Michelin has loads of technology in this tire. Max Touch is one important element that helps distribute pressure evenly over the contact patch, allowing for longevity as well as distributing accelerating, braking and cornering forces. The tires are all about optimal everything. Without going over the entire spectrum of what makes the Xi3 tick, the most important and attractive (to boot) features include the V-Shape tread design, the all-important Flex-Ice compound, the Micro pumps (the little holes on the tread blocks) to absorb water and the Block edges.
The tire has also been designed in order to perform decently when conditions are more clement. The premise of the comparison test Michelin put together at Mecaglisse was to demonstrate the Michelin X-Ice 3's abilities in various circumstances. The three most important tests were the following:
1- Pure ice acceleration and stopping
2- Snow covered driving with corners
3- Ice and snow comparison driving on worn (to 4/32) tires
Exam #1
In the first test, the results were partially conclusive. Up against the Continental ExtremeWinterContact, the Toyo Observe GSi-5 and the Goodyear Ultragrip Ice, the Michelin X-Ice 3 had to demonstrate its ice-gripping abilities. At first, it seemed as though the Xi3s gave the Mazda's traction control a break but after a number of passes, they all did fairly well.
Same for stopping distances. I was able to maintain a trap speed of between 25 and 27 km/h, and all stopped within the spacing between two cones. Given the trap speed variations, the results were very similar.
The return run to get back to the starting line proved to be the most telling. The rapid series of low-speed, ice-covered switchbacks demonstrated how strong the Xi3's directional stability was. So good was it that I had a hard time kicking the Mazda3's tail out. Shod with some of the other tires, the swing was good.
Exam #2
Test number 2 once again demonstrated the Michelin X-Ice 3's lateral stability. Around corners on a snow covered circular short-track, the Xi3s made short work of enabling the Mazda3 to cut apexes with relative ease. A newcomer, Chinese-made Kebek tire, was in this test as were Toyo Observe Garit KX and some Nokian WRs.
As you might expect, the Kebeks did little to impress the jury, if you will, and the WRs were outclassed by the conditions. They are, after all, 4-season or all-season tires. In the snow, the Toyos managed well but again, it was the Michelin's propensity to keep the car on the straight and narrow that made the difference.
The tire has also been designed in order to perform decently when conditions are more clement. The premise of the comparison test Michelin put together at Mecaglisse was to demonstrate the Michelin X-Ice 3's abilities in various circumstances. The three most important tests were the following:
1- Pure ice acceleration and stopping
2- Snow covered driving with corners
3- Ice and snow comparison driving on worn (to 4/32) tires
Exam #1
In the first test, the results were partially conclusive. Up against the Continental ExtremeWinterContact, the Toyo Observe GSi-5 and the Goodyear Ultragrip Ice, the Michelin X-Ice 3 had to demonstrate its ice-gripping abilities. At first, it seemed as though the Xi3s gave the Mazda's traction control a break but after a number of passes, they all did fairly well.
 |
| Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre/Auto123.com |
Same for stopping distances. I was able to maintain a trap speed of between 25 and 27 km/h, and all stopped within the spacing between two cones. Given the trap speed variations, the results were very similar.
The return run to get back to the starting line proved to be the most telling. The rapid series of low-speed, ice-covered switchbacks demonstrated how strong the Xi3's directional stability was. So good was it that I had a hard time kicking the Mazda3's tail out. Shod with some of the other tires, the swing was good.
Exam #2
Test number 2 once again demonstrated the Michelin X-Ice 3's lateral stability. Around corners on a snow covered circular short-track, the Xi3s made short work of enabling the Mazda3 to cut apexes with relative ease. A newcomer, Chinese-made Kebek tire, was in this test as were Toyo Observe Garit KX and some Nokian WRs.
As you might expect, the Kebeks did little to impress the jury, if you will, and the WRs were outclassed by the conditions. They are, after all, 4-season or all-season tires. In the snow, the Toyos managed well but again, it was the Michelin's propensity to keep the car on the straight and narrow that made the difference.
 |
| Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre/Auto123.com |