I am thisclose to buying this car but wonder if anyone has driven this car in winter? As a practical matter can't rationalize buying this and warehousing it for 4 months (we have 2 seasons here in Chicago -- Winter and Road Construction). I must've read 8 reviews that all say "wonder what it will handle like in snow and potholes." Doesn't anyone know?

If the Xfire is only for warm weather, why does it have heated seats?

I am not terrified of snow; Up Here we don't shut down the city every time a flake hits the ground. Even in winter most streets are clear. I grew up on rear-wheel drive cars. But then again they had more weight.
I suppose the ESP would keep me on a straight course while I skid into the car in front of me...

Do the ASP tires make any real difference? What about the "winter" mode on the auto trans? If all it does is start from 2nd at a stop, can't anyone do the same with a stick?

Final, related issue: many posters on this site recommend hand-wash only. How do you get the underside clean that way? Problem here is that the politicans are addicted to salt, even after winter is over there is salt on the street for weeks/months, maybe all year, kicking up each time the streets are wet. Underside washing is a must or Hello Rust.