Having read this post earlier today, thought when i went out this afternoon I would do one or two tests, relating to the so-called delay in the CVT drive, as highlighted by 'Coffeecup'
As far as i can tell, when you plant your foot on the accelerator, the revs rise instantly and car moves immediately.
Like 'Ralph' I believe there is No delay.
Any hesitation due to the Atkinson cycle is masked and compensated for by the CVT.
As I said in a previous post, the car can certainly be made to move, when wanted, enough to surprise some boy racers!
However, I can well understand why some, driving a manual car, may experience flat spots in the performance, which require a change down to overcome.
Whilst I have never driven a Mk1 car, I've had 2 Mk2s (both autos, the first with the dreaded I-shift), and currently the Mk3. For me each upgrade has been for the better. How anyone can prefer the I-shift over the CVT is beyond me, but of course it's all down to personal choice.