Developed for a wide range of SUVs, the Nokian WR SUV 4 winter tyre stands out with its high level of safety in snow and slush.

Safety. The WR SUV 4 delivers perfect grip in wet, slush and snowy conditions with the “Climate Grip Concept” technologies: a unique network of different sipes, a directional tread pattern and a rubber compound that stays flexible at low temperatures. This grip in snowy conditions is enhanced with the Snow Claws technology that provides claws in the straight grooves. Polished grooves quickly disperse water and slush to avoid skidding.

Handling. The centre rib stabilises the tyre, especially at high speed. This stability is increased by numerous sipes on the shoulder blocks. Other deeper sipes improve handling.

Robust. The sidewalls contain strong aramid fibres to improve resistance to impacts and cuts.

NOKIAN WR SUV 4: THE BRIGHT SIDE OF WINTER!

After announcing the launch of the WR SUV 4 winter tyre in January, Nokian has now given us some more details about the tyre’s design and performance. Built for central European winters, this SUV tyre promises optimum grip in a range of weather conditions.

A tyre developed in the toughest winter conditions

Successor to the WR SUV 3, the Nokian WR SUV 4 showcases the brand’s new “Climate Grip Concept” aimed at ensuring performance in diverse winter conditions. “Whether you drive on autobahns, busy urban traffic or scenic Alpine roads, the driving feel is controlled and predictable ....' says the Finnish tyre manufacturer. Accordingly, the tyre has been tested at various locations to ensure a high level of performance on different surfaces. 

The WR SUV 4 was put through a series of tests on snow and ice at the famous “White Hell” test centre in Ivalo. Its performance on slush was tested further south in Finland. The tyre was then also tested in Germany and Spain to fine tune its abilities in milder temperatures on wet and dry surfaces.

Delivering performance in wet, dry and snow

“Climate grip concept” is Nokian's name for the new technologies featured in the WR SUV 4. First of all, the new rubber compound stays flexible and grippy when temperatures fall below zero. In addition, the high silica content makes the tyre more efficient on wet roads by responding reliably to temperature changes, an innovation that also increases the tyre’s life.

Nokian has also developed a new directional tread pattern for the WR SUV 4 with computer-optimised sipes. A continuous rib in the centre part of the tyre is designed to increase stability on all surfaces, especially at high speed.

While sipes placed on outer tread blocks work like stabilisers, sharp zig-zag edges open and close when accelerating and braking. According to Nokian, this design works to quickly remove water and improve grip on slushy and wet roads. Other deeper sipes on the shoulder blocks stiffen the tread to offer precise and responsive steering. Polished lateral grooves give the tyre a more modern look while allowing water to flow easily to reduce the risk of aquaplaning.

Between the shoulders and the central part of the tyre, small “hollows” can be seen at the bottom of the tread. These new “Snow Claws” are intended to provide maximum grip on snow, slush and other soft surfaces (mud, for example) as well as ensure enhanced stability at high speed.

As with several of its other SUV tyres, Nokian has reinforced the sidewalls of the WR SUV 4 with aramid to protect against cuts and other damage, extending the life of the tyre. The tyre’s wear level can be easily measured thanks to a tread depth indicator which contains a snowflake symbol to indicate the safe tread depth for winter driving.

Availability

The Nokian WR SUV 4 is available since Autumn 2018 in 57 sizes for 16 to 21 inch rim diameters.