Hi from England where I recently test drove a new i-SHIFT Jazz. Quite liked some of the improvements to the new model but was less impressed with its 'automated manual gearbox'. It's jerky and hesitant in auto mode and is difficult to get smooth gear changes in manual mode without care. Even Honda's showroom staff recommended keeping it in manual mode and easing off the gas pedal when changing up or down! There's been quite a lot of negative press about this i-SHIFT system on UK internet forums. Indeed, Honda have decided to fit a "New bespoke, conventional automatic transmission" to UK-built 1.8 liter model Honda Civics, thus replacing the i-SHIFT option!
For this reason I replaced my 4 year-old Honda Jazz 1.4 i-DSE SE CVT a month ago with a brand new identical model (one of the very last old shape models to be UK-registered). I have been very happy with the CVT auto box which has performed faultlessly and economically for over 50,000 miles so I thought it best to stick with this system.
Other deciding factors in choosing the 'old style' model over the new one was: a smooth CVT auto box; it has a spare wheel (albeit space-saver), fits in my garage without major reorganization; doesn't feature a 'clutch footrest' which puts your left leg at a sharp angle thus preventing you from properly resting it! Why do we have to have a footrest in the auto version where your left leg is not used? However, best reason of all was that the old model was being sold with a £1,000 discount!
Hope my comments may be of some use.

 

CVT, I'm jealous. I drove a CVT-equipped Nissan Maxima and it was a very nice feature.

 

if you think about this, CVT is suppose to be left in automode if you want a smooth 'shift' or transition.

the imaginary shift points are what's causing the transmission to jerk. it's not suppose to be there. just keep it in auto-mode and enjoy your drive.

 

Hi kenchan, no problem with CVT in auto mode, it's the I-SHIFT version that's jerky in auto mode. This is because it uses a manual clutch the same as the 'stick shift' version.
I keep my CVT in auto mode nearly all the time, but even when I decide to use the 7-speed ratio option, it still gives a smooth ride!

 

Just take it easy with the right foot with your CVT-equipped GD1 Jazz. Go heavy on it and you risk wearing the CVT's clutch packs quickly.

And be religious with the CVT's maintenance - usually involving replacement of the CVT fluid. Over here in Manila, most people aren't used to CVTs and all their quirks, thinking they're the same as your usual torque-converter automatics.

Make sure you use only Honda's CVT fluid (I believe it's marked "ATF-Z1") for your Jazz's transmission. Engine oil is a very, very poor substitute.

HTHs! Congratulations on your "new" GD