[CarefreeAZ]

Per Automotive News Future Product forecast today:

• "Ford is due to redesign the Fiesta in 2018, when production is widely expected to shift from Mexico to Thailand. But sources say the company instead could replace the Fiesta with a new, Mexico-built, subcompact car, with or without the Fiesta name. Whatever route it chooses, Ford likely will offer a car that’s larger than today’s Fiesta to better compete with the Honda Fit and address complaints about a cramped back seat. It’s expected to lose its dual-clutch transmission, another source of customer frustration, possibly to be replaced by a continuously variable transmission."

 

[captainmorbid]

Thought it would be sooner. Though the rest sounds right... Might have to get myself a ST sooner than waiting for a mk8.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[reddog99]

I've never driven a car with a continuously variable transmission, but it sounds as if it would be really annoying to listen to, especially if you're used to a manual tranny car. I cannot imagine ever owning a car with it. Can anyone describe the experience of riding in a vehicle with a continuously variable transmission?

 

[captainmorbid]

My wife's car, Suzuki SX4 AWD, has a CVT. compared to the DCT in the Fiesta it is indirect feeling as far as shifts go. I liken it to a steam catapult on an aircraft carrier, you build revs and then it launches you. Almost rubbery. I don't hate it as far as the 3 different types of automatics go. It is more of a few generations of CVT development older than what appears in the Nissan Maxima or Subaru WRX, which I haven't driven yet, apparently act more like conventional torque converting automatics. My 2010 GMC Canyon's automatic is actually about par with the Suzuki, neither stand out or are terribly engaging but get the job done. I expect Ford's CVT would be nearly on par with the WRX, but more tuned for Eco than ecoboost. I prefer my chasm gapped IB5 in the Fiesta, and will likely love the ST when I get around to getting one.

 

[CarefreeAZ]

I've never driven a car with a continuously variable transmission, but it sounds as if it would be really annoying to listen to, especially if you're used to a manual tranny car. I cannot imagine ever owning a car with it. Can anyone describe the experience of riding in a vehicle with a continuously variable transmission?

I drove my Ford Freestyle with a CVT for 235,000 miles. I certainly preferred it to my 2011 Fiesta's automatic for smoothness. My only dislikes were the lack of deceleration when stepping off the gas and having to cancel the cruise control in mountains or hilly country to maintain a more even rev pattern.

 

[reddog99]

Just reading about a CVT takes me back to the '60's and reminds me of the Dynaflow transmission in the old Buick Roadmasters. If you like smooth, this is the one for you!

 

[Die Trying]

Captainmorbid I had an SX4 awd Mt before my FiST but my wife had an SX4 "sport" sedan with the cvt which she traded for a fiesta titanium with the dct about the same time I ordered my ST. The dct has much firmer shifts and doesn't sound like it is infinitely slipping like the cvt did. The only thing I liked about the cvt was the paddle shifters which were only used when I drove the car. I would be wary of buying another cvt equipped car.

 

[captainmorbid]

Captainmorbid I had an SX4 awd Mt before my FiST but my wife had an SX4 "sport" sedan with the cvt which she traded for a fiesta titanium with the dct about the same time I ordered my ST. The dct has much firmer shifts and doesn't sound like it is infinitely slipping like the cvt did. The only thing I liked about the cvt was the paddle shifters which were only used when I drove the car. I would be wary of buying another cvt equipped car.

I had a DCT Fiesta before I got the 5 speed, and as far as engagement goes the DCT was far more rewarding than the cvt in the SX4. I wouldn't buy a cvt either, but it's not because of any issues with cvt transmissions, it's mainly because I wanted the engagement of a manual transmission. My wife loves her car, and I like it myself, but I hate the seats in it, there isn't enough thigh support. I did almost try to locate a 6 speed SX4 for myself due to the 4x4 Suzuki has, as well as the ability to add a turbo vs the untunability of the Fiesta, but the fact that the Fiesta ST was released as well as the Focus RS approaching release I am saving my money. So far the CVT in the Sx4 hasn't given me any concern and its future replacement will likely be a Crosstrek which has a newer CVT in it, driving dynamics would be the only reason why I personally wouldn't choose one, but I will still recommend them as a transmission as an alternative for people that want an automatic.

 

[[email protected]]

Had a Ford Freestyle with a CVT, it's weird at first but you get used to it. You'd swear it was a slipping automatic because of the way it feels and it doesn't ever really max the engine revs.

What is does do is keep the engine right at peak torque and then the trans does the rest, getting on he freeway is cool because the engine stays right at it's peak while the trans adjusts itself and you just pick up speed. Quite well I might ad.

My dad has a Nissan Murano CVT, as a passenger you would honestly never know it was anything but a normal automatic.

-Steve