Ford Focus 2.0 TDCI Powershift (2008) CAR review

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. After all, you can’t exactly call Nissan’s GT-R, BMW’s M3 or Ferrari’s California people’s cars.

Now that those performance models have been launched, the technology is starting to filter down to more mainstream models. The auto industry was taken rather by shock when the Mk1 Audi TT turned up with DSG. And while VW might be onto its second-generation DSG with its latest seven-speed transmission, we must remember that when Ford is late to the party, it usually does pretty well. Remember the C-Max, S-Max and Kuga?

So I presume I can have this Powershift gearbox with whatever engine I want?

Nope. The Powershift transmissions can only come mated to the 2.0-litre TDCI engine. You can have it in 134bhp tune with the twin-clutch ‘box as an option, or as a new 108bhp version with the Powershift transmission as standard (this one being aimed more at fleet buyers). The same transmission will also be available in the Volvo C30, S40 and V50.

We tested the Ford Focus Powershift in rare four-door form; in Titanium spec it costs £20,050, £1200 more than the manual. In four-door trim, the 108bhp car costs £19,250.

That’s a whole lot of cash for a humble Focus. After all, the ST hot-hatch costs just £18,250. The twin-clutch box will have to be pretty good to justify the outlay…

Click ‘Next’ to find out how the Focus Powershift drives