TM: Winter car of the year

[MikeJ]

The Finnish magazine Tekniikan Maailma (TM) published its annual winter car of the year test in its latest issue. They tested 12 cars from different price classes for their abilities to cope with the harsh Finnish winter. 4WD/AWD cars and diesels were excluded from this year's test. Their test methods are quite extensive with laboratory testing and driving tests on both public roads and test tracks in Northern Finland. Areas covered were such as grip and handling, brakes, heaters, lights, fuel consumption and emissions when cold, etc. The driving tests were done on different surfaces and in different conditions. The winner was something of a surprise:

1. Hyundai Sonata 2.4 GLS, **** 8.7
2. Volkswagen Passat 2.0 FSI Comfortline, **** 8.6
3. Seat Leon 2.0 FSI Sport UP, **** 8.5
4. BMW 318i, grade **** 8.3
5. Chevrolet Matiz 1.0 Star, **** 8.3
6. Kia Rio 1.4 EX, **** 8.3
7. Mercedes-Benz B170, *** 8.2
8. Alfa Romeo 159 2.2 JTS, *** 8.1
9. Toyota Yaris 1.3 VVT-i Linea Sol, *** 8.0
10. Suzuki Swift 1.3 GL, ** 7.6
11. Peugeot 1007 1.4 Trendy Plus, ** 7.5
12. Citroën C1 1.0 SX, * 7.1

What's noteworthy here is that the Koreans seem to have gotten their act together while the Japanese seem to be losing their touch. Also, price does not seem to matter, both the MB and the Alfa were beaten by much cheaper Koreans.

[Just_me]

No volvo or saab?

[MikeJ]

As a rule, they only include cars that have been introduced or facelifted during the previous year.

They had the 9-3 in 2003, it came in third. They also included the old V40 (which had been tested back in 1998 when it came in last) since Volvo had made some radical improvements. It came in 11th (out of 19). Last year they broke the norm and only had small MPVs. I'm a bit surprised they didn't have the S40/V50 this year. I guess we can expect the new S80 and perhaps the 9-5 in next year's test.

[Giannis]

No S60? it was facelifted back in May...

[bum-man]

Were all these cars tested on the same type/brand of tire?

[MikeJ]

Originally Posted by bum-man

Were all these cars tested on the same type/brand of tire?

All except the Matiz were on Nokian Hakkapeliitta RSi winter tires. The Matiz was on Continentals because they couldn't get a set of 13" Nokians.