Honestly I don't care about it being a automatic only. My Wife is never going to be comfortable driving a manual and she's only 5 feet tall so that makes it even more difficult. I have my Fiesta and I'm keeping it forever.
I love the fact they're going to put the turbo engine in the all-wheel drive is a big plus for some people and I'll explain that a little bit.
While it is definitely true a 2 wheel drive vehicle with good snow tires will outperform a all wheel drive vehicle with regular all seasons tires, but many people live in areas that get very little winter weather. When they do and they still have to go to work having all wheel drive can help with confidence, by not getting stuck in their driveway. Doesn't help you stop doesn't help with turning, but prevents you from getting stuck on a hill.
Of course I didn't mention all-weather tires a all season tire that performs much better than a regular all-season tire in the snow, but still does great during hot dry conditions. A all wheel drive vehicle equipped with all-weather tires will do very well in the snow.
My Wife is from upstate New York and she goes up there every other Christmas we typically rent a vehicle with all-wheel drive rentals don't come with snow tires but it's definitely better than driving a 2 wheel drive vehicle with all seasons. Not going to buy snow tires to drive to New York every other year.
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