I just picked it up and am heading out tomorrow. I could rent for longer, but didn't see the need.
So far, after several city blocks of intensive testing . . . well . . . inconclusive (really, 10 minute trip!). For a brief moment I thought "this CVT thing is pretty nice" but that quickly faded. CVT accelerated acceptably well, and is pretty smooth, especially at low rpms. I test drove the Manual, though, and much prefer it - it is disconcerting how the CVT wants to keep going as I press the brake, and the acceleration doesn't "feel" consistent (i.e. 10% more on the gas pedal may give you 10% more speed or 5% or 15% - not a direct relationship, it seemed). In traffic, sight-lines were good and dodging pot-holes was easy - I found the handling to be not precise, exactly, but very light/easy/predictable at the speeds I was going (under 60km/h). There was absolutely no "learning curve" or feeling of having to be extra careful not to bump things - it is very clear where the car ends. Interior space so far was quite acceptable, though I am not a large person.
Tomorrow, I will post again, and possibly contradict everything I have just said - that's the thing with first impressions - lots of chances to make new ones! There will also be a bonus review of at least one bakery.
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View my fuel log 2014 Mirage SE 1.2 manual: 45.0 mpg (US) ... 19.1 km/L ... 5.2 L/100 km ... 54.1 mpg (Imp)