Super TestCar reviews - Ford - Focus - TDCi 5-dr hatchFord modelsOverviewFord has facelifted its Focus, but the big news is the new Powershift gearbox17 Apr 2009 FORD has boosted its ageing Focus range with a nose job and a minor interior makeover, but the important news is the addition of a special dual-clutch manual gearbox known as Powershift on the underrated TDCi diesel models. More than a match for the Golf TDI, it brings an auto-like transmission to arguably the most dynamic mainstream small car available, boosting the diesel’s already high appeal. A palpably better-presented cabin completes the changes that are designed to carry the LV Focus series through until the all-new, Australian-built, third-generation models come on stream sometime in 2011. Model release date: 1 April 2009 to 1 July 2011 All car reviewsAlfa Romeo Abarth Alpine Alpina Audi Aston Martin BMW Bentley Chevrolet Chery Citroen Chrysler Dodge Cupra Ferrari DS Ford Fiat FPV Foton GWM Great Wall Holden Haval HSV Honda Hyundai Hummer Isuzu Infiniti Jeep Jaguar Lamborghini Kia LDV Land Rover Lotus Lexus Maserati Mahindra McLaren Mazda Mercedes-Benz Mercedes-AMG Mini MG Nissan Mitsubishi Peugeot Opel Proton Porsche Renault Ram Rover Rolls-Royce Skoda Saab SsangYong Smart Suzuki Subaru Toyota Tesla Volvo Volkswagen Previous modelONE of the most invisible ‘facelifts’ in modern automotive history, the change from LS to LT Focus was limited to a revised front air intake, the deletion of side rubbing strips and the launch of the long-awaited and much admired 100kW/320Nm 2.0-litre TDCi turbo-diesel model – in six-speed manual-only mode. A Ghia hatch also arrived, powered by the same 107kW/185Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine found in the base CL, mid-range LX and sporty Zetec. Gearbox choices for these South African-built Focuses were a four-speed auto or a five-speed manual. Ford also imported the German-made LT XR5 Turbo, using Volvo’s rorty 166kW/320Nm 2.5-litre five-cylinder petrol engine, paired to a six-speed manual gearbox. From November 2007 the Italian made (by Pininfarina) CC Coupe-Cabriolet also joined the range, using the 2.0L petrol engine. |
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