I've just downsized from an '03 Stream 2.0 Sport Manual to an '06 Jazz Sport CVT. I couldn't wait for the new Jazz model and, as I do high mileage, I thought I'd run the current Jazz until the new model has been out a few months, then upgrade. But here's the catch ... I instantly love the CVT 'box, and everything about the Jazz, but I'm hearing rumours that the new Jazz
[i.e., the UK/Europe import from China] will use the i-SHIFT system that's in the current Civic.
Now, if you read posts on the Civic site, or talk to drivers of the current Civic, you'll hear very mixed reports of the i-SHIFT. On the paddles, as a manual changer, it's fine, because it is, essentially, a manual box. But in low gears as an 'auto' [without a torque converter] views are mixed. In fact, there are some drivers of early models who described the jerky low gear [1st and 2nd] changes as dangerous. Recent reprogramming has improved thing somewhat, but there's no way it will be as smooth as a CVT box, as it selects discrete manual gears. It's just another of the several low points of the current Civic. There's no doubt that the i-SHIFT box, cheap thought it is, cannot match the driving experience of the twin clutch DSG boxes now being fitted to VW group cars. I think Honda dealers in the UK would be concerned that owners of current Jazz CVT models will be unhappy to switch to the i-SHIFT.
I believe that the new Jazz models available in Japan and SE Asia have CVT 'boxes. So what is going on? ...
Are both CVT
and i-SHIFT going to be available in future?
Will the UK/Europe Honda operations, then, have a choice of, or any influence over, whether the new Jazz will come to UK/Europe with CVT or i-SHIFT?
If there is such a choice, and if it's not too late, what influence can be exerted by members of this forum to encourage Honda in UK/Europe to stick with the excellent CVT system?[/list]
Can anybody out there answer these questions ... yet?