THE TRUTH ABOUT CVT

I have always wondered about the difference between conventional automatic gear boxes and the continously variable transmission (CVT) systems which seem to be preferred by many manufacturers these days, although I am not seeking a technical explanation as to how each works.

When I purchased my Honda Jazz, new, in 2010, there was a choice and I opted for the conventional automatic. Over the years I have read many road test reports in which it was recorded that the CVT gearbox on the car in question was sub par and that a conventional gearbox would have been a better choice. I have also read, from time to time, reports to the effect that CVT boxes are inclined to be less reliable and shorter lived.

Which begs the question: why use them in the first place? This reminds me of an old adage I suppose: if it ain’t broke, then don’t fix it! And yet I read in a recent issue of CAR that Toyota is using CVT boxes in the current Corolla Quest, Sedan and Hatch, in which event the system must have some merit.

Can you perhaps clarify since, if ever I have to replace my faithful Jazz, I would definitely seek out a conventional automatic, although the available choices seem to be diminishing by the day!

JOHN GARDENER Howick

[Hi John, you’ve clearly been reading our minds,this is the exact question our technical adviser Graham answers on page 92. Our long-term Corolla Hatch and the Subaru Forester we tested on page 72 are both CVTS. Is it time to finally take the tech seriously? – editor]