• Continental tire wins “good” rating to top the podium in ADAC, ÖAMTC and TCS test with best marks in the wet, on snow and for wear, plus a good showing on dry roads
• Only two out of the 19 205/55 R 16 H winter tires tested were rated “good”
• Smaller 165/60 R 14 premium winter tire returned top marks on snow and dry roads, with very good scores in the wet

In the winter tire test jointly conducted by automobile clubs ADAC (Germany), ÖAMTC (Austria), and TCS (Switzerland) the ContiWinterContact TS 850 in size 205/55 R 16 H from Continental emerged in first place with the best balance as well as top marks in the wet, on snow, and for wear. The top tire also demonstrated good characteristics on dry roads and returned low fuel consumption. Out of the 19 winter tires in the test from European, U.S., and Asian manufacturers, suitable for a wide range of compact to executive class cars, only two were rated “good”, the top mark awarded.  The test car was a VW Golf VII.

In the smaller 165/60 R 14 T dimension, the ContiWinterContact TS 850 turned in an impressive performance in a 16-strong field with top marks on snow and dry roads, particularly good results in the wet, and good marks for wear and fuel consumption. In view of a somewhat weaker performance on ice, however, which in this test implies a downgrade, this premium winter tire scored a second-best “satisfactory” rating.  The test vehicle for the smaller tires was a VW Polo.

The ContiWinterContact TS 850 portfolio for rims from 14 to 17 inches has been further extended for the coming winter season. For particularly sporty models, Continental recommends the WinterContact TS 850 P. The big brother of the ContiWinterContact TS 850 is available for rims from 16 to 20 inches. Variants specially designed for SUVs include the letters SUV both in the product name and on the sidewall.