Small city car that can cope with ice and snow?

[SeaGreenSeaGlass]

All ideas and experience welcome!
I like something small, easy to park, but ideally also not awful in wintry conditions.

My mini was fine in the snow and ice last year but we didn’t get really deep snow . but I think it’s the tyres that are the crucial thing and swooping for winter tyres makes a difference

Any car becomes a huge amount better in bad weather if you have winter tyres put on it. My focus went from absolutely hopeless in snow to being able to get up a hill on snowy roads. The tyres are also good in wet weather, they’re not just for snow and ice.. That way you can have whatever car you like..

Thanks. I had thought of winter tyres but the weather's so inconsistent - it was around freezing at the weekend until Christmas eve, but its 10°C now, which I think is a bit warm for winter tyres?
(I wouldn't be able to swap them back and forth myself with the changing temp).

Michelin cross climate are your friend. Both my cars wear them all year round.

Mine go on in Oct and come off in April. Regardless of temperature. The tyres will help in wet weather too.. Some garages will store the other set of tyres for you.

Thanks again. I had been thinking that a small 4x4 might be best, but I'll have a proper look into winter tyres. (I need to replace my car anyway).

I second the Michelin CrossClimate tyres. I got some in November 2016, and they were incredible when it was icy in the Hertfordshire villages. They are also really good in normal summer conditions.

Mazda 2 sport with winter tyres.

Experience and suitable tyres are the best combination. A 4x4 driven by an inexperienced driver and/or on summer tyres will still struggle on a decent snow covering.

I have a 4×4 saloon and last year it was the only car that got off my road

any car with small wheels is great.

4x4 is useless without decent tyres.

Ford KA.

I kid you not. That car was incredible! It got me up the hill in very icy conditions, when it was heavily snowing and very economical around town. Very easy to park as well! I really miss it :(

Make sure whatever car you get is a front wheel drive as they are best when driving in ice/snowy conditions.

I have had a honda jazz which was good in snow ⛄️

Currently driving a vw up and that is good too ❄️

I had a VW polo which did a 30 mile journey in 10 - 15 cm deep snow (normal tyres) albeit at 20mph! but it was an amazing car.

My Mini was great in the snow, I haven’t driven my new car in the snow yet but hoping it’s as good should we get any.

Low gear and minimal braking!

Never used winter tyres!

whenlife - I was about to say exactly the same. a good few years now I've seen people stuck in snow and I've sailed past them in my Ford ka! I love it.

Pretty happy with my Tiguan. Does muddy dinghy parks and was fine in the snow last year. We are rural and quite a lot of people have them. Also lots of Yetis around.

Anything with front wheel drive. My Clio was fine.

Winter tyres are what you need.

They improve adherence not only on ice and snow but also in cold rain. We have ours put on in December and we change them at the end of March.

The difference on snow and especially packed icy snow is phenomenal. They work better than snow chains on smaller, lighter vehicles.

And we had a Toyota Yaris for years and it was extremely reliable and economic.

Winter tyres from October to May ish should be fine, they really are much better