Which comfortable car offers good performance in snow?

I had a new 2008 A5 3.0TDI Quattro. However I was very disappointed with the car's performance in the December 2010 snow, compared to my wife's 2002 Audi 1.8t Quattro. So I intend purchasing a new vehicle sometime this year. The cars I am considering include the Mercedes-Benz C250 or E220, Audi A4 or A6 or Jaguar XF. My average mileage is 7500 per annum. As I am approaching 60 I am looking for comfort as opposed to a sports car. I am looking at my next purchase as possibly my last car therefore it must last at least ten years. What would you recommend?

Asked on 28 April 2012 by GC, via email

Answered by Honest John

If your A5 came on optional 255/35 R19 summer tyres, then they were why it would not grip in snow (standard tyres are 225/50 R17s, but are rarely fitted). If you can find a Jaguar XF 3.0-litre V6 petrol version, that would be a good idea. Jaguar does not make them any more, but though the XF diesels are brilliant to drive, they are prone to EGR and DPF problems if used for repeated short runs from cold.

Tags: petrol engines reliability comfort

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