Nokian launches ‘durable’ Hakkapeliitta CR4, C4 winter van tyres

Nokian Tyres has developed a new line of winter van tyres for professionals and recreational drivers, with an additional studded option for Nordic conditions. The Hakkapeliitta CR4 and C4 studded tyres are designed to last longer and carry heavy loads in a balanced manner at higher speeds, the Finnish manufacturer says. Nokian has maximised the durability of the Hakkapeliitta C4 and CR4 via its impact, cut, and pothole resistant Aramid Sidewall technology. The new tyre line, designed for key markets in the Nordic countries and Russia, will be delivered to retailers by autumn, in time for the 2022/23 winter season.

The Nokian Hakkapeliitta CR4 is designed to offer a safe and comfortable ride on both crowded urban streets and “unplowed urban gravel roads”, the manufacturer states. The tyre featured faceted tread blocks and dense siping – Nokian’s MultiTouch technology – which improve handling on icy, snowy, and wet roads. In addition, Nokian has reduced rolling resistance, and therefore fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions, in the CR4. The Hakkapeliitta CR4 will be available for “all modern van models, including many recreational vehicles,” Nokian says, in sizes between 15 and 17 inches.

The Hakkapeliitta C4 studded tyre incorporates stainless steel square stud for controlled handling and greater grip on ice and snow. Nokian says it has increased the number of studs, while their construction is designed to prevent rust with age. They use stainless steel, which is more resistant to corrosion and wear caused by salted roads and moisture. The tyre will be available in 20 dimensions between 15 and 18 inches.

Meeting eco demands

Nokian says the new Nordic winter van tyre range addresses current “logistics and micro-travel” megatrends, which are increasing demand for high-quality, eco-friendly specialist tyres. “Goods and people need to be able to move reliably and safely all year long. Professional drivers value a tyre’s grip on the worst days of winter, durability, and low noise. Recreational use also emphasises fuel efficiency and easy, reliable handling even at higher speeds,” says Nokian product development manager Mikko Liukkula.

Nokian says that RV and van drivers on the road in the Northern winter want their non-studded tyres to offer safety and ease of driving, but also quiet rolling, fuel efficiency, and good durability.

“The large tread blocks and sturdy, heavily siped tread pattern of the robust Hakkapeliitta CR4 work together with its flexible rubber compound designed for low temperatures to reduce any jolts and bumps from the ruts and potholes on poorly maintained roads. Rolling noise remains quiet and comfortable on different surfaces,” Liukkula says.

The Hakkapeliitta CR4 non-studded tyre compound, tailored for versatile heavy-duty use on vans, works safely across a wide temperature range and lowers rolling resistance. The softer outer layer of the tread surface stiffens grip while the firm bottom layer provides additional stability.

Increased grip for vans in Nordic conditions

The CR4, designed for versatile use on delivery vehicles and vans, offers quiet and light rolling, Nokian says. The new MultiTouch tread model that improves winter grip as well as more precise and comfortable handling. The computer-optimised sipes on the various parts of the symmetrical tread pattern operate optimally in varying conditions on ice, snow, and bare roads alike.

“The new MultiTouch tread model is the masterful result of computer modelling and millions of test kilometres, and it enables the Hakkapeliitta CR4 to adapt to sudden changes in the Northern winter. The large, jagged tread blocks have dense sipes, which the driver can sense as improved grip when accelerating on icy roads as well as in high-speed cornering in heavy snowfall. The added edges ensure commendable lateral and longitudinal grip,” Liukkula explains.

Grip on snow and ice is further enhanced by the heavily alternating angles of the main grooves and the Brake Boosters and Sipe Activators designed in the tread blocks.

Increasingly varying winter weather means that a large part of our winter driving will take place on bare asphalt. The large, open grooves accelerate the removal of slush and water, efficiently preventing slushplaning and aquaplaning. The Center Block Siping on the continuous centre rib stiffens the tyre’s centre section. The tread blocks are tied together with Groove Lifts, which ensures commendable stability and safety in high-speed driving, even in dry weather.

Nokian Hakkapeliitta C4’s stainless steel studs

Maximising Nordic winter grip

Both the studded and non-studded tyres maximise grip in various ways. Nokian says heavy vans in particular need to maximise lateral grip to retain control during sudden evasions and braking.

In addition to the hard metal stud pin and bottom flange, the C4’s square stud body improves grip on ice both on longitudinal and lateral direction and anchors the stud even more firmly into the tread rubber compound. Safe winter grip is also helped by the increased number of studs and the various sipe depths and sizes on the tread blocks. Compared to the test-winning Hakkapeliitta C3, there are on average 10 per cent more studs. In the popular size of 235/65 R16C, for example, the number of studs has gone from 110 to 124. Computer-optimised stud distribution also allows for lower rolling noise, as the impact waves of individual studs will not amplify each other. The noise level therefore stays comfortably low, improving driving comfort.

The new tread has been deigned to overcome black ice, water and slush. The different tread block sizes and the firm, arrow-like design of the centre area, complete with supporting ribs, offer much-needed grip and stability when they are needed the most. In the centre section, every other tread block is attached to the centre rib, which results in passenger car-like steering feel even at higher speeds, Liukkula says.

Snow Grip Booster cuts on both sides of the middle blocks in the centre area tread provide more sharp edges for improved snow grip in both the longitudinal and lateral directions.

The winterproof tread rubber compound, tailored for use on vans, works across a wide temperature range and can withstand harsh wear, according to Nokian.

The tyre will retain its grip on cold winter days as well as on wet and dry roads in milder weather. The strong tread compound is also very tolerant of cuts and impacts. This durability is ensured by Aramid Sidewall Technology, which means additional protection against accidental tyre damage costs.

The sturdy double body structure improves structural durability and enables the tyre will maintain its handling properties even under heavy loads, Nokian adds.

“The Hakkapeliitta C4 studded tyre developed for harsh Northern winter is a reliable choice if you value the best possible grip on both ice and snow. For those who require additional driving comfort and fuel efficiency in addition to reliable grip, you should consider purchasing the Hakkapeliitta CR4 non-studded tyre. Both new products in the Hakkapeliitta product family work very well for goods transport, taxi traffic, and RV use,” Liukkula summarises.