I'm just curious as to what those of you think about the new 6-speed auto? I've had my '12 for about a month now and I'm luke warm on it. On the highway its as smooth as ice, but in the city it shifts like a sloppy manual transmission driver. I just can't seem to drive the way the car wants to be driven. The only reason i went with this over the manual is because I couldn't wait 2 months to order it, as the gas prices were killing me.

Anyone else having similar stories? Does anyone know of any firmware updates for the transmission? Or is this something I just have to learn to get used to?

I'm just curious as to what those of you think about the new 6-speed auto? I've had my '12 for about a month now and I'm luke warm on it. On the highway its as smooth as ice, but in the city it shifts like a sloppy manual transmission driver. I just can't seem to drive the way the car wants to be driven. The only reason i went with this over the manual is because I couldn't wait 2 months to order it, as the gas prices were killing me.

Anyone else having similar stories? Does anyone know of any firmware updates for the transmission? Or is this something I just have to learn to get used to?

You just need to give it some break in time. Mine did that at first but now I'm at about 1100 miles and its smooth all the time.

I have the same transmission. I agree with you. That is just how the double clutch acts. I have driven a 2009 BMW m3 with the same type of transmission and it was worse.

Yep, it's just how dual clutch transmissions are (regardless of manufacturer). It feels like a sloppy manual because technically it is a manual. There is no torque converter to smoothen things out. The major benefit you get from this is having more power delivered directly to the wheels. As a result you get better fuel economy and performance. That's the tradeoff involved with these transmissions.

Some break-in period may help, but I wouldn't expect to see any dramatic improvement. Maybe in time manufacturers will find a way to soften dual clutch transmissions without castrating its performance. But for now this is what the technology has to offer. Personally I like that notchy feeling and knowing what my car is doing. But I understand how it could be worrisome for owners of previous traditional automatics.

I have a VW TDI with the DSG tranny, as well as the '12 focus auto. Out of the box the VW is hands down a smoother transmission, especially on the 1-2 shift. My expectation is that the Focus needs to be driven a bit and will smooth out with time. I do wish Ford would have gone with a lever shift or paddles instead of the silly little up/down arrow. The VW is just more inutuitive, as was my mercedes.

However, I tend to drive in sport mode most of the time.

I spend to much time in stop and go traffic, and will most likely never own a standard again. Getting old and lazy, I guess. And while I am sure the clutch on a focus is fairly light my knees just are not up to it anymore.

With all that said, I have been "focused" on some other issues with the car and have yet to really pay attention to the finer points of actually driving it.

The difference between dry dual clutch (Ford's PowerShift) and wet dual clutch (VW's DSG) might have something to do with the rough shifting too. I also think VW's DSG shifts a little smoother. However dry dual clutch transmissions have the added benefit of not requiring a routine fluid flush. They each have their own set of tradeoffs when it comes to that.

I have a VW TDI with the DSG tranny, as well as the '12 focus auto. Out of the box the VW is hands down a smoother transmission, especially on the 1-2 shift. My expectation is that the Focus needs to be driven a bit and will smooth out with time. I do wish Ford would have gone with a lever shift or paddles instead of the silly little up/down arrow. The VW is just more inutuitive, as was my mercedes.

However, I tend to drive in sport mode most of the time.

I spend to much time in stop and go traffic, and will most likely never own a standard again. Getting old and lazy, I guess. And while I am sure the clutch on a focus is fairly light my knees just are not up to it anymore.

With all that said, I have been "focused" on some other issues with the car and have yet to really pay attention to the finer points of actually driving it.

im pretty sure aftermarket "paddle-shift" kits will be available anytime soon for the powershift.

im pretty sure aftermarket "paddle-shift" kits will be available anytime soon for the powershift.

Where the heck would they put them? Have you seen the steering wheel on this car?

The transmission is super smooth most off the time. Its just a matter of learning how to drive it so that it does not shutter. Also, good point about waiting for the car to be broken in enough. I also really enjoy driving in the S mode, the shifting is great!

Where the heck would they put them? Have you seen the steering wheel on this car?

