Russian tyre test offers surprising findings
The latest issue of Russian motoring magazine, Avto-Revyu (No. 6/2012) features a tyre test based on a range of 185/60 R15 products. This size is a mainstay of the Russian market due to strong sales of Volkswagen’s Polo there.
Tyres tested include the Michelin Energy Saver and Energy XM2, Bridgestone Ecopia EP100, Continental ContiEcoContact 5, Goodyear EfficientGrip, Nokian Hakka Green and Pirelli Cinturato representing so-called “green” tyres as well as the Hankook Optimo K415, Kama Euro 236 and Federal Formoza FD1 “normal” tyres.
The results demonstrate some fascinating findings which are far removed from the rankings published in Western Europe. One reason for this is the importance of structural strength in the domestic Russian market, where road surfaces and vehicle condition are variable to say the least.
Nizhnekamshina’s Kama Euro 236 tyre strongest in Avto-Revyu crush test
Avto-Revyu’s test was held in France at Michelin’s testing area in Clermont-Ferrand, according to the report. In addition to the driving dynamics you would expect, Avto-Revyu specialists also measured rolling resistance and did a crash test for test for shock durability. The latter is apparently “very urgent” for Russian drivers with post ice roads condition said to be generally poor. According to the article, the first crash test occurred on a Minsk highway between Russia and France in a test VW Polo Sedan with Kama Euro 236 before the test actually began. Despite “a pretty hard hit” the Nizhnekamskshina tyre reportedly got through “with honour.”
Once the tests were completed, the Michelin Energy Saver tyre topped the chart, followed by the Hankook Optimo K415 in second place. Third position went to the Pirelli Cinturato P1 with the Continental ContiEcoContact 5, KAMA EURO 236 and Nokian Hakka Green sharing fifth place. Michelin’s Energy XM2 came sixth followed by the Goodyear EfficientGrip in seventh. Eight went to the Federal Formoza FD1 with the Bridgestone Ecopia EP100 surprisingly bringing up the rear.
Nizhnekamskshina representatives point out that the Kama Euro 236 was a “worthy competitor” to the global brands, achieving second place in the “moose test” and on aquaplaning. It is said to have topped the table in the crush test, wet roads and braking elements. Turning stability reportedly worked out the same as Michelin, Goodyear and Nokian’s tyres. Company representatives were keen to point out that the Nizhnekamsk tyre would have performed better if price had been taken into account as its products are approximately two times lower than the Continental ContiEcoContact 5.
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