Finally a mainstream manufacturer is offering an alternative to VW’s DSG twin-clutch gearbox. No, it’s not Seat, or Skoda or Audi or any other member of the Volkswagen Group, but Ford. The Blue Oval’s new Powershift ’box is the first twin-clutch gearbox for the masses not from VW.
It’s very good, actually. Like all twin-clutch ‘boxes, there are two clutches (obviously), one for the ‘odd’ gears, one for the ‘even’ ratios. The transmission pre-selects the next gear it expects you to use, whether you’re accelerating or braking, so shifts are quicker and smoother, with no loss of torque.
Not once was the Powershift system caught out in automatic mode at any junctions or roundabouts.
Get caught in traffic and there’s a creep function that’s beautifully judged so you don’t move along with your foot on the brake trying to slow the car. A twitch of your ankle and you can easily up the pace, with no sudden jerky throttle response. A hill-hold system is coming later, but with the creep function Ford pretty much has inclines already covered.
Fuel consumption drops from an combined average of 50.4mpg to 48.6, while CO2 emissions climb from 147 to 154g/km. Top speed and 0-62mph times are both down, if that actually matters to you, but with VW’s DSG system the benchmark sprint time is usually the same or quicker.
For comparison a DSG-equipped 2.0 TDI Golf does 47.1mpg and 159g/km CO2. So the Focus is bang on the money.
This is Ford’s facelifted Focus so there’s a neat nip and tuck with sharp new lights and side sculpting that lifts the whole look of the car.
And because it’s a Ford Focus, it’s still one of the benchmark small hatchbacks to drive. There’s weighty steering that inspires confidence, and a supple ride that soaks up the worst of Britain’s B-roads without ever feeling floaty or wallowy. It’s very well judged.
Ford has done it again. On paper, its Powershift transmission bests VW’s DSG system; on the road, it’s smooth, smart and fun to use. If you need a large diesel automatic in a mid-sized hatch then it’s between this and a Golf.
http://www.carmagazine.co.uk/Drives/Search-Results/First-drives/Ford-Focus-20-TDCI-Powershift-CAR-review/?content-block=0