The first day of my 10-day test drive came with surprises. Just as I was ready to pull out of the dealership, it started to snow quite heavily. I really didn't need the sudden change in weather conditions to hamper my first ride in what turned out to be a great purchase.

By the time I got to the Interstate, we already had an inch or two of a slushy combination. I just stayed in the first lane at 55-60 mph and just feathered the gas. The car never slipped once, even on my snow-covered street where they hadn't sanded yet. Yes, my XFire has the summer Conti's. Would I drive it in the snow again? Only if I was caught somewhere when the snow arrived. I have a 4-wheel drive pickup and an AWD Envoy. There is no need for me to take the XFire out if it snows.

I must admit I have no idea how my XFire would respond in deep snow, and I have no desire to find that out.

Bob