The Ford Focus in Europe will be blessed with two more fuel efficient powertrain options in the form of the Ford PowerShift automatic with dual dry-clutch technology; and the Flexifuel, which is capable of utilising E85 fuel.
The dual dry-clutch technology will be featured on new Focus models with the 125PS, 1.6litre Duratec Ti-VCT petrol engine with a six-speed Ford PowerShift automatic transmission. It will replace the conventional four-speed torque-converter automatic that was available with petrol engines in the previous Ford model and helps deliver reductions in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, while also providing a more responsive driving experience. In fact, compared to the 100PS 1.6litre automatic model, it has cut CO2 emissions by 19 per cent to 149g/km and achieves fuel consumption of 36.8mpg.
PowerShift transmissions are based on efficient manual transmission technology. They eliminate the weight and complexity of a torque converter, fluid pumps and planetary gears; while the electronically controlled, twin internal clutches are able to shift gears quickly and smoothly.
In addition the transmission has been optimised with a number of intelligent functions including: hill start assist; low-speed driving mode; neutral idle; and clutch micro slip.
Meanwhile, the Ford Focus will also be available as a Flexifuel model, allowing customers to take advantage of E85. The new 120PS Flexifuel Focus uses a modified version of the Duratec Ti-VCT petrol engine and replaces the 1.8litre model.
To suit the characteristics of E85 fuel it has been modified with an upgraded fuel system and revised fuel injectors, as well as hardened valves and valve seats, and a revised exhaust system and catalyst. It achieves CO2 emissions of 132g/km compared to 136g/km for the 125PS engine.
