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Jazz banned

I was thinking of changing my 2005/05 Jazz 1.4 SE DSi 5d CVT-7 for the new Jazz. I road tested the new model and agree the performance, ride and steering have improved although I thought the dash overcomplicated. I found the I-SHIFT totally unacceptable with each gearchange jerky, similar to a novice driver letting out the clutch on the first lesson. I certainly missed the silky smooth changes of my CVT. You reported that the reason for the I-SHIFT was to reduce emissions and hence VED. This has not been achieved and at the moment I would not buy the current auto version, but continue with my superb CVT. What are the chances of Honda fitting the CVT gearbox to the new Jazz when they build them in Swindon?

Asked on 28 March 2009 by

Answered by Honest John
You can learn to drive an I-SHIFT smoothly. But since there has turned out to be no benefit in CO2 based tax, Honda might be forced to fit the CVT. Or might fit the 5-speed torque converter auto and possibly the 1.5 120PS I-VTEC engine, as fitted to Jazz and Honda Citys in Thailand and the USA. This powertrain is tested here:
www.honestjohn.co.uk/road_tests/index.htm?id=363 There is no significant fuel economy penalty, as I proved. But, of course, your other option is the Honda Insight hybrid that comes with a CVT as standard, from £15,500. Test here:
www.honestjohn.co.uk/road_tests/index.htm?id=366
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