Ford Begins Production Of Fiesta-Ready PowerShift Transmission

ALREADY AVAILABLE in Australia with the Ford Focus TDCi, Ford in the US has begun production of its dual-clutch six-speed PowerShift transmission for the diminutive Fiesta.

The dual-clutch PowerShift transmission, which Ford says will offer up to a nine percent improvement in fuel economy depending on the model, is expected to become the standard transmission for Ford small cars.

“We believe this new automatic transmission for the Fiesta will be the most advanced in the segment, offering far better performance than our competitors,” Piero Aversa, Project Leader for PowerShift development, said.

“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.”

Winner in last year's TMR Best Drive Best Value Awards Light Car Class, the Fiesta is currently available in Australia with a five-speed manual transmission and a four-speed automatic. Buyers opting for the auto transmission are left with only the smaller 1.4 litre engine, power dropping from the 1.6 engine's 88kW and 152Nm to 71kW and 128Nm.

Speaking with TMR this week, Ford Australia's Justin Lacy was unable to confirm if or when the PowerShift transmission would make its way into the Australian-delivered Fiesta.

Click to read TMR's review of the 2009 Ford Fiesta ZETEC

Click to read TMR's review of the 2010 Ford Fiesta ECOnetic