New Mazda CX-3 - AWD or 2WD with winter tyres?

Having finally settled on a new CX-3 I need to decide whether better to go for the 2WD and buy a set of winter wheels and tyres or just go for the AWD version (but no winter tyres) - I can do one or the other but not both as I would only need the spec of the SE-L as opposed to the AWD which for me is over-equipped.

Asked on 2 August 2015 by davidfulton

Answered by Honest John
Generally, full cold weather tyres will get you out of snow more effectively than four wheel drive. Even all season Michelin Cross Climate or Nokian Weatherproof will generally work better than four wheel drive. But four wheel drive with the cold weather or all season tyres is obviously best of the lot.
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