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

Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen Golf

RRP £24,625Avg. savings £2,763 off RRP*Used from £11,895
Nissan Juke

Nissan Juke

RRP £19,785Avg. savings £4,614 off RRP*Used from £9,591
Omoda 5

Omoda 5

RRP £23,990Avg. savings £2,192 off RRP*Used from £20,921
Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai Tucson

RRP £29,820Avg. savings £5,038 off RRP*Used from £13,172
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Ford Escort Mexico gets new lease of life with MST Sports
MST Ford Escort - front 3/4

Ford Escort Mexico gets new lease of life with MST Sports

While not officially Fords, the MST Mk1 and Mk2 Sports should drive as sharply as they look
News
7 Jul 2025
New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range
MG IM5 - Goodwood front

New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range

The all-electric IM5 brings new technology and design to the MG line-up
News
10 Jul 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Skoda Octavia vRS is the consummate all-rounder and only £255 a month!
Skoda Octavia vRS - front cornering

Car Deal of the Day: Skoda Octavia vRS is the consummate all-rounder and only £255 a month!

A three-time Auto Express Family Car of the Year winner, paired with Golf GTI power, is our Deal of the Day for 6 July
News
6 Jul 2025