PowerShift box for facelifted Focus

Kinetic Design is trickling down from the Mondeo to Ford's facelifted Focus range already launched in Europe. The cosmetic upgrade is due here next year, but we wouldn't be too surprised to see one on the Ford stand at the Australian International Motor Show in Sydney, next month.

The mid-life facelift will carry the second generation Focus through to 2011, when it will be replaced by an altogether new model, locally built in Australia. And on that point, when Focus production at Broadmeadows comes on line, the Australian plant will be the 11th Ford plant around the world to build the global small car.

In the meantime, the facelifted model introduces new features such as the six-speed 'PowerShift' transmission with a dual-clutch system, much like Volkswagen's DSG transmissions. This transmission, jointly developed by Ford and German transmission specialist Getrag, will be available as an option across the entire range and will provide an 'automatic' alternative for buyers of the Focus TDCi, which has been manual-only up to this point.

As with the Volkswagen units, the PowerShift transmission in the Fords works like an automatic, but is effectively a manual with individual clutches for each cluster of alternating gears (1-3-5 and 2-4-6), allowing the next gear in sequence to be 'pre-selected' for faster and smoother gear changes. Ford settled on this type of transmission, which is simpler in operation than conventional epicyclic automatics and provides higher torque capacity and improved fuel efficiency. The system can be used in a sequential/manual style or just left to its own devices in automatic mode. Ford offers the transmission in the Focus with paddle shifters to facilitate sequential shifting; the left paddle changes down whilst the right paddle is for up-shifts.

In addition to the PowerShift transmission option and the external visual cues (already previewed in the latest XR5 model, more here), the upgraded Focus is quieter and features improved materials and instruments in a re-styled interior layout.

Ford has specified soft-feel plastics for the door tops, a new instrument binnacle, restyled centre fascia and 'corporate' window and mirror switches. By 'corporate', we mean Ford of Europe is adopting a standardised look, feel and location for the electric window and mirror switchgear. Bluetooth with voice activation, an SD card slot, a USB connection for iPod, a conventional 3.5mm input jack and a new Sony digital audio broadcasting system are available in European variants and we would expect those features to be available in upmarket Focus variants sold in Australia.

The new range is offered with a capless 'Easyfuel' system to ensure that the vehicle is filled with the correct fuel. Manual variants are slightly more economical than before and the shift action is improved through specifying a lower-viscosity oil.

NVH countermeasures for the facelifted Focus include a new cowl, a carpet with improved sound-insulating qualities and changes specific to the 2.0-litre diesel engine, including a new engine cover, redesigned inlet tract and exhaust system coupling, plus revised calibration for the engine management system to reduce noise during cold running.

Ford Australia has revealed nothing concerning the local vehicle specification, but high-grade variants are a good chance to come equipped with keyless entry/start and a power button. In Europe, the Focus is available with a tyre-pressure monitoring system and this is a possibility for Australia too.

Also for the EU markets, the Focus is available with a 1.6-litre diesel engine that sneaks in under 120g/km of CO2 emissions. Whether Ford Australia should choose to offer such a variant here (the Focus ECOnetic) will possibly depend on how Ford's product planners rate the viability of cars such as the Hyundai i30 CRDi, with its 1.6-litre diesel engine. The Ford engine develops 66kW of power and 215Nm of torque (from 1750rpm).

In Europe, the Focus is also offered with an E85-compatible petrol engine, displacing 1.8 litres and Ford also has CNG and LPG variants in the works. The LPG models in particular are likely to be presently keeping Ford Australia's product planners awake at night.

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