We have just spent slightly more than 3 years with a 2017 Jazz CVT. First thing I will say is that in the case of the’stepped’ CVT, such as the Jazz and Yaris has, they don’t actually drive different from a normal (t/c) auto. I am well aware that the motoring press in general, along with many folk who have never actually driven one, rubbish CVT’s. But they are absolutely fine!. The supposed issue with revs is another source of irritation to me, not that it doesn’t exist, but because it has nothing to do with it being a CVT. Simply that as a high revving (peak torque arrives at 5000rpm) n/a petrol, the Jazz has to be singing to access what performance it has. The Yaris has slightly more torque at lower revs so shouldn’t be as revvy as the Jazz. Both however are exceptional choices for an auto of that size, spacious and reliable.

Just to clarify though, Kia Rio (and its Hyundai i20 cousin) both use a dual clutch automated manual (DCT). Not sure exactly when they started using the DCT, but I do know the n/a 1.4 continued using a t/c auto for a while longer alongside the 1.0 and 1.4 turbo’s with the DCT.

As for the Fiesta, yes on the current model, they are using a t/c auto instead of the Powershift DCT. But that means you will have the 1.0 Ecoboost engine, which may or may not be reliable.

I’d suggest having a look at the Suzuki Swift 1.0 turbo (Boosterjet) auto. More spacious than a Fiesta, punchy performance (helped by a low kerbweight), well equipped and reliable.