how does S40 handle in snow/ice?

[faffi]

From this I conclude that the S40 is a great car that works very well on icy and snowy roads. Its mediocre performance on winter-slick roads means it is not the perfect car for people living in areas where snow and ice is likely. Finally, the S40 is absolutely useless on slick roads and is best left cuddled up in a warm garage throughout winter until it is safe to bring it back out some time during Spring.

Remember, you read it here first

[stevo83]

So instead of spending a couple of hundred quid on tyres, buy a knackered old Ford Fiesta 1.1 without the power to spin and skinny tyres. If you wreck it, who cares!

[iainmd]

205/50R17 for me. I would consider getting 16" wheels and winter tyres but having invested in the mutts nuts of snow chains for the 17's I'm reluctant to change now.

Originally Posted by faffi

Getting my hands on the S40 will be even more exciting after reading this tread. The S40/V50 have received rave reviews in the Norwegian press, but nothing can beat personal experience.

EDIT: What tyre size do those of you who find the car poor on winter roads use?

[Jonnieb2009]

Just as long as you dont wreck yourself in the process of wrecking the car! Probably not as safe as a Volvo - buy a really old volvo 240 instead - built like tanks.

[alfiembra]

I can honestly say that my S40 1.6d was the worst car I have ever driven in snow, whereas I agree that the driver and your experience of driving in snow is hugely influential, it most certainly is not the only factor. I had 2 experiences of getting stuck last year once on a flat car park so couldn't even blame a hill for it. The car had good quality rubber on it Goodyear Excellence tyres with decent tread, not necesseraly an all year round tyre but IMO should have been more than capable on a flat surface. Why is it so bad? I don't know but the slightest attempt to pull away DSTC on or off no matter what gear left me floundering. Whereas all around me were coping fine.

Alan

[N2STY]

Get your self some snow socks well worth the £50 to keep in the boot



Here is a ebay link

[SiRS2000]

These look cool, I may invest in a some of these.

[N2STY]

if you want to see if snow socks are any good, review the snow socks video below
there is a v50 in the video

+ YouTube Video

not working try this

[Jonnieb2009]

Look good but do you need 2 pairs or possibly one pair for the front will do?

any inusrance implications?

[jasonb]

Looks like you need a set only for the driving wheels.
If you have AWD then yes, two pairs, but most of us here have front wheel drive! Just a pair will do.