Hi Guys
My existing 2013 Honda Jazz EX CVT car recently went in for routine service and it's first MOT and I was provided with a 2016 Honda Jazz SE CVT as a courtesy car
This evaluation is based upon the desire to possibly part-exchange the car for a new one and my findings are compared with the existing car, over a distance of approximately 60 miles
Positive Points:-
1. The ride is much better and the suspension seems more compliant and able to soak up potholes/speed bumps more easily.
2. The steering is more precise and has a slightly stronger self centring action, so is less likely to wander on motorways etc.
3. The execution of the cruise control is improved with the ability to show the actual set cruise speed and also link to prevailing speed limits.
4. Fuel consumption seems to be marginally better.
5. Integration of a mobile phone is much improved with the ability to connect to the phone's directory etc.
Negative points:-
1. The engine seems noisier than the MK2 particularly under acceleration in the 2-3000 rpm range sounding more akin to a high speed diesel engine than petrol. Noise levels at cruise speeds were acceptable.
2. The execution of the CVT is poor in comparison, again particularly in the mid range, where in order overtake someone, it was necessary to either floor the accelerator or flip the down paddle. There also appears to be a number of 'steps' in the gears, more akin to a conventional auto gearbox. The previous system is more progressive and proportional to pedal position.
3. My overall enjoyment was somewhat spoilt by my inability to properly see the instruments.They seem to be very poorly illuminated in daylight and no amount of adjustment with the control seemed to make much difference, could it be due to the change from an orange to blue backlight. It was a bright sunny day and I was not wearing sunglasses at the time. My dealer now tells me, that there is a specific procedure, to adjust the lights, which involves the auto lights being activated
4. The auto headlights seem to have mind of their own. At one point I was stopped at traffic lights under overhanging trees and the headlights came on. What the guy in front of me thought, I can only guess! Unfortunately it is not possible to permanently disable the system, since the Off position is springloaded to Auto. Why? I know my existing car has auto headlights, but I can switch them off, if necessary. It would seem that the only way get round this problem, is to drive on sidelights, which of course defeats the object of DRLs.
5. The armrest as part of the storage box, is useless and much too far away when the seat is raised.
It needs to be attached to the seat as previous, so that it rises and falls with the seat.
6. The boot floor would be far too flimsy when the polystyrene blocks are removed, to accommodate a spare wheel and needs to be stiffened up to suit. My dealer now tells me that there is a polystyrene block available, designed to accommodate the spare wheel
So, whilst finding one or two details that I was not impressed with, I think overall there is a significant improvement compared with the previous car and have just ordered a EX CVT for delivery in September.
I just hope I have done the right thing and can live with these peculiar foibles.