There are many quantifiable aspects to cars which make you feel safe in adverse weather conditions such as size, interior build quality, ABS and airbags, four wheel drive, modern shell etc and they can all make a difference should the worst happen. There are plenty of other things you can do to make a difference to avoid the worst happening such as slowing down, keeping lights clean, ensuring wiper blades are in good nick, following others instead of leading, avoiding unlit and/or unmarked roads, skid control lessons and improving your driving skills, general adverse weather experience.
You do realise this is a feminine mindset as others have not so politely pointed out? However, safety is a serious business and it is a high priority for a lot of people, myself included as 9 times out of 10 I've got the kids and the dog in the car.
Given your needs and budget, I think the Audi is the best call.
It's a 1.9 TDi 130 Quattro Sport, comes loaded with part leather, CD, aircon, airbags, four wheel drive, ABS etc. It's a solid shell, feels well put together so feels safe and sturdy on the road and it also has a little class.
Best of all, a car like this can be had for about £5500.
Yep thats the type of car i've been looking at, i liked the looks of the 1.8T. Its in my price range and looks a great car to drive. The only thing that has me puzzled is the lack of xenon lights on such a well specced car (depending on the particular car). Having driven a works car with xenon lights i'm absolutely amazed these are made standard or at least insisted on by the EU.
I dont mind if its a girly mindset, all these OCUK alpha males dont bother me. I like to know i'm doing the best i can with the available funds.