In 2016 experts of the German magazine Auto Bild have tested the Falken Eurowinter HS449 at size 205/55 R16 and compared it with nineteen similar budget, mid-range and premium winter tires. In addition, experts included into the test one reference summer tyre for comparison of results.
10th place in Wet braking. The braking distance was 4.1 meters longer, than the leader.9th place in Wet handling. Falken was 3.2 km/h slower, than the leader.6-9th place in Wet handling. The handling time was 0.3 seconds longer, than the leader.18th place in Straight aqua. The float speed was 11.1km/h lower, than the leader.Last place and the worst result in Lateral aqua.11th place in Dry braking. The braking distance was 1.5 meters longer, than the leader.11-12th place in Dry handling. Same result with the Bridgestone. Falken was 1.2km/h lower, than the leader.18th place in Snow braking. The braking distance was 1.9meters longer, than the leader.Last place and the lowest result among winter tyres. Falken was 3.7km/h slower, than the leader.Last place and the lowest result among winter tyres.17th place in Snow slalom. Average lateral acceleration difference was 0.31m/s2 lower, than the leader.9-11th place in Noise level test.19th place in Rolling resistance test. The fuel consumption difference was 1.7l/100km bigger, than the leader.
Overall Falken Eurowinter HS449 review
According to the test results the Falken took 16-17th place with the Cooper and got an expert score “satisfactorily”.
Main conclusions:
Average results on the wet.
Low straight aquaplanning resistance; the worst lateral aqua.
Average dry braking and handling.
Relatively long snow braking distance, the lowest handling and traction.
