Ford Focus line-up now complete with Focus TDCi Sedan with 6-speed PowerShift dual clutch automatic transmission and Focus Trend 1.8L Sedan AT

Ford Group Philippines (FGP) introduces yet another first-in-class technology to complete the Focus line-up in the local market with the new Ford Focus TDCi 4-door sedan with six-speed PowerShift automatic transmission. Set to enhance responsive performance and driving dynamics to deliver the smoothest ride yet, the new Focus offering to tout PowerShift will be available in dealerships this month.

“Ford’s PowerShift represents a true competitive advantage for Ford and is one of the current technologies that set a new world standard for efficiency and drive quality,” says Steven Tan, Vice-president for Sales and Marketing. “This advanced six-speed dual-clutch transmission is a quantum leap forward in exceeding the customers' need for fuel economy and convenience by combining a 6-speed manual transmission with the experience of an automatic transmission, and still provides the high fun-to-drive experience expected of the Ford Focus. What it brings to our Focus line-up in our new Ford Focus TDCi 4-door sedan is in a nutshell, a ride that is as smooth as it gets.”

The introduction comes with the announcement of the second run of the Ford Focus Coast-to-Coast Challenge where three new teams will take on the task of driving from Sorsogon to Pagudpod on just one tank of gas. Three media teams of two including JP Tuason and Mike Tuason of Tuason Racing School will see action during the May 4 to 7 run of the Challenge using the new Focus TDCi sedans.

To complete the Focus range of vehicles, Ford also unveiled a 1.8L 4-door Focus Trend now offering the convenience of an automatic transmission. 

Automatic and Fuel-Efficient Comfort

PowerShift delivers the fuel efficiency and dynamics of a manual gearbox with the driving ease and full comfort of a premium automatic transmission.

At the heart of this advanced technology is the all-new lightweight transmission which uses the latest electronically-controlled dual-clutch technology to change gears. Compared to traditional automatic four-speed transmissions, PowerShift can also help reduce fuel consumption by up to nine percent depending on the application.

PowerShift provides the full comfort of an automatic with a more sophisticated driving dynamic, thanks to the uninterrupted torque from the dual-clutch technology, which consists essentially of two manual transmissions working in parallel, each with its own independent clutch unit. One clutch carries the uneven gears – 1, 3 and 5 – while the other the even gears – 2, 4 and 6. Subsequent gear changes are coordinated between both clutches as they engage and disengage for a seamless delivery of torque to the wheels. 

Differentiating PowerShift even further in terms of its customer appeal is its shift quality, launch feel and overall drive dynamic, which are all facilitated by an expert blend of Ford-exclusive electro-mechanical systems, software features, calibrations and controls.

Ford eliminating automatic transmission tradeoffs

Traditionally, manual transmissions delivered higher fuel economy. But Ford’s latest automatic transmission advancements have reversed the decades-old scenario, using advanced technology to provide customers with exceptional efficiency and the convenience of an automatic transmission.

 With an array of new automatic transmission technologies, Ford is out to challenge the status quo by delivering segment-leading fuel economy without compromise to convenience, and accessibility to a much broader segment of the driving public. Fewer drivers possess stick-shift skills, as manual transmission market acceptance continues to drop, falling drastically over the last decade.

Globally, Ford has committed that almost 100 percent of its transmissions will be advanced six-speed gearboxes by 2013. Six-speed transmissions already have helped vehicles such as the 2010 Ford Fusion achieve best in class fuel economy, while at the same time allowing the Ford Flex and Ford Escape to achieve unsurpassed fuel economy in their respective segments.

“It’s an advanced gearbox that reduces complexity, saves weight, increases responsiveness and performance – all while helping keep the engine in its peak efficiency mode – resulting in class-leading fuel economy,” says Tan. "All in all, this is part of Ford’s long-term commitment to deliver fuel-saving six-speed transmissions across its product portfolio.”

The TDCi Edge

The Ford Focus TDCi boasts of fuel economy but not at the expense of power with peak torque of 340Nm at 2,000rpm and maximum power of 136PS at 4,000rpm. This makes it not only powerful but also agile and responsive, with plenty of pulling power at low engine speeds for user-friendly everyday driving.

Excellent chassis control and steering precision give the Focus its on-road agility. When combined with the advanced and innovative technology of a DuraTorq turbo diesel engine and PowerShift automatic gearbox, the Focus TDCi is able to accelerate from zero to 100km/h in 9.6 seconds.

The advanced engine delivers exceptional levels of driving quality and quiet operation, contributing significantly to an acknowledged Ford Focus strength – Superior Driving Dynamics, in addition to German Engineering and European Styling.

The Power of PowerShift

First introduced to the market in November of 2008, the six-speed PowerShift dual-clutch automatic transmission has only been available in the 2.0L Focus Sport 5-door hatch. Since then, it has garnered attention with recognition and awards cited both for its fuel-economy and driving dynamics.

Following regional recognition as the Best Hatchback Diesel at the 2009 Bangkok International Motor Show, it was also recognized locally at the 2009 Auto Focus People’s Choice Awards as Media Choice Awardee for the Most Fuel- efficient Diesel vehicle, and at the C! Awards as 2009’s Best Compact Vehicle.

Furthermore, for two years running, it has landed in the Top Ten Fuel Misers List of the annual Department of Energy (DOE) Fuel Economy Run.

The Ford Focus lineup starts with an entry level model: the 4-door 1.8L Style sedan with 5-speed manual transmission that comes with standard ABS and airbag, priced at P779,000.

Next in the Ford Focus range are mid-level 4-door sedan and 5-door hatchback 1.8L Trend models, offering a choice of either five-speed manual transmission (on the 4-door) or automatic transmission, priced at PhP799,000 and PhP869,000, respectively. Ford offers a full range line-up with the entry of the Ford Focus 1.8L Trend 4-door AT priced at PhP869,000.

Also available are 2.0L petrol models: a luxury Ghia 4-door sedan with automatic transmission, leather seats and 6-way electric driver seat; and a Sport 5-door hatchback Sport. Both come with standard dual zone automatic air-conditioning and other premium features such as the standard electric hydraulic power assisted steering (EHPAS) for best-in-class steering feel and driving dynamic, and the control blade rear suspension for superior driving quality for cornering stability and handling. These models come at a best value price of P999,000.

And now with two variants featuring TDCi engines with 6-speed PowerShift dual-clutch automatic transmission, the Focus Diesel Sport 5-door Hatch and the new Focus Diesel Sedan are priced at P1,189,000.

For more information, visit Ford Pampanga located along Jose Abad Santos Avenue, City of San Fernando with contact number +63 45 961 2888; Ford Libis along 186 E. Rodriguez Jr. Ave., Bagumbayan, Libis, Quezon City with contact number +63 2 637 2044; Ford Subic at Subic Bay Gateway Park, Phase I Commercial Area, Subic Bay Freeport Zone with contact number +63 47 250 3673; Ford Cabanatuan located at Sumacab Este, Maharlika Highway, Cabanatuan City with contact number +63 44 463 9660 and Ford Dagupan at Lucao District, Dagupan City with contact number +63 75 522 2222.