IS300h - how bad is the CVT gearbox?
Discussion
Well, a CVT really is one gear, it's just that it's infinitely variable. They're 'different' - I recall Williams F1 built and tested one - in back to back tests with a conventional box, the CVT was a couple of seconds a lap quicker. The FIA quickly banned it.
However, a Toyota Hybrid doesn't run a true CVT box, it's a very clever planetary system which blends electric power with the ICE.
However, a Toyota Hybrid doesn't run a true CVT box, it's a very clever planetary system which blends electric power with the ICE.
I've had 2 CVT cars - a Mitsubishi Lancer which was just horrible and the wife's current car, Nissan Murano which is pretty decent. The Murano is much better as its a 3.5 V6 and so doesn't need to be revved as hard to make progress which makes it more enjoyable.
I think for a CVT to suit it needs to be mated to a big engine otherwise you just sound like an old lady dropping the clutch on a manual when reversing screaming the tits off it.
But, big but, I would swap it for a regular auto every single time. Every time.
As said they are cruiser gearboxes and in no way if you like a bit of a drive getting your foot down don't buy one.
I think for a CVT to suit it needs to be mated to a big engine otherwise you just sound like an old lady dropping the clutch on a manual when reversing screaming the tits off it.
But, big but, I would swap it for a regular auto every single time. Every time.
As said they are cruiser gearboxes and in no way if you like a bit of a drive getting your foot down don't buy one.
Thanks for all the opinions - I'm trying to work out why the lexus appears so cheap on finance. Suspect a combination of low APR and the 3k they give you as 'deposit contribution'
I'm looking at a 330e, which seems more expensive, but also the Golf GTE - which also seems more expensive (per month) - the fact that a golf can cost more than a lexus is slightly counter-intuitive to me.
I'm looking at a 330e, which seems more expensive, but also the Golf GTE - which also seems more expensive (per month) - the fact that a golf can cost more than a lexus is slightly counter-intuitive to me.
saaby93 said:
Will there be an ISF, finally?phatmanace said:
Can you tell me more about the 'initial hatred'?
sorry for the delayed response.I initially didn't like the CVT box (at all), also the fact that in sport mode it piped in artificial engine noise to the cabin. Also that the default dash setting was an energy usage scale versus a traditional rev counter (easily changed tbf). I also didn't like the infotainment system.
after a little while and sorry that I cant precisely put my finger on it, I just began to like it. it wafted super smooth and quietly when driven correctly and delivered superb mpg. when I was absolutely kicking its arse (throttle open whenever possible 90mph motorway) it would still do best part of 40mpg on a tank. I also began to sense that the car had real quality in depth, not a thing seemed to be wrong with it and the one interaction I had with a dealer was very positive.
as a company car you wont get anything as fast for so cheap. I think it was 99 CO2 and with it being a 2.5L petrol with battery power it picked up quick and pulled really well (despite the noise!).
saaby93 said:
grumpynuts said:
There's a new Lexus IS coming out in Feb/March, it looks really nice.
gawping comes to mind
Why the bulbous snout?
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