Winter is a test for both driver and car. Snow, ice, slush, and wet asphalt test the strength of all vehicle systems, but tires play a key role. Today we are testing Ikon Autograph Snow 3 in size 185/65 R15, installed on our new editorial car, the Solaris KRX, to understand how suitable this model is for city conditions, highways, and country winter use.
What kind of tires are these?
In case anyone has forgotten, the Ikon brand has become the successor to Nokian in Russia. Now, under the new brand, they produce tires that are no worse than the original Finnish tires, and in some ways, they are even better. At first glance, before the Ikon Autograph Snow 3 tires are mounted, they catch the eye with their asymmetrical directional tread with deep grooves and small sipes.
This pattern should provide reliable traction on snow and slush. Externally, the tire looks modern: the tread is dense, the beads are soft, which should affect the comfort when driving over uneven surfaces. Well, let’s go to the tire shop, where we mount the tires on alloy wheels from the Krasnoyarsk manufacturer Skad.
Externally, the tire looks modern: the tread is dense, the beads are soft, which should affect the comfort when driving over uneven surfaces. A tire shop employee also notes that even mounting the tire on the wheel is easier thanks to its softness. This cannot be said about the tires from Chinese manufacturers flooding the market. The Autograph Snow 3 studless tire features a symmetrical directional tread with a pronounced central rib.
According to the manufacturer, this model is designed for drivers who prefer a dynamic driving style. The tire demonstrates high traction on slippery surfaces thanks to the addition of microparticles to the rubber compound, which increase surface roughness. Furthermore, handling, compared to previous generations of non-studded tires, is improved thanks to a central rib with sipes of varying depth. The Autograph Snow 3 is available in a standard version for passenger cars, as well as an SUV version for crossovers and SUVs. The range of sizes includes options from 14 to 20 inches for passenger cars and from 16 to 21 inches for SUVs.
Let’s go
On fresh snow, the Solaris KRX with Autograph Snow 3 starts off confidently, with minimal wheel spin. The friction tires allow for safe starting on inclines, providing confidence in the city and on country roads. Braking distances on packed snow are short and predictable. Even under emergency braking, the car maintains control, and the ABS engages smoothly. On snowy streets and parking lots, the steering is precise, and the car responds to the driver. The tread effectively removes snow and prevents tire sticking. The tires perform excellent in snow—they are truly winter tires for city use.
For the southern winter
In the southern regions of Russia, Rostov, Krasnodar, and Stavropol, snow is not as scary as black ice. Frequent changes in temperature cover asphalt roads with a thin layer of ice, but the Autograph Snow 3 copes with this. On a straight road, the risk of slippage is minimal with a smooth start. Emergency braking on mirror-like ice requires caution: the braking distance is longer than with studded tires. However, in our southern climate, non-studded tires are still preferable, since ice on the asphalt only appears in the morning and late afternoon, and rattling metal studs on the asphalt during the day is not much fun.
The Ikon deserves special praise for its excellent acoustic comfort. The tires are quiet and silent even on uneven pavement. Personally, the standard Nexxen summer tires installed on the Solaris were even worse in terms of noise level than the Autograph Snow 3 winter tires. However, it’s important to remember that during heavy and prolonged snowfalls, you should drive more carefully on ice and icy conditions, avoiding sudden maneuvers. The Snow 3 model has particles that act like microstuds, which cling to the icy surface. Acceleration is smooth, without slippage, although much depends on the vehicle’s drive type. On turns, the behavior is predictable, but at excessive speed, skidding is possible.
Handling and steering response
On dry or wet asphalt, Solaris with Snow 3 behaves predictably. The steering wheel is responsive, the car does not “float” even at speeds above 100-120 km / h. The noise of Autograph Snow 3 is minimal, almost like summer tires. The soft sidewalls absorb small bumps, the ride is comfortable, without vibration.
These tires are suitable for city use, including long trips on the highway. On a wet road, Snow 3 shows good resistance to aquaplaning and stable grip. On dry asphalt, the behavior is predictable, without “jumps” – relatively comfortable for a winter set. Overall ride comfort is good thanks to the effective absorption of minor road surface imperfections.
Conclusion
If you regularly drive at speeds on not-so-icy roads in winter, the Ikon Autograph Snow 3 is worth considering. These tires will also appeal to residents of southern Russia, where roads remain snow- and ice-free for much of the winter, and temperatures range from minus 3 to plus 5 degrees Celsius. This is an excellent choice for those who don’t want to install studded tires. In addition, if you use your car in the city most of the time, then Snow 3 will be an excellent option for you.
