Skip advert
Advertisement

Winter tyre: Continental Winter Contact TS 860

Despite reducing the emphasis on snow performance in our scoring system, this result suggests a winter tyre is arguably a better option than an all-season alternative

Despite reducing the emphasis on snow performance in our scoring system, this result suggests a winter tyre is arguably a better option than an all-season alternative. Surprisingly, the Goodyear had an advantage over this specialist tyre in Finland, as did the AllSeasonContact. 

The TS 860 was best in the wet thanks to those aquaplaning results, but the argument falls apart in the dry, where it was the worst option apart from the Nankang. The results also add weight to the theory that all-season tyres are essentially winter designs with a little more dry performance.

Results

Continental WinterContact TS 860 
Overall100.40%
Snow braking 95.20%
Snow traction96.70%
Snow handling101.30%
Straight aquaplaning101.70%
Curved aquaplaning101.00%
Wet braking94.00%
Wet handling100.60%
Dry braking84.50%
Dry handling98.50%
Rolling resistance 92.50%
Cabin noise103.40%
Price£85.70

Buy now from Black Circles

Skip advert
Advertisement
Products editor

Kim has worked for Auto Express for more than three decades and all but a year of that time in the Products section. His current role as products editor involves managing the section’s content and team of testers plus doing some of the tests himself. 

New & used car deals

MG MG4

MG MG4

RRP £27,005Avg. savings £10,996 off RRP*Used from £10,590
Renault Clio

Renault Clio

RRP £16,160Avg. savings £2,417 off RRP*Used from £7,800
Nissan Juke

Nissan Juke

RRP £19,785Avg. savings £4,644 off RRP*Used from £8,995
Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai Tucson

RRP £29,820Avg. savings £5,282 off RRP*Used from £12,880
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

The new petrol and diesel car ban is nothing more than state-sponsored bullying
Opinion - diesel pump

The new petrol and diesel car ban is nothing more than state-sponsored bullying

Mike Rutherford thinks the Government should allow motorists to buy new petrol and diesel cars well into the 2030s
Opinion
11 Jan 2026
Car Deal of the Day: drive home a Audi A5 Avant plug-in hybrid for less than a family hatch
Audi A5 Avant - front action

Car Deal of the Day: drive home a Audi A5 Avant plug-in hybrid for less than a family hatch

Posh, desirable and efficient, the Audi A5 Avant e-hybrid has a lot going for it. It’s our Deal of the Day for 12 January.
News
12 Jan 2026
New Peugeot 208: square steering wheel and stunning new looks for EV supermini
New Peugeot 208 exclusive image - front

New Peugeot 208: square steering wheel and stunning new looks for EV supermini

Fresh all-electric supermini will trigger a new era of cutting-edge technology for Peugeot, including a Hypersquare steering yoke
News
12 Jan 2026