Normal motoring and motorways I found the CVT fine at steady speeds on fairly level roads and not particularly noisy but as stated in my previous post I found the paddles useful on uphill pulls especially long ones when a change down was necessary which would be normal if using a manual gearbox, just have to get used to a different technique as with any auto box.
Having said that I really have no complaints about the CVT it was very smooth but on the occasions I had a manual courtesy car I did notice a difference in acceleration and they always appeared a more lively drive, I would have to think long and hard as to whether I would have another CVT, which rather puts me off the new Civic but on the other hand that has a turbo which may make a big difference..