Skip advert
Advertisement

Continental ContiWinterContact TS 850

If the weather's snowy, wet or dry, this tyre is a winner.

If the weather's snowy, wet or dry, this tyre is a winner.

As soon as we started to compile the results, it was clear there would be only one winner – Continental’s new ContiWinterContact TS 850.

It picks up from the company’s TS 830 P, which won our 17-inch test last year, with victories in the wet, dry and snow. When it wasn’t winning it was finishing second, with sixth place for cabin noise the only blot on its scorecard.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Continental has created a tyre that not only performs well in the wet, but also in rolling resistance – unlike the Linglong that beat it in the key fuel economy measure. The TS 850 trailed the Goodyear in aquaplaning, yet couldn’t be beaten at braking and handling. There’s a real feeling of security from behind the wheel. On snow the tyre turns in well, and when the rear does move, it’s not by much and is easily controllable.

On the wet track, that same good turn-in is there, but the rear is planted. Grip is lost progressively, giving the driver no nasty surprises. It moved around more on the high-speed handling sections, yet held a line well. So while it’s the priciest choice, this is the tyre to put on your car this winter – it’s special.

 RatingPosition
Snow braking99.2%2nd
Snow traction100%1st
Snow slalom99.4%2nd
Snow handling100%1st
Straight aqua95.4%2nd
Curved aqua92.9%2nd
Wet braking100%1st
Wet handling100%1st
Dry braking100%1st
Dry handling99.7%=2nd
Cabin noise98.7%6th
Rolling resistance94.5%2nd
Price£85.388th
Overall100%1st
Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Dacia Spring

Dacia Spring

RRP £14,995Avg. savings £3,135 off RRP*
Toyota Yaris Cross

Toyota Yaris Cross

RRP £26,495Avg. savings £1,672 off RRP*Used from £15,700
Audi A3

Audi A3

RRP £26,295Avg. savings £2,464 off RRP*Used from £10,695
Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen Tiguan

RRP £37,230Avg. savings £3,710 off RRP*Used from £15,416
* 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: Hot Volkswagen Golf GTI for a cool £287 a month
Volkswagen Golf GTI - front cornering left 1

Car Deal of the Day: Hot Volkswagen Golf GTI for a cool £287 a month

The Golf GTI has been a classic from day one – and it’s our Deal of the Day for 8 July.
News
8 Jul 2025