The end cap on the directional lever doesn't have anything on it, so make it a little toggle switch(the right stalk for wipers has the rear wiper control on the end cap). [unsure]

I agree, there are already a LOT of controls on and around the wheel already. It took me some time to find where the rear wiper control was hidden. Here's a thought, if a manual transmission makes you shift on the gear shift lever, then it makes MORE sense that the SelectShift also be in the same place, though I would prefer the more conventional forward/back push/pull action for these things.

The end cap on the directional lever doesn't have anything on it, so make it a little toggle switch(the right stalk for wipers has the rear wiper control on the end cap). [unsure]

I agree, there are already a LOT of controls on and around the wheel already. It took me some time to find where the rear wiper control was hidden. Here's a thought, if a manual transmission makes you shift on the gear shift lever, then it makes MORE sense that the SelectShift also be in the same place, though I would prefer the more conventional forward/back push/pull action for these things.

I'd prefer to see the push / pull action on the shift lever as well as opposed to yet another control option on the end of a stalk. I think they just didn't have the room to incorporate it. I think if I was going to choose between a button on the end of the directional stalk and a button on the side of the shift lever I'd go with the shift lever hands down.

You can't just arbitrarily slap on a set of paddles to the steering wheel or any of the stalks. Lots of disassembly, retrofitting, wiring, and reprogramming will be required. You'd be lucky not to throw any major fault codes or break something along the way. It's probably not something your average Joe Schmoe would be able to do as some aftermarket kit bought right off the shelf.

Bottom line, you should simply express demand for paddle shifters to Ford and let them handle the changes.

I don't really like paddles that much - I like the shift gate off to the side of the gear lever like in my A3 and other VW/Audi cars. I use it more than the paddles. The thumb switch in the Focus seems pretty lame.

I haven't driven the auto Focus yet, am hoping it behaves like the A3 S-tronic transmission that I am already used to. I prefer the feel of the dual-clutch auto to the torque converter auto.

How's the Sport Mode?

I've got over 2000 miles on the car so I'd imagine the transmission is broke in by now. I'll assume that this is just the way it is. I'm sure eventually i'll get used to it.

As for the sport mode. Its a neat feature but personally i've not used it much. Just doesn't really seem all that practical. I'll try messing around with it more though.

I've got over 2000 miles on the car so I'd imagine the transmission is broke in by now. I'll assume that this is just the way it is. I'm sure eventually i'll get used to it.

As for the sport mode. Its a neat feature but personally i've not used it much. Just doesn't really seem all that practical. I'll try messing around with it more though.

From CNET

But beware: those stepping into the Focus not knowing of this technology, assuming that it is a standard automatic, will think it is broken. Although it generally shifts smoothly, at times its clutch logic gets confused, leading to an abrupt thunk of a gear change. It also isn't prone to creeping; the car initially stands still when the shifter drops into Drive.


A rocker switch on the shifter allows manual gear selection.

The transmission's Sport mode initiates a downshift when the car brakes hard, holding its low gear for some satisfying engine whine, if not massive power. A rocker switch on the side of the shifter changes gears manually, a type of control that does not suggest sport driving. In fact, the Focus has a tendency to take over shifting even when you think you are in control. For example, it won't tolerate near-redline acceleration, opting to upshift early.


The video review for CNET the driver mentions that when the car is in Sport mode "it actually shifts as if you were really driving a Manual yourself and handles down-shifts nicely and is really impressed with it" so I would try driving in Sport mode and see if you notice any substantial difference

From CNET



The video review for CNET the driver mentions that when the car is in Sport mode "it actually shifts as if you were really driving a Manual yourself and handles down-shifts nicely and is really impressed with it" so I would try driving in Sport mode and see if you notice any substantial difference

Excellent quotes...thanks I'll give it a try!

Do realize that 'sport mode' holds the gears longer, and disables 6th gear completely...so you will NOT get good mileage.

I find it to be pretty useless for 'normal' driving. Great when you want to have some fun, but pretty impractical for city driving or anything where you're not trying to go fast, really. Not having 6th will kill MPG at higher speeds, the higher shift points won't do much for city driving.

