Hankook Launches Winter i*cept evo 4 Tyre Range

Hankook has launched the Winter icept evo 4 and Winter icept evo 4 SUV, its latest European winter tyre range for passenger cars, crossovers and SUVs. The new line-up focuses on lower rolling resistance, reduced rolling noise and improved mileage, giving tyre retailers a broader winter fitment offer across 17 to 22-inch sizes.

Efficiency moves up the winter tyre agenda

The new range succeeds the Winter i*cept evo 3 family, with Hankook claiming a 15% mileage improvement against the previous generation. The company says this has been achieved through an optimised contact surface and revised tread design, designed to reduce wear while maintaining winter braking and traction performance.

‍

‍

The launch follows previous Tyre News coverage of Hankook winter tyres securing strong European test ratings, where the Winter i*cept evo 3 gained “good” results from Auto Bild and ADAC. That context matters for dealers because the replacement product enters a competitive winter market where independent test performance often influences retail recommendations.

Lower rolling resistance and less noise

Hankook says the Winter i*cept evo 4 uses a lower curing temperature and improved silica dispersion to reduce rolling resistance. In practice, that gives retailers a clearer efficiency story for customers who want winter grip without a large penalty in fuel use or electric vehicle range.

Rolling noise has also been addressed through diagonally cut tread blocks and redesigned central grooves. Noise and rolling resistance are both recognised label factors in UK tyre retail, with GOV.UK guidance noting that tyre labels show fuel efficiency linked to rolling resistance and external noise level in decibels.

Jongho Park, President and COO of Hankook Tire Europe, said: “The new model combines safe driving characteristics with maximum comfort. At the same time, the low rolling resistance meets the requirement for uncompromising efficiency.”

Broader coverage for cars and SUVs

The Winter i*cept evo 4 will be available in 93 passenger car sizes, while the SUV version will cover 75 sizes. Across both ranges, Hankook will offer more than 160 fitments between 17 and 22 inches.

That spread is commercially relevant for tyre retailers because winter demand has moved beyond compact cars. Larger SUVs, crossovers and premium passenger cars increasingly need winter products that balance traction, cabin comfort, rolling resistance and mileage.

The launch also sits within a wider European product push by Hankook. Tyre News recently reported that Hankook marked its 85th anniversary with Europe central to its growth plans, including continued focus on regional production and development.

Why it matters for the trade

For tyre dealers, the Winter i*cept evo 4 range gives Hankook a fresh winter product at a time when consumers are paying closer attention to operating costs, tyre noise and product longevity. The claimed mileage gain may also help retailers explain total cost of ownership, particularly to SUV drivers buying larger and more expensive winter fitments.

The product remains a manufacturer announcement, so real-world trade confidence will depend on label data, independent winter tyre tests and early customer feedback. However, the launch gives retailers another premium winter option for drivers seeking comfort and efficiency alongside snow and wet-weather capability.

‍

‍

Tagged with: Hankook Winter i*cept evo 4, winter tyres, SUV tyres, passenger car tyres, rolling resistance, tyre noise, tyre mileage, silica compound, winter tyre retail, premium tyres, tyre fitments, European tyre market

‍