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EmperorTud

A manually operated clutch gives full control over the speed of the engine, something an automatic or semi-automatic cannot do.

Better she learns the manual first then auto will be a cinch.

There's a time and a place for an automatic or semi-auto, and a small hatch isn't it.

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Smeg

Yuo have a good point, and I'm glad that I learned in a manual 21 years ago, but I presume the majority of Americans never learn how to use a manual and seem to get around the place perfectly ok, hence having "full control" over the engine speed, although nice, isn't essential, and engine braking (which the CVT-7 can do) should be avoided.

EmperorTud

^ I drive like a race car driver and downshift all the time when braking. Old habits I guess. It also optimises acceleration if traffic starts to flow again. It also sounds cooler.

Modern drivetrains should cope with constant engine braking all the time anyway and I'd argue it is even better and less strain on the clutch as the gears are matching the revs.

dirtydog

Brakes are cheaper to use up than engines, using your engine to slow down leaves you with one hand on the steering wheel so in a potentially dangerous situation.

Marmite the Dog

I would've thought that a transmission that utilises torque or peak power better would be quicker than a transmission that goes through low power/torques rev ranges? It doesn't feel as quick, I admit, but it makes more sense that it would be.

Smeg

^Honda have this sussed. The traditionalists don't like it, but I was a boy-racer back in the 1980s and I found the CVT-7 good to drive. It is impressive enough to make me realise that changing gears and using a clutch is more of a chore than a pleasure, and you can spend the time saved on enjoying the vehicle's other dynamics.

dirtydog

Yeah but if you want to drive a bit fast you got to keep your car in the 4,500rpm and up range.

Smeg

^CVT-7 has a sports mode that helps the VTEC engine to do that.

Rigger

For sure with the jazz it feels like a motorcycle engine with all the power way up in the rev range

Sports mode I havent seen this button yet where is it ?

Rigger

Auto transmissions are a lot more reliable than manual transmissions due to the fact that they have a lot less moving parts. The fasts cars in the world are auto and there is no way in the world you can change gear manually as quick as a modern auto can. As for learning how to drive I would much rather my wife concentrates on the road and the other vehicles than trying to change gear

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good2bhappy

^ LOL
Every time my wife changes gear she also pulls on the steering wheel.

Whiteshiva

As a Comry driver/owner, I beg to disagree. I wouldn't dream of taking my family of 5 (including baby stroller and luggage) on a road trip in a Jazz. I am extremely happy with my Camry, and fuel economy is not really a big issue for me. Comfort, safety and space on the other hand are.

What - a mere 1.5-1.6 million baht? You seem to forget that we're not all English teachers, Smeg.

I think you will find the people who have stretched their budget to buy a car are many of the Merc and BMW drivers - IMO Camrys are driven by people who can afford better, but think a Camry offers better value for money.

I may pick up a Jazz for the wife one day, now that she has been driving for 4 years without causing an accident. The thing is she seems rather attached to her Avensa...

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Travelmate

Hmm, really. I don't think so. But I can say this. There are more women driving Jazz, thus suggesting it to be a car suitable for one of female attire. The Camry are driven by men. Real fuckin men. Know what I mean. The one that makes proper decisions. Like at a Toyota Showroom having a look with your significant other. She coos over the Jazz, squeezes your dick and say honey buy this Jazz it much better than the Camry.
No way! Money going on a Camry. That way people will see me as a professional not some squirt. As when I pull into a carpark the guard will give me the better space. The Jazz he will just fuck it off round the back. Where it belongs.
Yeah right, say that again when a 10 wheeler crushes you from behind. Space, you are full 'o' shite. Camry being touted as having one of the more spacious cabin in the market.

Marmite the Dog

Of course. But as a driver, the city is miles better.

On the old models there was an 'S' on the auto selector.

Not the CVT unfortunately. Honda have been having reliability problems with higher mileage cars. I also think that's why they don't put it in their bigger cars. It's a shame really, as it is the by far the best transmission when compared with manual or standard auto types.

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Why is it, you can wait an eternity for a bus, only for three to arrive at the same time?

Marmite the Dog

Well if image is so important to you that you want to spend twice as much money to buy a barge, then that's your choice. As a driver's car the smaller Hondas piss all over the Camry (which is one of the dullest, most gutless cars I have ever driven).

pickel

Has anybody driven the Honda City ZX? How about the Toyota Avanza?

Travelmate

^^ having a driver's car is totally pointless here in Bkk. You sit in traffic. Tell me where is the driving there? Then you have the expressway. Tell me where is the driving there? Corners? where are the corners that tells you that the current car handles well. You are talking out of your arse.
Camry is not a sport car neither a driver's car. It for comfort. It getting from A to B in a relaxed and comfortable enviroment. Certainly safer in an accident. Bigger brakes, bigger car, bigger crumple zone and so forth.
And yes image is everything to do with cars. Coz there is fuck all else we can do with them when stuck in a traffic jam day in day out.
Small cars are for the ladies. Gentleman.
I don't see Managers, Bosses & owners. Squeaking around in Jazz & Yaris.
And we have drivers that drive the Camry, while we relax in the back. Now I wonder why we don't do that in the Jazz? Oh right it a driver's car. Fack.

Marmite the Dog

No. You are for a change. They do actually have roads outside of Bangkok nowadays, and some of them are quite nice.

Enjoy being old.

Travelmate