This was no "review". This was a report from a sponsored promotional event. Don't get me wrong - by all accounts the Xi2s are great winter tires, and Xi3s are probably even better, and may be the best winter tire on the market - but come on Paul, just regurgitating the line/results Michelin gave you does not constitute a "review".
Unfortunately, every review seems to sound like a promotional piece. Screw reviews, word of mouth tells me to get Nokian Hakka Rs next.
Just got R's mounted on the XC70 2 weeks ago. Absolutely spectacular traction on ice, packed snow, slush or dry asphalts. I also gained .2-.3 L/100 km over the Gislaved NordFrost 5 that were the previous mount. Best winter tire yet for me.
Agreed that the Gislaved NordFrost's are highly overrated (& overpriced) by Volvo dealers. The set I had on my S60 were utterly useless the last half of last winter even though they still weren't down to the wear bars.
I went with X-Ice i2's this year. The Hak's were actually my very close 2nd choice, trumped by a good price and some freebies I got on the Michelin's. I note the same charateristics for grip and fuel economy you mention plus far less crusing noise.
I say *wow* if the i3's are an improvement...
