Nokian WR SUV 3 addresses Europe’s varying winter conditions

This autumn, Nokian Tyres will release a new product for the growing SUV markets in Europe, Russia and the Ukraine. The WR SUV 3 is a non-studded, symmetric and directional tread pattern that Nokian says will feel at home in Europe’s varying winter conditions Europe. The tyre maker claims strengths in winter grip and driving response, including effective resistance to slush planing and aquaplaning.

A particular objective during development of this successor to the WR G2 SUV was to “take grip on snow and ice to a new level”, says Nokian. New innovations such as ‘Snow Claws’ help in this regard; these Snow Claws are shaped on the longitudinal and diagonal grooves of the tread blocks to provide much-needed grip on winter roads. Nokian says they grip the surface effectively on soft snow and in soft terrain. Other innovations used include ‘Groove Lifts’ on the tread blocks next to the centre rib and longitudinal ribs that improve handling on dry roads, 3D Lock Sipes that stretch from shoulder to shoulder improve handling in corners and during evasions, and extensive grooving for water and slush dispersal.

The compound employed in the Nokian WR SUV 3 contains rapeseed oil. The Finnish tyre maker says the use of rapeseed oil maximises tear strength, making the WR SUV 3 more durable and increasing ice and snow grip under extreme conditions. Nokian also claims lower rolling resistance, better fuel economy and lower hazardous emissions than that of its “traditional competitors”. Although EU tyre label ratings will understandably vary from size to size, Nokian reports a B rating for rolling resistance and C for wet grip – which on the face of it appears a respectable result for a winter tyre.

A total of 37 sizes are available in the WR SUV 3 range, covering rim diameters between 15 and 21-inches. Most of the tyres in the modern selection are XL marked.   

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