For the owners who have had one for more than a year. What's the snow grip/handling/performance like? Is the ABS instrusive, does the ESP thingy actually do anything, is it a smart little handler, is the grip any good, has anyone fitted snow tyres (was it worth it). Just a bit of feedback really as I am too old to go lamping it around Tescos car park in 4 wheel slides and J turns etc.

And if dualogic, is there any technique or tips (eg can you start it moving in second?). I thought I might have read somethign somewhere that there is a "snow" button for this?

Pirate Pat said:

For the owners who have had one for more than a year. What's the snow grip/handling/performance like? Is the ABS instrusive, does the ESP thingy actually do anything, is it a smart little handler, is the grip any good, has anyone fitted snow tyres (was it worth it). Just a bit of feedback really as I am too old to go lamping it around Tescos car park in 4 wheel slides and J turns etc.

And if dualogic, is there any technique or tips (eg can you start it moving in second?). I thought I might have read somethign somewhere that there is a "snow" button for this?

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Hi Pirate Pat,

As to the ESP thingy.......no idea don't have it on mine which is 3 and a half years old. Never found the ABS to present any problems, and I have never needed to fit snow tyres. Always had plenty of grip whatever the weather, all to do with that heavy diesel block sitting well forward over the front wheels. Never had to start it in 2nd gear, just use a very light foot in 1st, and flick it into 2nd when I feel its right, that means putting it into the manual mode, I then change back to full auto.

I know some owners do put snow tyres on, so happen they will comment on their cars performance with grippy tyres....

Take care, Qube O.

I know the trekking i've just bought has m+s tyres as standard which are mud+snow rated, so i'm interested to see how they perform

I think everyone will find there is no such thing as snow tyres, as they are winter tyres

And yes they are worth fitting

louigi cornetto said:

I know the trekking i've just bought has m+s tyres as standard which are mud+snow rated, so i'm interested to see how they perform

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Mud and snow rated or just M+S marked

M+S marked, spec as per the pirelli link...

http://www.pirelli.com/tyre/gb/en/car/sheet/p2500_euro_4s.html

"The M+S (Mud and Snow) marking identifies its suitability for low temperatures, even in the presence of moderate snow cover"

louigi cornetto said:

"The M+S (Mud and Snow) marking identifies its suitability for low temperatures, even in the presence of moderate snow cover"

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Unfortunately it doesn't though, and as such any tyre can be marked M&S regardless of its capabilities (or lack of in some cases). This is due to no regulations regarding M&S ratings.

However the tyre in the link does look to be a decent all weather tyre, and at least it's a reputable tyre brand

Yes with dual logic in m you can move off in 2nd ... Also winter tyres cane give better grip in snow.

daveukqubo said:

Yes with dual logic in m you can move off in 2nd

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Should be able to do it in Auto also

Morning Qubist all,

As per grip, and 'Marks & Spencer' tyres (lol), nows the time to go out and play..........sitting here in front of the computer screen watching the snow get deeper and deeper outside.

Just take it slow, leave plenty of stopping space.......and try not to bend your Qubo.

Have fun, Qube O.....

Mine's performed brilliantly on the original tyres even in heavy Scottish snow - tread depth/ driving style is as important as the tyres themselves.

M&S rating is a bit of a minefield - spec depends on the brand.

Good winter tyres are easy to spot as they have lots of stipes (fine cuts) within each tread block rather than solid blocks. The compound tends to be different to prevent them becoming hard and 'non-grippy' in cold conditions.

Despite working at Michelin I like the standard spec Pirelli tyres unless you're travelling miles in heavy snow/ untreated roads. Obviously Michelin tyres are the best please buy them

You won't even know ESP is there, which is the idea.

Hmm 1st outing in the snow yesterday & I can honestly say the ESP didnt do a thing for me....infact seems to slide & slip more than the last car ever did! BUT did have a discussion last night about snow/mud tires & hopefully will sort this week before it gets any worse

philnicandamy said:

Hmm 1st outing in the snow yesterday & I can honestly say the ESP didnt do a thing for me....infact seems to slide & slip more than the last car ever did! BUT did have a discussion last night about snow/mud tires & hopefully will sort this week before it gets any worse

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ESP won't stop you sliding on ice.

Get some decent winter tyres and you'll be fine

Interesting, the ABS doesn't seem to work at dead slow speeds, which is great because it means you can build up a ridge of snow in front of the tyres to help slow you down. More than about 3mph it barks and raps at you like any other.

Most Easterly Pandas said:

ESP won't stop you sliding on ice.

Get some decent winter tyres and you'll be fine

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I know...ESP is about the stability control..or so i thought

well.........talked nicely to OH and did the pleeeeeeease thing got some tires being sorted tomorrow hopefully (although knowing my luck the snow will have thawed by then!!)

Note for all dualogic Quboists, might be worth leaving the gearbox out of eco mode during this weather if you use auto, should enable more control and engine breaking

Dualogic gearbox can play up in very cold weather has mine did

daveukqubo said:

Dualogic gearbox can play up in very cold weather has mine did

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In what way did it play up

Mines been fine at -10c external temp.

Hi Pirate - ABS won't work at very slow speed as the sensors need to detect wheel rotation/ deceleration or failure to decelerate to work out if you're skidding. If the system was armed at all speeds then as soon as you came to a stop it would assume you were skidding - front wheels stopped - and turn the brakes off; which could be awkward...

-5 dualogic slow .. ok when warmed up

daveukqubo said:

-5 dualogic slow .. ok when warmed up

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What was? Gear changes