Ford goes DSG

A new gearbox will be offered in the Focus and C-Max.

The new transmission is a twin-clutch transmission called Powershift and is a six-speeder that offers faster, smoother changes.

The lightweight gearbox provides quicker gearchanges but it's aimed primarily at saving fuel and lowering emissions.

It's available at first with the 2.0 TDCi turbodiesel engine in 109- and 134bhp forms.

In the Focus hatch, it gives 48.6mpg and 154g/km of carbon dioxide emissions regardless of which version of the engine you choose.

Fitted to the C-Max the new transmission allows it to achieve 47.9mpg and 159g/km.

Drivers can use the Powershift gearbox as a standard automatic or they can opt to change gear themselves by moving the gear lever right and left to change up or down a gear.

Prices start at £18,195 for the Focus 2.0 TDCi 110 with Powershift gearbox and the C-Max version begins at £19,895, and both are now available to order

Alisdair Suttie