  • 225/40 R18 92V
  • EU Label: D/C/72
  • 3PMSF: yes
  • Price: 300.00
Test#ResultBestDifference%
Dry Braking9th46.5 M43.9 M+2.6 M94.41%
Dry Handling10th101 Km/H103.4 Km/H-2.4 Km/H97.68%
Wet Braking10th53.7 M46.7 M+7 M86.96%
Wet Handling10th77.4 Km/H83.2 Km/H-5.8 Km/H93.03%
Straight Aqua8th97.1 Km/H102.2 Km/H-5.1 Km/H95.01%
Curved Aquaplaning7th2.55 m/sec23.21 m/sec2-0.66 m/sec279.44%
Snow Braking11th38 M28.6 M+9.4 M75.26%
Snow Traction11th1936 N2218 N-282 N87.29%
Snow Handling11th48.3 Km/H58.4 Km/H-10.1 Km/H82.71%
Snow Slalom11th2.77 m/sec24.33 m/sec2-1.56 m/sec263.97%
Noise10th72.8 dB69.5 dB+3.3 dB95.47%
Rolling Resistance6th9.19 kg / t8.29 kg / t+0.9 kg / t90.21%
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.

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