Is it normal for the CVT to feel like its braking when I let off the gas? It's not pronounced, but when I let off the gas to coast, it feels like there's a micro jolt and the vehicle feels like it slows more than it should.

This is in regular drive mode.

 

as far as i know, most CVT's will go in to a type of engine braking mode when you let off the gas, mostly it's for fuel economy so you arent slamming on the brakes all the time when you just need to slow down slightly when approaching another car from behind

 

I wouldn't worry about that. I'm almost sure that it has to do with the break assist kicking in. If you want to be hundred percent sure, ask your dealer service department or call Honda customer service listed on honda's website.

 

Normal. Tesla's do it even more aggressively so you don't use the brakes.

 

I believe it's normal. If you google 'CVT engine braking', you'll see it all over the internet on various model of cars that have CVT.

 

glad to see this.

just got my Fit and was planning on posting a big thoughts and feedback post after another day or two of driving and this was something I definitely noticed.

A lot of the how the car feels is different to what I'm used to, but in some ways that's just most new cars being different than the 2001 cavalier I've driving forever. This particularly breaking I've never noticed and have been figuring I'll just get used to it. Glad to know I'm not crazy noticing it though!

I tried with Econ on and off and it didn't seem to change that behavior much. I don't love this particular feeling but figure I'll get used to it.

 

Congrats on your new Fit!

 

Yes, Tesla's do aggressively decelerate as soon as you release the gas pedal. They are doing so to create a charge for the battery. They prefer to do this rather than use the mechanical disc brakes because it is a more efficient use of this energy.

However, on our Fits, there is no regenerative charge being created by this engine braking. It actually is hurting your fuel economy to some extent on the fit, because it would be better, in most cases, for the car to use it's build up momentum to coast rather than fight the engine compression each time you release the accelerator.

 

Yeah, I'm definitely disappointed with this part of it. I'm not a hypermiler, but I do coast a lot, and I've found that my coast-ability is almost cut in half with this car! Big adjustment rolling to stop lights, ugh.

On the plus side, I live in a really hilly town, and this way can I lay off the brakes on all but the biggest ones when I'm going downhill. That, and brake less (or not at all) before corners.

 

This is rather funny because I remember people complaining about the lack of engine braking with automatic gearboxes.

Now we have an automatic that provides engine braking and people complain that it doesn't freewheel!

Think about it, if the transmission went to freewheel mode or to a very tall ratio when the throttle was abruptly dropped then it would have to reengage or change ratios if the throttle were rapidly reapplied. This hesitation would draw complaints. Instead, it is programmed to remain at a ratio that will supply instant acceleration if needed.

I suppose that drivers will have to relearn their habits a bit!

 

The increased engine braking is most likely due to increased throttle angle to avoid carbon build up from sucking vapors into the intake.

 

All the above explanations plus this:

Compare to the Japanese, GM cars were typically made to provide less engine breaking when you let off the gas. You have to use your brakes more to slow down. I don't know if that has changed for the newer GM cars. Once you get use to the FIT, you may find it is more responsive to you intentions.