Ford has announced that the 2014 Fiesta with the 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine will be getting the six-speed PowerShift auto-box in markets around the world. This is the first instance of EcoBoost being offered with the dual-clutch automatic transmission. Ford PowerShift gearboxes are built by Getrag Ford Transmissions, a joint-venture of Ford and Getrag. Renault also uses a similar gearbox developed with Getrag in its Megane.
Commenting on the new addition, Roelant de Waard, VP-Marketing, Sales and Service of Ford Europe said, “The first combination of our award-winning EcoBoost 1.0-litre engine with PowerShift dual-clutch automatic transmission is a major step forward in this segment and will appeal to many new customers –especially those looking for the latest cutting edge technology.”
In India, the Ford offers the Fiesta AT and EcoSport Titanium AT with the same gearbox. The unit is a six-speed with one clutch acting on first, third and fifth gear, while the other one being used for second, fourth and sixth gear. The absence of a traditional torque-converter makes the transmission lighter and more efficient. With this combination of EcoBoost and PowerShift, the Fiesta will be one of the most fuel-efficient non-hybrid, petrol-powered car.
Driving without the use of clutch pedal should be ideal for small cars, but autos have not been adapted because of the additional weight, reduced performance and the extra cost. However, this Ford unit doesn't face performance or fuel consumption issues.
In the US market, the Fiesta PowerShift will face competition from the likes of Polo, Fabia and Ibiza, which all get a seven-speed DSG,as well as from the Honda Insight hybrid. Ford claims that the new Fiesta with auto-box will return 24.3kmpl. With these kinds of figures, the Fiesta will be one of the most fuel-efficient non-hybrid, petrol-powered car.
