Ready for winter | The good and bad associations of winter

Eric LeFrancois
special collaboration

Toyota Supra and other sports cars

Fantastic in the dry, the Supra proves – like all sports cars – tricky to drive in the snow. The main handicap of this type of car comes from the ground clearance. On a sports car, this is usually less than 140 millimetres. Perfect for optimizing road holding in the sun, but not enough for traveling in complete peace of mind on snowy paths where it tends to sink.

Chevrolet Silverado and other two-wheel-drive pickup trucks

All vans with only two-wheel drive lack the skills to face the white season with peace of mind. All the more so if the dumpster is empty of any contents. The growing supply of AllWeather tires (all seasons) approved for winter also complicates matters. These tires are only a compromise and do not provide the expected performance.

Volkswagen ID.4 and other electric vehicles

Rest assured, electric vehicles are not afraid of winter. But to make this season even more enjoyable, it is imperative to check off the heat pump option, if applicable. No, the latter is not de facto on the list of standard features of all electric vehicles sold in Canada. Its invaluable presence will not only improve the autonomy of the batteries in cold weather, but also the heating of the passenger compartment.

Subaru Impreza and its siblings

No need to find yourself at the controls of a utility to thwart the vagaries of winter. Nor to devote all his savings to its purchase (or rental). The Subaru Impreza is currently the only compact to offer full-time four-wheel drive and, with the help of a flat engine, a lower center of gravity. If the advantage of this system tends to dwindle compared to others who intervene only when necessary (temporary hold), it nevertheless reassures those who hate winter to make pimples.

Jeep Wrangler and the tough guys

The Wrangler is said to be able to climb trees. So imagine what he can do in the snow. This vehicle, one of the most legendary of the last 100 years, does not back down from any obstacle as long as you know how to play the transfer case and lock the central differential at the right time. A real snowplow which, recently, offers a plug-in hybrid mechanism which makes it even more attractive.

Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo and the new world

It’s not the most affordable offering on the market, but the Taycan Sport Turismo, an electric five-door sedan, drives like a Porsche. It does not emit a single gram of greenhouse gases, it accelerates like a dragster and has certain attributes worthy of a utility vehicle. What more ? The trunk volume can reach 1200 L, all the seats are spacious and its abilities on rough terrain are remarkable. The car also offers increased ground clearance thanks to air suspension and additional protections to preserve the condition of the lower part of the bodywork.