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

Omoda 5

Omoda 5

RRP £24,040Avg. savings £1,535 off RRP*Used from £18,495
Skoda Kodiaq

Skoda Kodiaq

RRP £39,045Avg. savings £4,255 off RRP*Used from £11,195
MG MG4

MG MG4

RRP £27,005Avg. savings £6,250 off RRP*Used from £9,790
Kia Sportage

Kia Sportage

RRP £28,085Avg. savings £3,188 off RRP*Used from £13,990
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Cupra Raval 2026 review: a true pocket rocket for the EV era
Cupra Raval - front tracking

New Cupra Raval 2026 review: a true pocket rocket for the EV era

The hot little Raval marks the beginning of a very promising new era
Road tests
8 May 2026
Volkswagen T-Roc vs Toyota C-HR: two popular small SUVs, one winner
Volkswagen T-Roc and Toyota C-HR - front tracking

Volkswagen T-Roc vs Toyota C-HR: two popular small SUVs, one winner

The second-generation VW T-Roc has landed to find the Toyota C-HR waiting to challenge it. Which SUV comes out on top?
Car group tests
9 May 2026
Renault 5 gets one-pedal driving for its first birthday
Renault 5 E-Tech Iconic Five - front action

Renault 5 gets one-pedal driving for its first birthday

The funky French EV was the UK’s most popular electric car in April and has upped its game with one-pedal driving
News
7 May 2026