ABW 16-inch summer tyre test — 2026
Not long ago, Belshina launched its new summer tyres named Belshina Artmotion Premium onto the market. To find out how capable this new flagship model from the Bobruisk-based manufacturer really is, the Belarusian portal ABW tested it against one Chinese and three Russian competitors.
The test tyres were in the popular size 205/55 R16, where Belshina uses the model index PS-102. The competing tyres were Gislaved PremiumControl and Ikon Character Eco (equivalents of Continental ContiPremiumContact 5 and Nordman SX3, respectively), Viatti Strada 2—the latest summer tyre from Kama Tyres—and Grenlander Enri U08, produced by ZODO Tire. The latter features M+S markings on its sidewalls, but they cannot be considered all-season tyres. This kind of labelling, assigned without independent third-party testing, has become common for clearly summer-oriented Chinese tyres.
Prior to testing, the Shore hardness was measured. Belshina's reading was on par with Gislaved and Grenlander, but the manufacturer disagreed with the result, reporting 69 instead of 62 in their own factory measurements. The discrepancy might have stemmed from differing measurement methods, and both values were ultimately noted.
Braking distances on dry and wet surfaces were measured from 60 km/h. In the dry, Belshina unexpectedly took first place, while on wet surfaces it delivered an excellent result, second only to Gislaved. Grenlander performed worst on dry pavement, but on wet surfaces it outperformed Ikon, matching the result of Viatti.
Tyre noise was evaluated on a section of poor-quality asphalt. The measured values differed by just one or two decibels (recorded from lowest levels at medium speed to peak values), and ABW noted that “an average driver is unlikely to notice the difference.”
Lap times were not measured. Instead, the test driver provided subjective assessments of handling during lane-change maneuvers, as well as noise and ride comfort on uneven surfaces.
According to the driver, Gislaved and Belshina are similar in ride comfort, but “the Belshina tyre absorbs road imperfections slightly softer and quieter.” During lane changes, the car equipped with Artmotion Premium “moves more smoothly and softly; the vehicle gradually and controllably slides sideways. The response is not alarming.”
“With the Gislaved, I experienced slight oversteer, and the stability control system activated repeatedly. With the Belshina, the stability control warning light didn’t flash even once on the dashboard, despite driving at roughly the same speed,” he said.
Regarding the Viatti tyre, the driver noted it was “noisy, coarse, and noticeably harsher at joints: With Gislaved and Belshina, you just feel road—normal road. Here, you distinctly feel the road texture.” Additionally, he found the tyre’s feedback at the grip limit insufficient: “You’re never quite sure—either you haven’t reached the required speed, or you’re already sliding on the front axle, exceeding the limit.”
The Ikon tyres received negative feedback for “constant road noise while driving,” but demonstrated good handling during emergency maneuvers, with “the car feeling precise and responsive through the steering.” “But it’s not like this set delivers exceptional grip,” the driver emphasized. “The transition into a slide is smooth and predictable. In terms of behaviour at the limit, it’s similar to the Belshina—neither dull nor overly sticky. A balanced level, suitable for everyday drivers.”
The driver described the Grenlander tyre as “somewhat coarse.” “It’s not exactly stiff, but it picks up everything—even tiny particles on the road,” he noted. “It clearly transmits small details. At the same time, it handles large bumps and potholes well, without bottoming out or bouncing.” During lane changes, the tyres performed adequately, and according to the test driver, “it’s an average performer without a sudden, abrupt loss of grip. You can enter a curve and gradually increase speed—the responses aren’t intimidating.”
Source: ABW. Photo: ABW