Nokian Hakkapeliitta 7 is number one
in the autumn tyre tests

The new Nokian Hakkapeliitta 7 studded tyre has been successful in autumn's comparison tests conducted by European car magazines. It has achieved test victories in Finland, Sweden and Russia. The unrivalled top tyre of magazine tests has been especially praised for the basic qualities of a good winter tyre: excellent winter grip and pleasant driving response without any surprises.

"The more challenging the driving conditions get, the more supreme the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 7 becomes," summarises Teppo Huovila, Vice President, R&D with Nokian Tyres.

The Nokian Hakkapeliitta 7 was the best studded tyre in the winter tyre tests conducted by the magazines Tekniikan Maailma (shared first place) and Tuulilasi. According to Tekniikan Maailma (17/2009), Nokian Tyres knows how to design tyres for demanding winter conditions. "The Nokian novelty defines a whole new level for winter tyre grip to aim for. Especially on ice, the tyre has amazing grip and makes other studded tyres feel almost like friction tyres. Also on snow, the Nokian took first place regarding both grip and driving response," assesses Tekniikan Maailma.

"There is sufficient grip, even if the car starts slipping a little. You don't have to be too precise with the gas pedal and the steering wheel; the tyre allows a different driving style without compromising speed or handling," Tuulilasi (13/2009) writes.

The Nokian Hakkapeliitta 7 also won the studded tyre test of Vi Bilägare (13/2009), the largest car magazine in Sweden. The outcome of the test, conducted by Aftonbladet BIL (10/2009), was a shared top spot. According to Vi Bilägare, the top tyres are very evenly matched, but the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 7 is unrivalled on ice and in slush. The tyre's driving response is also excellent, and its grip on both dry and wet roads has improved.

The novelty from Nokian Tyres was the clear winner also in the studded tyre test conducted by Za Rulem, Russia's largest car magazine. "On icy roads, this tyre has no rival," says Za Rulem. The magazine tested studded tyres in two different sizes. The Hakkapeliitta 7 won both tests and also received a special commendation for its low rolling resistance.

Nokian Hakkapeliitta R combines winter grip
and a record-low rolling resistance

In the autumn winter tyre tests, the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R friction tyre has been praised for its top qualities in true winter conditions, i.e on snow and ice. In the test by Vi Bilägare (14/2009), the Nokian Hakkapeliitta was the best friction tyre, and it shared second place in Tekniikan Maailma's test. In all test reviews, the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R had the lowest rolling resistance. Light rolling corresponds to lower fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. Compared to its competitors, the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R's low rolling resistance reduces fuel consumption by as much as 0.5l /100 km.

In addition to top-level grip and handling properties, the Nokian Hakkapeliitta winter tyres have proven their durability in, among other places, numerous car endurance tests.

Winter tyre tests, autumn 2009

Tekniikan Maailma (17/2009), Finland

Studded tyres, size: 205/55 R16
1. Nokian Hakkapeliitta 7 and Michelin X-Ice North XIN2
3. Continental ContiVikingWinter 2 and Pirelli Winter Carving Edge

Friction tyres, size: 205/55 R16
1. Michelin X-Ice XI2
2. Nokian Hakkapeliitta R and Yokohama Ice Guard ig30

Tuulilasi (13/2009), Finland

Studded tyres, size: 205/55 R16
1. Nokian Hakkapeliitta 7
2. Gislaved NordFrost 5 and Pirelli Winter Carving Edge

Vi Bilägare (13/2009 and 14/2009), Sweden

Studded tyres, size: 205/55 R16
1. Nokian Hakkapeliitta 7
2. Gislaved NordFrost 5 and Pirelli Winter Carving Edge

Friction tyres, size: 205/55 R16
1. Nokian Hakkapeliitta R
2. Michelin X-Ice XI2
3. Continental ContiVikingContact 5 and Gislaved SoftFrost 3

Aftonbladet BIL (10/2009), Sweden

Studded tyres, size: 205/55 R16
1. Nokian Hakkapeliitta 7 and Michelin X-Ice North XIN2
3. Continental ContiVikingWinter 2, Pirelli Winter Carving Edge and Vredestein Arctrac

Friction tyres, size: 205/55 R16
1. Michelin X-Ice XI2
2. Nokian Hakkapeliitta R
3. Continental ContiVikingContact 5 and Yokohama Ice Guard ig30

Za Rulem (09/2009), Russia

Studded tyres, size: 175/65 R14
1. Nokian Hakkapeliitta 7
2. BF Goodrich g-Force Stud
3. Gislaved NordFrost 5

Studded tyres, size: 205/55 R16
1. Nokian Hakkapeliitta 7
2. Michelin X-Ice North 2
3. Continental ContiVikingWinter 2

Friction tyres, size: 75/65 R14
1. Continental ContiVikingContact 5
2. Michelin X-Ice XI2
3. Nokian Hakkapeliitta R

Autosalon, (9/2009), Belarus

Studded tyres, size: 175/65R14

1. Nokian Hakkapeliitta 7
2. Gislaved NordFrost 5
3. Amter Nordmaster 2

Friction tyres, size: 175/65R14

1. Nokian Hakkapeliitta R
2. Dunlop Graspic DS2
3. Barum Polaris 2

Further information: Nokian Tyres plc

Teppo Huovila, Vice President, R&D, tel. +358 10 401 7701
teppo.huovila(at)nokiantyres.com

Matti Morri, Technical Customer Service Manager, tel. +358 10 401 7621
matti.morri(at)nokiantyres.com

www.nokiantyres.com