Anyways my 40,000 km service yesterday was a major one.

- Air cond (changed gas, compressor oil, receiver drier)
- Front wheel alignment (it's always been straight anyway)
- Changed engine oil and filter (I fo und out I can bring my own oil. Next time then)
- Changed radiator coolant
- Changed air filter
- Changed brake fuild
- Changed manual tranny oil
- Changed spark plugs

Despite all that I couldn't tell any difference before and after servicing. Either I'm really numb, or my Gaga's condition was still really good before service

While servicing my friend came to pick me for breakfast, in her mum's 1.3 FLX CVT. After breakfast my friend said she was sleepy so I took over the wheel and went for a test drive to Teluk Bahang and back along the Batu Ferringhi road

The ride was definitely firmer than pre-FLX, and taking the tight corners near the Teluk Bahang Dam I felt there was less body roll. Yes pre-FLX is more comfortable, but I'd rather trade that for the better handling. I really don't mind changing to the FLX suspension if anyone wants to swap with me

The CVT is great for hypermilers and those looking for a smooth and relaxed drive. Driven sedately, the revs are kept pretty low, so there is hardly any engine noise. The lack of gears make acceleration feel silky smooth. On the other hand, for those times when you need power for overtaking, I'd still prefer a manual tranny. Now I understand what Dares meant when he said:
Upon flooring the throttle the engine revs up first, followed by the increase in speed as the CVT adjusts the ratio. Not being used to the CVT I found that a pretty weird feeling, if I may say. The power delivery is there, but it is delayed and requires a different overtaking style. Oh I totally forgot about the L setting, maybe that would have made a difference. I did turn on SAT for a short while but I don't have much to say about it. Maybe it's just me but I felt that the CVT was too smooth, until I couldn't feel the car accelerating during overtaking. The engine growls loudly, but you can't feel the power surge. No wonder those who test drove the Preve said the car feels slow but looking at the speedometer the speed was building up quickly (PS I gotta test drive the Preve in future).

In starting and stopping, I found the jerks were not really an issue and no worse than a manual tranny with an experienced driver. I don't remember hearing any CVT whine though.

I'm sure it was the right decision to replace the lame four speed auto with the CVT, and those of you who have it are pretty satisfied with it. But I guess, the CVT is just not for me.