Do realize that 'sport mode' holds the gears longer, and disables 6th gear completely...so you will NOT get good mileage.

I find it to be pretty useless for 'normal' driving. Great when you want to have some fun, but pretty impractical for city driving or anything where you're not trying to go fast, really. Not having 6th will kill MPG at higher speeds, the higher shift points won't do much for city driving.

Well of course your MPG is going to be taking a hit :) but interesting about it disabling the 6th gear completely... I've only read that it holds gears longer.

I noticed once I got over 500 miles it got better. It does clunk a little bit in slow traffic. It also does not engage immediately on starts. It seems to be normal for a dual clutch.

Well of course your MPG is going to be taking a hit :) but interesting about it disabling the 6th gear completely... I've only read that it holds gears longer.

yea I remember getting to 6th when i've used it on the highway. But I'm sure it'll get less mileage simply because you're going to want to drive it a little harder.

I noticed once I got over 500 miles it got better. It does clunk a little bit in slow traffic. It also does not engage immediately on starts. It seems to be normal for a dual clutch.

I'm at 1100 miles now and mine runs out smooth nearly all the time. It's true that the car doesn't immediately grab or creep from a standing stop like a traditional automatic with a torque converter would. The upside to the dual clutch, however, is that when it does grab oh brother does it grab. I never knew 160 hp could put you back in your seat like this. The Focus may not be that quick off the line but once you get it rolling it's Katie bar the door.

PS, don't change a thing about the automatic tranny Ford, no matter what the cry babies in the media or on some forum might think. Once it breaks in and the shift mapping gets sorted out it's fantastic.

PS, don't change a thing about the automatic tranny Ford, no matter what the cry babies in the media or on some forum might think. Once it breaks in and the shift mapping gets sorted out it's fantastic.

I agree. This was actually a topic that was covered before, back when people were complaining about the same thing with the Fiesta. Technically they could take measures to smoothen the transmission out, but it would be at the expense of slushy performance and slightly less fuel economy. I'd much rather prefer the notchy feel and instant response.

Posted via FF Mobile Totally agree with the above two posts. Im worried Ford is going to do something to appeal to the ignorant masses. Since I dont drive manuals, powershift excites me and I cant wait to see it get even better and be put in more powerful cars. Im sure a new way to manually shift will be put in in the coming years, most likely paddles.

Mine shifts beautifully and I personally think paddles are a gimmick. I never use the manual shift function on any car equipped with one. If I have an auto I let it be an auto. This car is just for cruising anyway.

I applaud ford for taking a step forward and doing something different with the ordinary automatics. Its kinda cool explaining to people "yea, its really a manual transmission...just shifted automatically...". However, so far the execution, in my opinion, has been sloppy. Maybe its just a shift point issue, or maybe I'm just not used to it, but when people ride with me and comment "is your car okay?" that's a little unsettling... Either way, I love this car. its just a commuter and it does its job.

It's not an automatic transmission...it won't shift exactly like one. People who have never ridden in a car with a dual clutch or even manual transmission won't get it, and will not be used to how it operates and feels.

I don't think there's anything Ford can do about it, I've ridden in VWs with DCG and it felt pretty similar. Also realize the way you drive will effect how it feels. If you drive it exactly like an automatic, it'll feel a little rough. You have to change your ways a bit and learn to use the go pedal a bit differently to get it to work more smoothly.

It's not an automatic transmission...it won't shift exactly like one. People who have never ridden in a car with a dual clutch or even manual transmission won't get it, and will not be used to how it operates and feels.

I don't think there's anything Ford can do about it, I've ridden in VWs with DCG and it felt pretty similar. Also realize the way you drive will effect how it feels. If you drive it exactly like an automatic, it'll feel a little rough. You have to change your ways a bit and learn to use the go pedal a bit differently to get it to work more smoothly.



Posted via FF Mobile Agreed, and if you put the peddle to the metal the transmission shifts great. I have no tried S mode yet, but from what I heard thats even better. We also need to remeber that the car is still tuned for fuel economy, hence the sometimes larthagic shifts. Nothing more testing and tweaks by Ford or an aftermarket tune (when someone makes one) wont fix.