There was an interesting article in Autocar magazine a couple of weeks ago comparing a two-wheel drive Skoda Yeti on winter tyres and a four-wheel drive version on normal tyres.
Apart from straight line traction, where the 4WD had an advantage, the 2WD was better in every other respect. Stopping from 30mph was the most remarkable - the 2WD stopping in a little over half the distance of the 4WD.
The conclusion was that unless traction was needed for climbing muddy hills, the front wheel drive on winter tyres was far more effective for the vast majority of motorists.
Unfortunately many 4WD drivers don't realise the limitation of their vehicles on winter roads - witness the series of 4WD vehicles that went steaming past on the A11 from Norwich on Saturday afternoon in heavy snow!
Talking of Norwich, this 350 mile round trip in one day highlighted the shear brilliance of the up! It's not perfect, but a small car that is quiet, comfortable, economical, fun and leaves you feeling so fresh is incredible. It's wasted as a city car! Add a turbo, and it'll be a real giant killer - roll-on the GT!!!