Honda To keep developing Hybrids?

[Jazzik]

The "gear changing" noises:

Advanced Driving Performance

The driving appeal of an e:HEV system lies in the nimble response and progressive acceleration produced by its high-output drive motor, as well as superior quietness. In addition, one characteristic of e:HEV technology is Linear Shift Control, which gradually controls engine speed to match the increase in vehicle speed, thereby realizing a rhythmical engine sound like gear changing in a stepped transmission.

That's what I call "faking gear changes"....

Source: https://global.honda/en/tech/Honda_eHEV_next_generation/

[Downsizer]

I’ve never experienced any “gear changes”. Today I drove 180 miles from Suffolk to York, mostly in direct drive. Periodically it switched briefly to EV but I could not hear the difference because of road noise. Perhaps I’m what the article calls a “sophisticated” driver, but I prefer the term “defensive”!

[Lincolnshire Rambler]

Hi in steady driving you wont normally realise the “ gear change “ sensation. And having just driven a round trip to suffolk this weekend with an average of 75mpg -that reflects A and B roads at modest speeds . If i set off from traffic lights  by flooring the throttle the ICE spins to ‘ rev limit’ and the jazz zooms away nicely . Several engine speed steps occur as you progress beyond 70. I dont indulge in such sprints as i like to have the ICE running before giving it the beans . I know the tech lets the ICE engine go from off to max revs in a second or two but i feel thats extreme , least in my view . And in normal driving with tyre noise etc you cant be sure by sound if the car is in EV or direct drive especially if you enjoy spotify playing along .

[Jazzik]

I’ve never experienced any “gear changes”.
------------/----------
Perhaps I’m what the article calls a “sophisticated” driver, but I prefer the term “defensive”! For the freeze to be maintained

So that means you've never been in a situation like, for example, joining a motorway or dual carriageway with heavy traffic on a somewhat short slip road and... you had to floor the accelerator?

[Nicksey]

I have a stretch of A road that slips on to a motorway, and I do enjoy that sensation of swiftly building the speed from 50'ish up to 70'ish and the stepping sound of the 'gear' changes as the car pulls away from those following me as I blend seamlessly into the motorway.

[Downsizer]

This morning I was on a quiet stretch of A road and floored the accelerator for the first time in the car’s 10,000 mile life. Sure enough, the audible fake gear changes were there, so I realise I was wrong when I said we had been spared that feature. Personally, I don’t see the point of it, but based on my first 10,000 miles, I don’t expect I’ll hear it very often! Thanks for the contributions on this feature of the hybrid system.

[Hicardo]

I know they must be fake gear changes that you hear, but i for one like them.  Makes it feel more sporty and 'normal' whatever that is 

[Jazzik]

...and floored the accelerator for the first time in the car’s 10,000 mile life.

...did the message (in green) appeare on the dashboard screen: "Thank you! Finally!" 

[Lord Voltermore]

I can understand why some owners may seldom experience  the 'gear change' effect in their every day driving.

This morning I accelerated from 0 - 40 mph or so.  Briskly enough to easily  leave other traffic behind   The gain in velocity was constant and satisfying, with no engine rev resets   or simulated 'gear changes'.
 
Yet again the ease of simply pressing the go pedal  brought a smile  to my face.     But crossing the threshold into simulated gear change territory is fun too.   

[CB72]

Simulated gear change is just crazy, why not go the whole way and have a fake gear stick and clutch pedal and finally an occasional backfire or stall.

[Marco1979]

I think those journalists who used the accelerator as an on-off switch and kept complaining about whining CVT noise for decades might have caused the fake shifts for European models.
No fake shifting is faster and may even be more efficient.
The Civic has a launch mode: starting from a standstill press the brake pedal using your left foot, press the accelerator halfway or more, wait a second and release the brake. Now you won’t have fake shift and the engine keeps its maximum power. Not sure if the Jazz has this?

[Downsizer]

No fake shifting is faster and may even be more efficient.

You would expect maximum acceleration to result from constant revs at maximum power, but the fake gear changes over a narrow rev range probably generates some extra sales.

[coldstart]

Maybe this may interest you (spoiler alert: Honda will forgo new EVs and concentrate on HEVs):
https://www.topgear.com/car-news/electric/oh-no-honda-has-cancelled-its-wedgy-0-series-electric-cars

[Kremmen]

You can't deny that China, with Gov subsidised products and poor wages are pushing traditional makers to the wall

Personally, any vehicle designed and built in China I would not touch with a bargepole but lots here are buying the likes of BYD

See how they get on

The ORA EV courtesy car they gave me was dreadful

[Bristol_Crosstar]

You can't deny that China, with Gov subsidised products and poor wages are pushing traditional makers to the wall

Personally, any vehicle designed and built in China I would not touch with a bargepole but lots here are buying the likes of BYD

See how they get on

The ORA EV courtesy car they gave me was dreadful

I'm pretty sure my Mk 2 Jazz was built in China. From all the reviews I've read the build quality of the likes of BYD is good and they come with long warranties. Provided I had a local dealership (there is a BYD in Bristol local to me) it wouldn't put me off buying one.