Falken Eurowinter HS02, HS02 Pro tyres to hit UK market this winter

Falken develops its new range of winter tyres at its recently opened test track in Sweden

The Pro version of the new Falken winter tyre offers the option of an asymmetric tread, though both tyres share a range of winter technical features (Photos: Falken)

Falken’s latest cold weather tyre offering is set to make its UK market debut this winter in September. Two specifications will be available: the Eurowinter HS02 and HS02 Pro. Both tyres represent the next generation of Falken’s cold-weather range. They offer significant improvements over their predecessor, the HS01, according to the manufacturer.

The Eurowinter HS02 is set to be available in 76 sizes with diameters of 14 to 19 inches and cross sections of 40 to 70 per cent with speed indexes of T, H and V, making it suitable for speeds of up to 118, 130 and 149 miles per hour. It features a V-shape directional tread, arranged symmetrically, which allows for outstanding water drainage, protecting the driver from aquaplaning.

Meanwhile, the Eurowinter HS02 Pro, set to make its UK debut at the same time as the HS02, has been designed for high performance requirements in cars and SUVs. It will be available in 87 sizes with diameters of 16 to 21 inches and cross sections of 35 to 70 percent in speed classes H, V and W, up to 130, 149 and 267 miles per hour. A key difference between the two is the HS02 Pro’s asymmetrical tread design, which in the test size of 245/45 R18 helped it achieve water drainage of 101 litres per second.

Both specifications though, are designed to provide exceptional performance in cold, wet and snowy conditions on the road. Both feature a specially shaped Miura-Ori 3D ribs, which help to produce strong levels of traction and short stopping distances. In the snow, the graduated 3D tread edges on both tyres also increase snow collection on the tread, improve grip levels and self-clean.

In addition to providing improved grip levels in challenging conditions, these new tyres are also significantly lighter than the HS01 in each corresponding size, with reductions of up to nine per cent in the HS02 and 14 per cent in the HS02 Pro. This new design saves material and in turn reduces the level of rolling resistance.

Falken Eurowinter HS02 (Photo: Falken)

Testing at Falken winter test track

The development and testing phase of the HS02 and HS02 Pro were key in ensuring these new tyres showcase significant improvements in Falken’s cold-weather tyres. Both tyres were put to the test at Falken’s test track for winter tyres in Arnemark, Sweden, which opened in December 2019.

The track features two groomed snow areas around three times the size of a football pitch, two 1,600m snow handling courses and a 600m ice handling track. Access to this facility allowed Falken to experiment with the HS02 and HS02 Pro in extreme conditions, completing over 40,000 miles of testing over 20 months.

All-season growth won’t clear winter tyres from UK

In the UK tyre market, the impressive growth of the all-season tyre segment has attracted plenty of attention. As a global brand, Falken is naturally committed to producing cold weather tyres due to continued demand for specialist products in regions that experience harsh winters.

In the UK too, the brand remains convinced that full winter tyres will retain a market niche. The UK distributer of Falken says specialist tyres are still important for consumers in areas where the climate sees more extreme changes during the winter months.

“There is a strong demand in certain regions such as Scotland for cold weather tyres where there is a significant amount of snowfall and rain during winter months. It is clear that more road users understand the benefits than ever before,” says Chris Staincliffe, senior trade marketing manager at Micheldever Tyre Services.

“All-season tyre demand looks like it will continue to grow on a year-by-year basis, but it is unlikely to completely replace the demand for cold weather tyres, because in heavy snow and ice there are still notable benefits. We are already seeing interest from dealers for the upcoming winter season, who are keen to start ordering cold-weather tyres.”