Ford unveils Focus TDCi sedan and Trend 1.8L with auto

MANILA, Philippines - For those who hanker for a European-inspired sedan with a common-rail direct-injection diesel engine, Ford Group Philippines (FGP) has just answered your prayers.

That’s because Ford has slipped the state-of-the-art and oh-so-torquey common-rail diesel engine and 6-speed PowerShift dual-clutch automatic of the Focus Sport TDCi hatchback into its 4-door sibling to create the new P1,189,000 Focus TDCi sedan.

Previously available only in the racy Focus Sport 5-door hatchback, the cutting-edge CRDi motor and dual-clutch 6-speed automatic drivetrain combine to give the sedan newfound power and responsiveness as well as record-setting levels of fuel economy.

PowerShift delivers the fuel efficiency and dynamics of a manual gearbox with the driving ease and full comfort of a premium automatic transmission. At the heart of this advanced transmission is the latest electronically controlled dual-clutch technology. Compared to traditional automatic four-speed transmissions, PowerShift can also help reduce fuel consumption by up to nine percent depending on the application.

PowerShift provides the full comfort of an automatic with a more sophisticated driving dynamic, thanks to the uninterrupted transfer of torque from the dual-clutch technology, which consists essentially of two manual transmissions working in parallel, each with its own independent clutch unit. One clutch carries the uneven gears (1, 3 and 5) while the other the even gears (2, 4 and 6). Subsequent gear changes are coordinated between both clutches as they engage and disengage for a seamless delivery of torque to the wheels.

“Ford’s PowerShift represents a true competitive advantage for Ford and is one of the current technologies that set a new world standard for efficiency and drive quality,” says Steven Tan, FGP Vice-President for Sales and Marketing.

“This advanced six-speed dual-clutch transmission is a quantum leap forward in exceeding the customers’ need for fuel economy and convenience by combining a 6-speed manual transmission with the experience of an automatic transmission – while still providing the high fun-to-drive experience expected of the Ford Focus,” Tan added.

What it brings to our Focus line-up in our new Ford Focus TDCi 4-door sedan is in a nutshell, a ride that is as smooth as it gets,” said Tan.

Globally, Ford has committed that almost 100 percent of its transmissions will be advanced six-speed gearboxes by 2013. Six-speed transmissions already have helped vehicles such as the 2010 Ford Fusion achieve best in class fuel economy, while at the same time allowing the Ford Flex and Ford Escape to achieve unsurpassed fuel economy in their respective segments.

“It’s an advanced gearbox that reduces complexity, saves weight, increases responsiveness and performance – all while helping keep the engine in its peak efficiency mode – resulting in class-leading fuel economy,” says Tan.

“All in all, this is part of Ford’s long-term commitment to deliver fuel-saving six-speed transmissions across its product portfolio,” he added.

The introduction comes with the announcement of the second run of the Ford Focus Coast-to-Coast Challenge where three new teams will take on the task of driving from Sorsogon to Pagudpud on just one tank of gas. Three media teams of two including JP Tuason and Mike Tuason of Tuason Racing School will see action during the May 4 to 7 run of the Challenge using the new Focus TDCi sedans.

The Ford Focus TDCi is a fuel economy champ (it has landed in the Top Ten Fuel Misers List of the annual Department of Energy Fuel Economy Run two years running) that also delivers impressive torque: 340Nm at 2,000rpm (and maximum power of 136 ps at 4,000rpm). This lets the Focus TDCi accelerate from 0 to 100 kph in a brief 9.6 seconds.

And to complete the Focus range, Ford also unveiled the P869,000 1.8-liter gasoline 4-door Focus Trend model with an automatic transmission. Both new models will roll off Ford showrooms this month.

The comprehensive Ford Focus lineup starts with the P779,000 1.8 Style sedan with 5-speed manual that comes with standard ABS and airbag. Next are the P799,000 manual transmission-equipped sedan and P869,000 automatic hatchback 1.8 Trend models.

Also available are 2.0 gasoline models: a luxury Ghia sedan with automatic transmission, leather seats and 6-way electric driver seat; and a Sport hatchback. Both come with standard dual-zone automatic air-conditioning and other premium features such as the standard electric hydraulic power assisted steering for best-in-class steering feel and driving dynamics, and the control blade rear suspension for superior handling. These models are priced at P999,000.