its short i think it means constant volocety transmission. basically its the same as the old daf with drivebelt gearbox just with hightech parts and computer crap added.
vtecintegra,
Feb 6, 3:26pm
Continuously Variable Transmission. It doesn't have set gear ratios but rather is infinitely variable between two extremes. Can be strange to drive depending on how they're set up.
A continuously variable transmission, or CVT, is a type of automatic transmission that provides more usable power, better fuel economy and a smoother driving experience than a traditional automatic. It has variable diameter pulley that replace the normal gear set and is belt driven.
jsbike,
Feb 6, 3:27pm
continuously variable transmission. it means no gears. and it means $$$ if it craps out.
mlh19658,
Feb 6, 3:28pm
Many thanks. Any good or stay away! Re Mazda 2
thejazzpianoma,
Feb 6, 3:30pm
Yip, the key learning is that a well designed one like those used in the Fiat Punto, Nissan Micra and various Nissans and Audi's will give excellent economy/power and last very well so long as its serviced on time every time.
A badly designed one like those used in the Honda Jazz can fail prematurely regardless of how well it is treated and should be avoided at all costs.
thejazzpianoma,
Feb 6, 3:33pm
Not sure specifically what the Mazda unit is like. However if you are considering a new or nearly new Mazda 2 I would suggest buying the VW Polo instead. Its got by far and away the best transmission on the planet (7 speed DSG) which will give you superior economy/power/longevity compared to any CVT. Plus the VW has better more efficient engines as well. In short its a better car all round and has benefited from a design budget many times that of the competition.
vtecintegra,
Feb 6, 3:36pm
IIRC the CVT was only in the import 2
The new Polo is a great car, but don't be fooled by the base model - that 1.4 is only there as a price leader you really want to spring the extra for the vastly superior 1.2 TSI
mlh19658,
Feb 6, 3:37pm
Thanks jazz. Not too keen on Euro as getting rid of a Volvo, hence interest in the Mazda. Euro are like throwing money down a bottomless hole. But will have a look at the Polo.
thejazzpianoma,
Feb 6, 3:41pm
+ 1 While I would still have the base 1.4 vs the competitions offerings the 1.2 TSI is a fantastic engine with brilliant economy/power.
vtecintegra,
Feb 6, 3:43pm
By the way the newer shape (08+) Jazz will be a conventional 5 speed auto if the car is NZ new, the 2 is a conventional 4 speed auto if NZ new.
You may also want to look at the newer Fiesta, similar to a Mazda 2 but with different engine and transmission options.
thejazzpianoma,
Feb 6, 3:44pm
Comparing the VW to the Volvo is pretty pointless, different countries different manufacturers. Its easy to get mislead by some of the silly wives tales that make out all cars not made in Japan are somehow less reliable etc. Its just that a myth. Japan does not have a magic wand of reliability/economy at all.
Volvo in NZ are a pain as they have a monopoly on parts and just charge stupid amounts of money for them. VW on the other hand have plenty of 3rd party competition and have about the best value parts of any make.
Economy, reliability, servicing is all going to be superior in the VW to just about anything. I suggest you do the actual math and look into your expected costs.
Good on you for trying one out, they are by far and away the best small car on the market at the moment.
thejazzpianoma,
Feb 6, 3:44pm
Comparing the VW to the Volvo is pretty pointless, different countries different manufacturers. Its easy to get mislead by some of the silly wives tales that make out all cars not made in Japan are somehow less reliable etc. Its just that a myth. Japan does not have a magic wand of reliability/economy at all.
Volvo in NZ are a pain as they have a monopoly on parts and just charge stupid amounts of money for them, likewise the agents (Holden) take the piss on labour charges. VW on the other hand have plenty of 3rd party competition and have about the best value parts of any make.
Economy, reliability, servicing is all going to be superior in the VW to just about anything. I suggest you do the actual math and look into your expected costs, as overall the total cost of ownership on the VW should be very good.
Good on you for trying one out, they are by far and away the best small car on the market at the moment.
thejazzpianoma,
Feb 6, 3:47pm
Just one last note, the pre-2009 model Polo is not worth having (just in case you are looking at used cars too). The Golf of that era was an excellent car but the Polo was not.
thejazzpianoma,
Feb 6, 3:50pm
Further to this, in very little cars the combination of just 4 gears and the torque converter found in a conventional auto really snuffs the power/economy. CVT/DSG really shines in a small car and can transform a thirsty slug into something economical and usable. You just have to make sure its a good design if its a CVT.
As a general rule of thumb, if the CVT has a transmission fluid filter thats easily replaced every time you service the CVT its likely going to last the distance so long as you service it.
The key reason units like those on the Honda Jazz fail prematurely is they end up swimming in their own filth and it quickly causes wear and ultimately failure.
casper35,
Feb 6, 4:12pm
Are cars with cvt and good for towings ie trailer or caravan.
designerliving,
Feb 6, 4:14pm
No the key reason is Honda went against the grain and opted to use a starter clutch rather then a torque convertor to save weight.
jason18,
Feb 6, 4:50pm
The nissans CVT in the maxima etc have a xtroid (sp) CVT that allows higher towing load. The normal nissan cvt can tow around 700kg so a small trailer is ok.Boat/caravan etc no no. Buy a holden or Ford if you want to do that
thejazzpianoma,
Feb 6, 6:42pm
+1 Or buy something with a DSG, that will give you allthe economy/power and automatic operation of the CVT with all the durability of a manual transmission.
thejazzpianoma,
Feb 6, 6:56pm
I agree the clutch pack failing is also a key problem but more the other major failing of the design rather than the ultimate reason for issues.
Interestingly though it is possible to make a long life similar alternative to a Torque converter. Thats very much what Fiat used right back when they started mass producing CVT's 30 years ago. The clutch pack on those units actually lasted very well. They did go away from the system in 1999 and went to a torque converter but that was to achieve a smoother takeoff and enable the use of a shared platform more than anything.
designerliving,
Feb 6, 7:00pm
Your maken stuff up again, the honda CVT failures can all be traced back to starter clutch wear
msigg,
Feb 6, 8:18pm
I like that statmentVolvo like throwing money down a bottomless pit. Someone who must know, not wives tales that are told on here by some!. Aye.
bellky,
Feb 6, 8:58pm
jazzpianoman at it again lol
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