The tread design, compound and casing structure all boast specific features for use in low temperatures. In confronting this significant challenge, Pirelli was encouraged by the excellent results achieved with the most recent Winter tyres, and triumphed thanks to the technology and experience gained through participation in motorsport. The Winter SOTTOZERO design sets new performance standards for Winter tyres enhancing safety and driving pleasure. Deep diagonal grooves, a distinguishing feature of the Sottozero tread pattern that reduce road noise and, assisted by the specially designed blocks, enhance the acoustic comfort and rolling resistance qualities. Broad, deep longitudinal grooves with differentiated profiles allow water to be expelled, even at high speed, thus raising the aquaplaning threshold. Substantial shoulder blocks confer exceptional lateral rigidity to the tread when under load during cornering, raising the limits of grip and ensuring precise handling through sudden changes in direction.
EU Tyre Label and Efficiency Classes
The European Union has introduced the EU Tyre Label by Regulation (No. 1222/2009) identically and bindingly for all EU member states. It applies to passenger car tyres, light commercial vehicle tyres and heavy commercial vehicle tyres produced after 01.07.2012.
Three different areas are tested: rolling resistance, wet grip and the rolling noise the tyre makes on the road.
The following are not affected by the EU Tyre Label: retreaded tyres, professional off-road tyres, racing tyres, tyres with additional devices to improve traction such as spiked tyres, T-type emergency tyres, special tyres for fitting to vehicles first registered before 1 October 1990, tyres with a maximum authorised speed of 80 km/h, tyres for rims with a nominal diameter of 254 mm or less or 635 mm or more.
With this regulation, the European Union is pursuing the goal of promoting economic and ecological efficiency in road traffic as well as increasing road safety on the one hand, and on the other hand, granting consumers more product transparency and at the same time serving as an active decision-making aid.
Already during the incorporation, experts criticise the fact that the EU Tyre Label unfortunately only shows a few product characteristics. Apart from rolling resistance, wet grip and rolling noise, which are the main focus of EU tyre labelling, tyres have much more important and safety-relevant product characteristics, such as aquaplaning properties, driving stability, service life, braking properties on dry and wet roads, behaviour in wintry conditions, etc.
Tyre manufacturers point out that test results from various institutions and journals remain an important information medium for the end consumer. These tests usually focus on further safety-relevant product characteristics besides the EU standard qualifications for tyre labelling, which are always important for the final customer.
W210Sottozero tyre review
Average based on 436 test results
Grip in dry conditions
Braking in dry conditions
Grip in wet conditions
Braking in wet conditions
Grip in snow
Driving comfort
Internal noise level
Tyre wear
Fuel consumption
Kilometers driven
12,047
26.04.2014 from Ryan Great winter tyre, good on slippery roads. Reasonable noise level. Fairly comfortable ride. Only downside is price but if you value your car, they're worth it.
11.04.2012 from NickF Brilliant tyre. No Problem at all and so much better than running around on all season tyres this winter
16.10.2011 from Cristi M. Good quality tyre.The brand Pirelli definitely worth the money.
26.05.2011 from Peter White This is not a vehicle that one would expect to cope well with extreme conditions, but it was unstoppable in a snowy UK, in the French Alps, and during blizzard conditions in Belgium. A very impressive winter tyre which drives well on dry roads too.
E
C
72dB
