Just got a new toy - 2013 Honda Jazz (Fit) hybrid (with the continuously variable transmission) - in very bright red.
So far my impressions are
Honda has gone out of their way to make it feel like a "normal" car
the engine doesn't drone at a constant RPM like some (older) CVT vehicles
The paddle shifters seem a bit silly on a CVT transmission but actually work fairly well when "downshifting" to hold the speed going downhill ... and it does shift with enough a kick to feel like a real gear box.
The brakes feel "normal" and progressive - the hybrid regenerating comes in very smoothly.
The electric motor also is seamless when assisting.
The software seems to be stupid however, frequently I notice that it decides to charge the battery while going uphill immediately before I am about to go down a hill with the brakes on the whole way. It also seems to be excessively hesitant to "use up" the battery power when it it full. Of course since I am getting between 42 - 47 mpg in really world mixed driving I can't really complain!
My only real complaint is that the black interior shows EVERY bit of dust crumb spec of dirt...... EVERYTHING. I feel like I need to vacuum the car daily just to keep it clean.
So far my impressions are
Honda has gone out of their way to make it feel like a "normal" car
the engine doesn't drone at a constant RPM like some (older) CVT vehicles
The paddle shifters seem a bit silly on a CVT transmission but actually work fairly well when "downshifting" to hold the speed going downhill ... and it does shift with enough a kick to feel like a real gear box.
The brakes feel "normal" and progressive - the hybrid regenerating comes in very smoothly.
The electric motor also is seamless when assisting.
The software seems to be stupid however, frequently I notice that it decides to charge the battery while going uphill immediately before I am about to go down a hill with the brakes on the whole way. It also seems to be excessively hesitant to "use up" the battery power when it it full. Of course since I am getting between 42 - 47 mpg in really world mixed driving I can't really complain!
My only real complaint is that the black interior shows EVERY bit of dust crumb spec of dirt...... EVERYTHING. I feel like I need to vacuum the car daily just to keep it clean.