I can't see why Peugeot built the Mi16x4? [/I]
Peugeot built 3 different AWD models. There was the GLx4, the Mi16x4, and the T16. They were not always going for the performance end of the market.
Don't forget that Citroen did the same thing with their BX model, from which the rear suspension came for the 405x4.
At the time Peugeot was still competing here and there and sent the 405T16 to Dakar, which it won twice if I remember correctly.
The Euro market doesn't really need AWD vehicles. For resonably bad conditions they use snow ploughs and for really bad conditions they use public transport. Not sure what the role of the Mi16x4 was, maybe a market test?
They entered 405 coupe style bodies on 205 T16 competition mechanicals for Dakar and Pikes Peak. Not 405 T16s.
The Euro market doesn't really need AWD vehicles. For resonably bad conditions they use snow ploughs and for really bad conditions they use public transport. Not sure what the role of the Mi16x4 was, maybe a market test?
Depends on the part of Europe, but for Finland they are certainly handy. Not all roads are ploughed by Councils (many side roads are done by private contractors usually once a day) and in continuous snow fall it doesn't take long before the roads have a snow blanket. Winter of 2010 I drove in fresh 10 cm snow on several occasions and even in Helsinki the snow clearing wasn't keeping up with the falls and getting in and out of properties not on main roads was problematic. Front wheel drives seemed to fare better than rear wheel drives, but all wheel drive would have been a decided advantage, as would have bit more ground clearance as in a SUV type vehicle.