Goodyear and Dunlop take top slots in Auto Express winter tyre test

Goodyear and Dunlop are celebrating taking first and second place in the 2015 Auto Express winter tyre test, details of which were released this week. Auto Express tested eight premium tyre brands in 225/45 R17 at Nokian’s ‘White Hell’ proving ground in Ivalo, northern Finland. There were 14 intensive tests on snow, wet and dry as well as noise and rolling resistance.

The New Goodyear UltraGrip Performance Gen-1 came first with the Dunlop Winter Sport 5 just behind it.

The UltraGrip Performance Gen-1 performed particularly well in Snow Tracton, Circle and Handlng as well as Curved Aquaplaning, with Auto Express’ chief tyre tester, Kim Adams, commenting: “Impressive debut in our Winter Tyre Test from a great all-round performer” and adding that the tyre’s “grippy tread worked in deep water, too, making some designs look ordinary in the curved (aquaplaning) test”. The tyre is also said to have performed well in dry conditions, according to Adams: “the keen turn-in was there in the dry, too, particularly when changing direction”.

Dunlop – Economic winter performance

The Dunlop Winter Sport 5 was described as particularly strong in Snow Handling, Curved Aquaplaning, and Wet Braking. It even took first place in the Rolling Resistance test.

In his report on the Winter Sport 5 Adams commented: “Dunlop has certainly done its homework, as the Winter Sport 5 delivered a sound performance across all tests” with the overall verdict as “Easy on the pocket, and generally impressive on all surfaces.” The Auto Express journalist also credited Dunlop on its performance in the wet, commenting that “it provided a good balance, with very little rear movement and a keen turn in.”

Kate Rock, PR manager for Goodyear Dunlop UK said: “We are thrilled to have taken the top two places in this important tyre test. Market research tell us that tyre test wins are an important and influential factor in the decision making process for tyres. We are pleased that Auto Express continue to take tyre testing so seriously. Influential tests like this enable the consumer to find an independent view of tyres in the market place and which tyres are best for them.”