advance warning
The test was conducted late last winter when few anticipated how differently life would unfold. Still, every tire model in the study remained available for purchase, though supply could vary by region. A significant portion of the tested tires were sourced from Russia, suggesting that even if warehouses run dry, the products may still circulate through smaller supply chains. Domestic marques were compared with notable imports, and the study did not exclude tires from brands that had paused operations in Russia.
rivals
The most talked about option in theory is the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5, which replaced the previous model. These tires, however, were produced in Nokian’s Finnish facility, not in Russia. Nokian flagships typically command higher prices once they appear on the market, with a single tire often listed around 8,500 rubles.
Bridgestone Blizzak Ice (Russia) sits about 500 rubles cheaper, though some sites still present it as a recent release. Continental Viking Contact 7, manufactured in Kaluga, comes in substantially cheaper than the Finnish counterpart. Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 2 (Poland) and Pirelli IceZero FR (Russia) are available for around six thousand rubles.
Nordman RS 2 (Russia) stands nearly a thousand rubles cheaper, while Nankang Ice Assets Ice-1 from China offers even lower pricing at 4,300 rubles. The domestic option Cordiant Winter Drive 2 rounds out the lineup at 4,100 rubles, about half the price of the Finnish novelty.
To mirror real-world conditions, test tires were stored in cold environments before testing began and were mounted directly onto vehicles straight from the box.
Where tested: Arvidsjaur – Gislaved
The main tests took place in February 2022 on ice and snow roads at the Arctic Falls site near Arvidsjaur in Swedish Lapland, with air temperatures ranging from minus one to minus twelve degrees Celsius. In Sweden’s southern region near Jäislav, asphalt tests occurred in April at plus five to plus eight degrees Celsius.
A Volkswagen Golf served as the test vehicle. Its handling and braking behavior were noted, with the vehicle performing predictably and safely at the limit, capable of a controlled slide only under extreme conditions.
Measurement data were captured using a Racelogic Vbox system, which integrates GLONASS and GPS satellite data for precise readings.
During the white tests, which covered snow and ice, the surface condition was evaluated by repeating basic tire exercises and then returning to them every two to three test cycles.
on ice
Ice represents the slickest and most hazardous surface on winter roads. It challenges friction mechanisms, making it essential to assess ice traction first. The evaluation begins with longitudinal traction tests, focusing on acceleration from rest to 20 km/h with traction control on and braking from 20 to 5 km/h with ABS active.
Continental leads in both acceleration and braking on ice. Nankang, by contrast, shows the weakest longitudinal performance, speeding up and slowing more slowly than competitors by about 11 percent.
Transverse grip was assessed with a circle 27 meters in diameter. Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 posted the fastest time and the largest margin over rivals, while Cordiant sat noticeably behind. In practical terms, Nokian completed the lap around ice in roughly 12 seconds, whereas Cordiant required around 15 seconds.
Manageability was judged for the average driver who lacks advanced winter driving skills. The Golf demonstrated stable, predictable responses on Nokian and Pirelli tires. At the limit, these tires offered a gentle exit from corners, and vehicle behavior remained safe unless speed dropped dramatically or aggressive maneuvers occurred.
Nankang tires showed the least intuitive handling, with delayed steering responses and reduced feedback about impending skids, making it harder to anticipate loss of control.
in the snow
Snow testing focused first on acceleration from 0 to 40 km/h and braking from 40 to 5 km/h. Continental, Nokian, and Pirelli delivered the strongest acceleration. Nankang lagged behind by about 5 percent, while the gap between the best and the worst during braking was only about 4 percent, roughly half a meter.
Directional stability and smooth handling at higher speeds were most favorable for Cordiant, Nokian, and Pirelli, with no major complaints. Nankang again scored lowest due to slower steering responses and reduced feedback, creating hesitation on the driver’s part.
On highly twisty courses, Continental briefly joined the leading trio, while Nankang showed unstable behavior at the limit and in some cases apparent skidding. None of the tires managed a completely faultless demonstration during extreme maneuvers in snow, though Continental and Nokian drew fewer criticisms for their behavior. With the strongest detour handling, Nokian and Continental were noted as the most reliable, yet even their performance did not feel completely unambiguous to the Golf driver at the start of a maneuver.
Bridgestone, Goodyear, Nankang, and Pirelli tires showed more imbalance between entry drift and the transition to straight-line sliding. Pirelli tires were rated lower due to excessive slippage after maneuvers that followed a rebuild. In wintry cities, road services do not always clear all routes promptly, leaving snow-blanketed driveways and lots as real tests for traction. Continental, Nokian, and Pirelli performed best on fresh snow, enabling smoother starts, steady movement, and easier returns if the car caught the snow with the front bumper. Bridgestone tires struggled the most, tending to slide prematurely and losing traction, with limited recovery options.
For a full assessment of road performance, see the experts’ conclusions and the final ranking via the referenced link.
Za Rulem researchers also tested eight additional studded tire models for crossovers. The results are published in Za Rulem magazine issue 10 of 2022 and will appear on the site soon. Check back for updates.
- Summary of tire tests Behind the Wheel from 2018 to 2021 will be updated via attribution
- Behind the Wheel insights are also available in Yandex.Zen with proper attribution