Lifter shifter

Some weeks ago you had a letter from the owner of a Honda Jazz I-shift who was struggling to use the gearbox smoothly. You suggested perseverance. My experience was similar. I find almost 2,000 miles on that the changes even from first to second when warm are fluid. Also that acceleration from rest is seemingly faster than in my previous CVT with the car economically dropping into third when I lift off the accelerator. The new model, when I-shift is mastered, plus improved features gives a more satisfying experience overall. But it lacks the sharpness and the ability to make you smile that made the old Jazz CVT so popular. Perhaps the new model better reflects more austere times.

Asked on 1 August 2009 by

Answered by Honest John

That's an interesting e-mail. I agree with you about the I-shift. But no way does the old car handle more sharply that the new car. We tested this at a special pre-launch last summer. Run the old car up to an apex and the steering becomes woolly. Run the new car up to an apex and it's much sharper. Still not sharp like a Suzuki Swift, or a Mazda 2 or a Fiesta. But much better than the old Jazz was.

Tags: i-shift automatics buying new cars driving small cars

Dear Honest John,

Please help me choose my next car. I would like it to have:

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