Hankook has achieved impressive results across five current winter tyre tests, with its i*cept range earning praise for exceptional safety reserves, balanced performance and fuel efficiency.
The Hankook Winter i*cept RS3, designed for compact SUVs and mid-class passenger cars, emerged as a standout performer in recent evaluations, securing an "exemplary" rating from Auto Bild Allrad in the popular 215/55 R17 size. Testers particularly highlighted the tyre's expertise in braking, describing it as a "braking expert on snow-covered and wet roads" with "high traction on snow".
The RS3 achieved the highest marks amongst all winter tyres tested for braking on both snow and wet surfaces, whilst also excelling in aquaplaning evaluations, wet circular track performance and dry handling. In a separate test by auto, motor und sport for estates and small SUVs, the same size earned a "very good" rating, with testers noting its "shortest braking distance on snow, safe cornering in the wet, best protection against aquaplaning" alongside "very precise driving characteristics, almost akin to those of a summer tyre".
The Hankook Winter i*cept evo 3 in 225/40 R18 size, designed for sporty compact models, secured "good" ratings from both Auto Bild and ADAC. Auto Bild praised the tyre as a "snow expert" offering "great value for money", whilst highlighting its exceptional lateral acceleration in aquaplaning conditions during cornering – the best result amongst all tyres tested.
ADAC testers were particularly impressed by the evo 3's environmental credentials and cost-effectiveness. "The Hankook Winter i*cept evo 3 offers a very high predicted mileage and exhibits minimal wear," they noted. "Its efficiency is also impressive, thanks to low weight and fuel consumption." The tyre also achieved good marks in safety-relevant categories on both wet and dry surfaces.
Meanwhile, the Hankook Winter i*cept evo 3 X for SUVs, tested in 235/50 R19 size by Auto Bild Sportscars, was rated as an "all-rounder with consistently good performance in all rating categories". The tyre particularly excelled in safety-critical braking tests on both snow and wet surfaces, whilst also ranking amongst the best in snow slalom testing.
The comprehensive test results demonstrate Hankook's commitment to delivering winter tyres that balance safety, performance and efficiency across its range, catering to various vehicle types from passenger cars to SUVs.
Tagged with: Hankook winter tyres, icept RS3, icept evo 3, i*cept evo 3 X, Auto Bild winter test, ADAC winter tyre test, snow braking, aquaplaning performance, tyre wear and mileage, fuel efficiency
Disclaimer: This content may include forward-looking statements. Views expressed are not verified or endorsed by Tyre News Media.
Sign up for our weekly briefing on key developments across the sector.
