2023-09-08 19:21:05
• Auto123 tested the new Kinergy 4S2 tire from Hankook.
Like it or not, most Canadian motorists must already start thinking about the next winter season and that means, in many cases, choosing a new tire to tackle the cold season. The case is even more pressing in certain regions – such as Quebec, or British Columbia – where the law requires them to fit winter tires on all the wheels of their car or van (in Quebec, from December 1 to 15 following April). Other provinces do not require them but strongly recommend it like most automotive specialists, of course.
However, for some motorists, the question arises. If they don’t cover much distance each year and their vehicle’s tires are starting to wear out, should they only buy new winter tires that they can continue to use in the summer? Or is it better to use two sets of tires, which would require mounting and dismounting twice a year (and therefore additional expenses)?
The new especially urban trend
A few years ago, a Finnish tire manufacturer began offering a winter tire with characteristics that would ALSO allow it to be used in summer without any disadvantages.
In the past, experts advised against keeping winter tires in the summer, lest they overheat and burst (which, to my knowledge, has never been proven except for underinflated tires). Or that they wear out prematurely.
These drawbacks have since been resolved or denied and several well-known tire manufacturers have followed the example of the Finnish manufacturer. They therefore all offer, today, an entirely new tire specifically designed for use twelve months a year, thus avoiding assembly and disassembly, which should help motorists on a tighter budget.
Incidentally, these tires all feature the international acronym of the mountain silhouette with a snowflake in its center. In Canada, this type of tire is classified as an “approved tire”.
Photo : Hankook
Le pneu Hankook Kinergy 4S2
Hankook jumps into the fray
It would have taken a little time for the South Korean manufacturer Hankook to react – after all, making such a decision represents both time and investment. But here is the final result, the very recent Kinergy 4S2 750, the Hankook version of the approved tire. It was launched in Canada in January 2021.
Let us specify that Hankook is considered, in the industry, as a high-end brand, that is to say a product superior to many other tires offered on the market. In addition, let’s point out that the name Hankook means… Korea. We will then understand the pride of the manufacturer who has adopted this identification of offering a product of great confidence. Founded in 1941 in South Korea, Hankook is one of the largest companies in this Asian country and produces more than 50 million tires per year.
Photo : Hankook
Kinergy 4S2 tire tread
What sets the Hankook Kinergy 4S2 tire apart
The Kinergy 4S2 (750) was therefore created to offer maximum performance 365 days a year. A car equipped with these tires does not need to switch to winter tires when the cold season arrives. On the sides we find this mountain silhouette with the snowflake in its center.
The 4S2 tire includes a new rubber composition (called Aqua Pine) which contains more silica for better grip in cold temperatures. The steel belt has been reinforced and is now sturdier for added durability. It is also wider for greater tread rigidity, which aims to improve road behavior. This tire uses Hankook’s Equilibrium carcass principle composed of polymers.
One of the most visible features of this Hankook product is the tread design. Comparing it with that of one of its competitors, the Michelin Cross-Climate 2, we can only find an air of resemblance.
Note here that this tire also won awards of excellence from the European Auto Express group for its design (it was also awarded in the All Season Tires category and in the Best Products category).
According to Hankook, the oblique grooves help to shed water, dust and slush well. The structure of the blocks has been designed to help braking while the imposing ribs are there to contribute to road behavior and stability.
The Hankook Kinergy 4S2 (750) is available in more than thirty sizes for 15 to 19 inch rims (there is also a more robust version for SUVs, the 4S2X). Its price can vary from $140 to $250 depending on the size or reseller discounts. However, note that it is not studable. The manufacturer guarantees wear at around 96,000 km.
Photo : E.Descarries
The 2010 Suzuki 4X2 with the new Hankook Kinergy 4S2 tires
The Hankook Kinergy 4S2 on test
Hankook allowed us to put its new product to the test by having four 4S2 (750) installed on a 2010 Suzuki SX4, 205/60 R16.
Why this Suzuki? Quite simply because it represents a typical example of the use of such tires. This used SX4 only drives around 5,000 or 6,000 km per year, mostly in an urban environment, to save money. The hatchback is powered by a 150-horsepower four-cylinder combined with a continuously variable automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. Note that it has been so well maintained that it almost looks like new.
Photo : E.Descarries
The Suzuki 4 with Hankook Kinergy 4S2 tires
Our first spins
Hankook offered to ride its 4S2 at the end of the summer to, first of all, check its effectiveness on dry pavement during hot days. Right off the bat, you can tell that the newest Kinergy 4S2 is as quiet as possible. You should know here that the Suzuki SX4 is also considered a relatively quiet car in its category, which confirms this characteristic of the Hankook.
As for braking, everything seems to be up to par on dry pavement (although, in the case of an “old” car, it is necessary to consider the condition of the brakes before arriving at a precise conclusion ). However, on a winding road, this Hankook responds very well to steering inputs.
Finally, at higher speeds on the highway, the 4S2 helps the car stay on course and, once again, it remains quiet (always taking into account the type of road surface). Incidentally, in this size, it displays a speed index V (maximum 240 km/h at sustained speed) which confirms its status as a performance tire. Other models have speed index H (maximum 210 km/h).
On the other hand, fairly intense summer rains also allowed us to see that it evacuates water well enough (even in large puddles) to avoid the dangers of aquaplaning.
Photo : Hankook
The Hankook Kinergy 4S2X tire, for SUVs
The real test
This is only a first contact with the Hankook Kinergy 4S2 (750). The “real” test will be done in a few months from the first cold weather and the first snow. We don’t expect extraordinary performance in deep snow, but knowing that most streets and boulevards are cleared by snow plows in the majority of municipalities, this is on roads covered with a moderate amount of snow that we can give it a precise rating.
We will also keep an eye on its behavior when braking and driving on icy roads, the bane of many motorists.
The final word
The Kinergy 4S2 tire, it should be noted, is not intended to be an all-purpose tire for excursions in deep snow. Above all, it represents a good compromise for the motorist who wants both efficiency and safety both in winter and in summer without having to undergo the annoying (and increasingly costly) seasonal wheel changing operations.
We will come back later with a report on this tire in winter conditions. We will also talk about other tires that we are currently evaluating, including the Michelin Cross-Climate 2 and the Nokian WR-G4 in a similar category.
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