Hankook i*cept RS3 review
The Hankook i*cept RS3 came alive in the dry and wet, but it comes at the expense of grip in the snow
The i*cept RS3 made its test debut last year in 16-inch form and finished third, although there was a gap to the Bridgestone and Continental pacesetters. That margin has reduced a little this time around, with dry and wet performance improved.
Hankook has focused on these elements at the expense of snow grip, where it was the least comfortable. It was fifth in Sweden, although near the pace.
It came alive in the dry, with deft direction changes and high grip levels. The tyre didn’t feel the sharpest, but was the most effective and took a clear win in dry handling. The RS3 was also close to the leaders in dry braking.
Wet grip was good too, with the i*cept second to the Continental across the tests. But fuel economy remains a weak point.
We say…
Hankook has come up with a well balanced performance for its latest winter tyre, with the only doubt being over fuel economy.
Blackcircles.com says…
Customers have rated the tyre with an overall score of 4.3 out of 5 and compliment good control and grip while driving in icy conditions.
| Overall | 99.3% | |
| Price | £117.40 | |
| Snow braking | 99.3% | 3rd |
| Snow traction | 97.1% | 6th |
| Straight aquaplaning | 98.9% | 3rd |
| Curved aquaplaning | 97.3% | 3rd |
| Wet braking | 100% | 1st |
| Wet handling | 99.1% | 3rd |
| Wet circle | 99.2% | 4th |
| Dry braking | 96.7% | 7th |
| Dry handling | 100% | 1st |
| Rolling resistance | 88.2% | 7th |
| Cabin noise | 99.6% | 6th |
