• Auto123 tested Hankook’s new Kinergy 4S2 tire.
Like it or not, most Canadian drivers already have to think about the next winter season, and in many cases that means opting for a new tire to tackle the cold season. The case is even more urgent in certain regions – such as Quebec or British Columbia – where the law requires winter tires to be installed on all wheels of your car or van (in Quebec from December 1st to 15th of the following April). Other provinces do not require it, but strongly recommend it, as do most automotive specialists of course.
However, for some drivers the question arises. If you only drive a few distances each year and your vehicle’s tires wear out, should you just buy new winter tires that you 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 costs)?
The new particularly urban trend
A few years ago, a Finnish tire manufacturer started offering a winter tire whose properties ALSO allow it to be used in summer without any disadvantages.
In the past, experts have advised against storing winter tires in the summer because they will overheat and burst (which, to my knowledge, has never been proven except for underinflated tires). Or that they wear out prematurely.
These disadvantages have now been eliminated or denied and several well-known tire manufacturers have followed the Finnish manufacturer’s example. So today they are all offering a completely new tire that is specifically designed for 12-month use, eliminating the need for assembly and disassembly, which should help drivers on a tighter budget.
By the way, these tires all bear the international acronym of the mountain silhouette with a snowflake in the middle. In Canada, this type of tire is classified as an “approved tire.”
Photo: Hankook
The Hankook Kinergy 4S2 tire
Hankook jumps into the fray
It would have taken a while for the South Korean manufacturer Hankook to react – after all, such a decision means both time and investment. But finally here is the end result, the very latest Kinergy 4S2 750, the Hankook version of the homologated tire. It was launched in Canada in January 2021.
Let us specify that Hankook is considered a high-end brand in the industry, that is, a product that is superior to many other tires offered on the market. In addition, we would like to point out that the name Hankook means … Korea. We will then understand the pride of the manufacturer who has adopted this identification to offer a product that enjoys great trust. Founded in South Korea in 1941, Hankook is one of the largest companies in this Asian country, producing 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) is therefore designed to provide maximum performance 365 days a year. A car equipped with these tires does not have to switch to winter tires in the cold season. On the sides we find this mountain silhouette with the snowflake in the middle.
The 4S2 tire contains a new rubber composition (called Aqua Pine) that contains more silica for better grip in cold temperatures. The steel belt has been reinforced and is now stronger for greater durability. It’s also wider for greater tread stiffness, which should improve handling. This tire uses Hankook’s Equilibrium casing principle made from polymers.
One of the most striking features of this Hankook product is the tread design. If you compare it to one of its competitors, the Michelin Cross-Climate 2, you can see just a hint of similarity.
Note that this tire also received awards for excellence from the European Auto Express Group for its design (it also won in the All-Season Tire category and in the Best Products category).
According to Hankook, the slanted grooves help water, dust and mud drain away easily. The structure of the blocks has been designed to facilitate braking, while the imposing ribs contribute to handling and stability.
The Hankook Kinergy 4S2 (750) is available in more than thirty sizes for rims from 15 to 19 inches (there is also a more robust version for SUVs, the 4S2X). Price can vary from $140 to $250 depending on size or reseller discount. However, note that it is not studyable. The manufacturer guarantees wear of approximately 96,000 km.
Photo: E. Descarries
The 2010 Suzuki 4X2 with new Hankook Kinergy 4S2 tires
The Hankook Kinergy 4S2 in the test
Hankook allowed us to put their new product to the test by having four 4S2 (750) installed in 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 5000 to 6000 km per year, mostly in urban environments, a question of economy. The hatchback is powered by a 150 hp four-cylinder in combination with a continuously variable automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. Note that it has been so well cared for that it looks almost new.
Photo: E. Descarries
The Suzuki 4 with Hankook Kinergy 4S2 tires
Our first spins
Hankook offered us to drive its 4S2 at the end of the summer to first test its effectiveness on dry roads on hot days. At first glance you can see that the latest Kinergy 4S2 is as quiet as it gets. Here you should know that the Suzuki SX4 is also considered a relatively quiet car in its category, which confirms this feature of the Hankook.
As for braking, everything seems to be fine on dry pavement (although on an “old” car you have to take into account the condition of the brakes before coming to an accurate 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, again, it remains quiet (depending on the type of road surface). In this size, it has a speed index V (maximum 240 km/h at continuous speed), which confirms its status as a performance tire. Other models have a speed index H (maximum 210 km/h).
On the other hand, during relatively heavy summer rains, we also found that the water is drained 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 just a first contact with the Hankook Kinergy 4S2 (750). The “real” test will take place in a few months after the first cold and snow. We do not expect exceptional performance in deep snow, but knowing that most streets and boulevards in most communities are cleared by snow plows, we can accurately evaluate this on streets with moderate snow cover.
We will also keep an eye on his behavior when braking and driving on icy roads, which is a nuisance for many drivers.
The last word
The Kinergy 4S2 tire, it must be made clear, is not intended as a master key for deep snow excursions. Above all, it represents a good compromise for the driver who wants both efficiency and safety in both winter and summer, without having to undergo the annoying (and increasingly costly) seasonal wheel change.
We will come back later with a report on this tire in winter conditions. We’ll also talk about other tires we’re currently evaluating, including the Michelin Cross-Climate 2 and the Nokian WR-G4 in a similar category.