A German tire magazine recently completed a thorough review of the new Nokian Rotiiva tire. Their verdict was that overall the tire's performance was "outstanding". It received its highest marks in the "on road performance", "grip", and "value for the money" categories. However, it still received excellent marks in the "off road performance" and "road noise" categories as well.
The article starts by focusing on the versatility of the Rotiiva. This tire is unique in its ability to deliver on-road comfort, off-road traction, and winter performance.
The tires were tested on a Mitsubishi L200, a vehicle weighing nearly one ton. The article explains the tendency of heavier vehicles to "drift" and lose traction when cornering. The grip of the Rotiiva definitively cut down on the amount of drift that the truck encountered, while also delivering superior comfort and minimal road noise.
The article compares the road noise of the Rotiiva to a passenger car tire, which is a remarkable achievement for an all-terrain and winter rated tire.
The Rotiiva's "stone ejector" technology was also tested and approved by the reviewer. The reviewer stated that "the tire's traction on dry terrain is outstanding and any small stones picked up by the tread are immediately thrown off".
Stone ejectors on the bottoms of grooves minimize the penetration of sharp rocks into the tire. The Stone Ejectors further increase the operating life of the tire by preventing tire body damage, especially when driving on uneven surfaces.
Another feature the article highlights is the unique "cooling fins" that deal with the common problem of overheating which can severely damage tires. These fins essentially drive air through the tread at high speeds, cooling down the tread and protecting the tire.
The Cooling ribs on the shoulder area reduce heat generation inside the tire. Lower heat generation means slower wear, more comfortable driving, and more mileage.
Overall, the tire was very well received by the German Automotive magazine. The article states that the "modern, top of the range tire is worth its high price". The reviewer gives the tire two thumbs up, stating that it is clearly a great investment for someone looking for a tire that does everything well.