Skip advert
Advertisement

Pirelli Sottozero Winter 240 Serie II

Italian winter rubber really shines when the roads get wet

This Pirelli rubber starred when the roads were wet, rather than covered in snow. A stellar performance on the curved aquaplaning circle put it a long way ahead of its winter and all-season rivals, and it was close to the summer Continental in the final scores.

It had to give best to the winter Conti in straight aquaplaning, but it was quicker on the handling track and just a fraction behind the swift Michelin.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The Sottozero really felt at home on the cold, wet circuit, with sharp turn-in and plenty of grip through the turns with the rear well under control. It was a little off the pace of the best on snow, with a poor braking result not helping. It needed three metres more than the winner, although its traction was a fraction better.

In the dry the Pirelli was a match for the best, and it should prove easy on the pocket, too. It was among the cheapest premium winter tyres and topped the rolling resistance test, which will help fuel economy.

Our verdict

Cost-effective wet winter option with good fuel consumption and a competitive price.

On test…ScoreRanking
Snow braking86.46
Snow traction96.5=2
Snow handling99.82
Snow slalom94.25
Straight aquaplaning98.64
Curved aquaplaning1001
Wet handling99.92
Wet braking96.84
Dry handling98.79
Dry braking95.97
Rolling resistance10051
Price£165=5
Overall98.93
 
 
Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Kia Sportage

Kia Sportage

RRP £28,065Avg. savings £2,391 off RRP*Used from £15,600
Renault Clio

Renault Clio

RRP £16,160Avg. savings £2,721 off RRP*Used from £8,699
Nissan Qashqai

Nissan Qashqai

RRP £27,415Avg. savings £5,924 off RRP*Used from £12,295
Skoda Kodiaq

Skoda Kodiaq

RRP £38,140Avg. savings £3,019 off RRP*Used from £11,895
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Car Deal of the Day: Sacre bleu! The Renault 5 keeps getting cheaper
Renault 5 - front full width

Car Deal of the Day: Sacre bleu! The Renault 5 keeps getting cheaper

The modern-day Super Cinq comes with a super price. It’s our Deal of the Day for 14 May
News
14 May 2025
Want a new small car? You probably can’t afford one and car bosses blame the EU
Luca de Meo - Renault 5

Want a new small car? You probably can’t afford one and car bosses blame the EU

Renault and Stellantis bosses demand changes to the emissions rules driving up new car prices
News
15 May 2025
New Lotus Emeya 2025 review: the Porsche Taycan has finally met its match
Lotus Emeya - front

New Lotus Emeya 2025 review: the Porsche Taycan has finally met its match

The new Lotus Emeya may not be light, but is great in almost every other way
Road tests
15 May 2025