Handling in Winter

[HarveyWoods]

I don't want this to be another winter tyre thread so if we can take it as a given that the handling of the Exeo ST will be better in winter on winter tyres then that will help.

How do people find the Exeo handles in winter conditions? Does it seem to handle well or struggle? Do people find the 16" tyres manage better than those on 17" (hard to judge I appreciate) I know that all cars will struggle in snow on standard tyres but with a thin layer of snow or ice how does the Exeo compare to other cars that people have had?

One of the reasons I ask this is that I never found winter a problem until I had a Volvo S40 on 17" tyres. It was diabolical in winter and I don't want to go there again. I hope to get a set of winters for any future 2wd car but in case I can't (works lease car) then I am interested to know how the Exeo manages.

 

[floosy]

If there lying snow on the road turn off the ESP

 

[Leodis]

I just changed from Honda Civic 1.8 with 16" wheels and winter tyres, to an ST SE Tech 143 TDI with 17" Summer tyres.
Considering it has 17" summer tyres and we have had 4" of snow on the ground for the last few days it has been fine. Setting off I use now throttle and just let the clutch up slightly more gently then normal and let the torque pull away.
Braking on snow and slush is not so good due to the width of the summer tyres. You need to brake early and gently and then build the pressure slowly. Its okay but not snow tyres would make a big difference. They give so much more confidence.

 

[Mafu]

My Exeo has 17's and just normal Avon road tyres, (Not Winter tyres) I found it spot on, the only time it got stuck last winter in the bad snow was when I was in snow 7+ inches deep. it was 100% on the business park I work on including the hills and rises. Turn off the ESP, drive calm and steady and you'll be grand!

 

[Dark Andrew]

Back in the summer I took my car for a drive through the mountain roads of the cairngorms and it was easily the best handling car i've ever had. I am pleased to say now the cold weather is here that it's also the best car i've had in these conditions too. Just by way of comparison, my previous 2 cars were a honda civic and a toyota avensis.

 

[CBRED]

Back in the summer I took my car for a drive through the mountain roads of the cairngorms and it was easily the best handling car i've ever had. I am pleased to say now the cold weather is here that it's also the best car i've had in these conditions too. Just by way of comparison, my previous 2 cars were a honda civic and a toyota avensis.

I'm impressed with the handling also, better than the Focus ST I've just exchanged. Hope it's the same when the white stuff comes tho !

 

[floosy]

I'm impressed with the handling also, better than the Focus ST I've just exchanged. Hope it's the same when the white stuff comes tho !

Just make sure the *******s at the garage dont put Sunny Tyres on it like they did mine when it needed 2 new fronts . It handled like it was on an oilslick at the first hint of moisture. So I took it to the local tyre depot and got them whipped off for some Conti SportContact 3's.. much better!

 

[jlindstrom]

I know the OP said no winter tyres, but we have them mandatory in Finland so it's all I can comment about..

Anyway, I have the exeo st 143 tdi sport on 16" Nokian Hakkapeliitta studless winter tyres. With these tyres it's one of the best if not best handling 2wd I've driven in snow & ice. And we have plenty of both every year. With carefull driving you can even get it to oversteer with throttle alone

And I do recommend keeping the ESP turned on most of the time. When you're stuck or almost stuck - then try without. Normally ESP is just fine and dandy.. though I stress, this with winter tyres. I have no experience on slippery conditions with summer tyres.

One negative though are the rear led lights. They get covered with frost & snow easily. Old light bulbs kept clear with heat generated by the light bulb.. technology is not always only positive.

-- Juha