Pirelli winter tyres notch up four wins in European comparison tests
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Pirelli’s updated winter tyre range took four wins and four further podium places in European comparison tests. The Cinturato Winter 3 secured the most victories, with wet grip repeatedly emerging as a strength. When choosing tyres, however, the specific size and intended use matter, not just a test win attached to a model name.
Cinturato Winter 3 wins in three different sizes
The manufacturer has updated its entire winter tyre range over the past two years. Designed for passenger cars and crossovers, the Cinturato Winter 3 secured three wins and three other podium places in seven comparison tests.
In ADAC’s test, the Cinturato Winter 3 competed against 16 rivals in size 225/50 R17. The tyre earned a “highly recommended” rating and the best results for wet-road performance and driving safety. The testers also highlighted its balanced characteristics, efficiency and wear resistance.
In AvD’s comparison, the same model in size 225/45 R17 finished first ahead of 15 competitors and received a “very good” rating. Its strongest aspects in this test were dry- and wet-road performance, along with stability, steering precision and braking.
Auto Bild’s test used a Volkswagen Golf fitted with 205/55 R16 tyres. The Cinturato Winter 3 beat 14 rivals and earned an “exemplary” rating. It performed particularly well in aquaplaning tests, wet braking and handling. Comparisons by Auto Express, Auto Bild Allrad and Tyre Reviews added further podium places.
Wins in three sizes provide a broader picture of the model’s capabilities than a single test. However, each result relates to a specific tyre size, test car and assessment methodology: a win in one size does not automatically establish the ranking in every other size.
Cinturato Winter 3: three wins and three other podium places in seven comparisons; winning sizes were 225/50 R17, 225/45 R17 and 205/55 R16.
Scorpion Winter 3: winner of alVolante’s test in size 235/60 R18, using an Alfa Romeo Stelvio as the test car.
P Zero Winter 2: a top-three finish and an “exemplary” rating in Auto Bild’s Supertest; the source material does not specify the position or size.
ELECT: a technology option for all three winter models for electric cars and plug-in hybrids; the claim of up to 10% greater range comes from a separate internal Scorpion test.
Cinturato All Season SF3: four wins and six other podium places in recent European comparisons.
Scorpion Winter 3 starts with a win, P Zero Winter 2 finishes in the top three
The Scorpion Winter 3, designed for SUVs, won alVolante’s comparison, in which an Alfa Romeo Stelvio used size 235/60 R18. In a field of seven winter tyres, the model stood out for its wet-road performance, achieving the shortest braking distances and the best lap time in the test.
The testers described the Scorpion’s responses to changes of direction as smooth, its behaviour on snow as consistent and predictable, and its dry-road characteristics as balanced. These observations reflect the all-round performance that matters in a winter tyre, rather than its ability on snow alone.
Designed for high-performance cars, the P Zero Winter 2 finished in the top three in Auto Bild’s Supertest and earned an “exemplary” rating. Precise handling and braking on both wet and dry roads emerged as its strengths. The source material does not disclose the exact finishing position or tyre size.
The range claim for ELECT versions has specific limits
The manufacturer also offers all three winter tyre models with ELECT technology for electric cars and plug-in hybrids. The technology combines low rolling resistance, acoustic comfort, and rubber compounds and tread patterns focused on grip. A reinforced construction accounts for the additional weight of the batteries.
The manufacturer cites up to 10% greater range for ELECT technology, but this figure cannot be treated as a general result for these three winter tyres. The claim is based on a 2022 internal test in which a Volkswagen ID.4 covered 550 km at a constant speed of 50 km/h. The comparison was between the ELECT version of the Scorpion and the standard Scorpion in size 235/60 R18.
All-season SF3 also takes four wins
The all-season Cinturato All Season SF3 secured four wins and six further podium places in recent European comparisons. The victories came in tests by Auto Zeitung, Reifentester, Auto Express and Que Choisir.
Auto Express rated the tyre best both in objective tests and for driving enjoyment. Auto Zeitung highlighted its wet- and dry-road performance. Strengths identified in other comparisons also included snow performance, aquaplaning resistance, dry braking, comfort and efficiency.
The manufacturer recommends all-season tyres primarily for urban drivers who cover around 20,000 km a year and rarely encounter heavy snowfall. For higher mileages, mountain roads or high-performance cars, its recommendation favours dedicated winter tyres. This is advice based on usage patterns, not a universal mileage threshold.
For European buyers, the results are relevant because they come from several tests conducted in the region and cover different tyre sizes. However, the source material does not provide market-specific prices, availability by size or results from tests conducted in local conditions.
