CVT is the way Japanese car companies chose to get optimize their MPG figures, because their domestic engines are typically lower torque.

It is an appliance mobile that looks cool. That's what most people want (higher lookout position) and willing to pay. I find I am in the minority when looking for longitudinal layout with engine as close to the firewall as possible.

Last time I checked out Nissan I was surprised to see almost every model using CVT now. Ouch.