2016 Ford Focus
I posted some time ago I was leaning towards the Ford Focus. Since then we have been trying to find one we could tow. We thought we finally found one and before I purchased it I made sure to double ...
Forum Discussion
Fifty4F100 wrote:
I don't remember where I heard the Focus had a CVT, but driving one your answer makes sense. I did feel shifts that I didn't think I would feel with a CVT. Our Smart has this kind of transmission. The Smart feels more like the car is driving a manual than the Focus. But I've read about some problems with the Focus shuttering with this transmission.
The Smart has an automated-single-clutch transmission. The Dual Clutch transmission eliminates the power lag by "swapping" gear shafts by engaging one clutch as the other disengages. Sometimes, it can shudder when the computer doesn't get the timing just right. Also, if the transmission has been abused, clutch chatter can happen. "Abuse" includes using the transmission to hold back the car on a hill, or riding the brakes a bunch when creeping. This is all ok for a toque converter transmission, but just like a standard manual, it creates extra heat. Part of the problem is the programmers allowing that behavior to make it feel more like a regular torque converter auto. But drive it like its meant to be (decisively) and its actually really nice. It doesn't rob power like a regular auto, and shifts are very quick.
PS - The automatic behind the 1.0L turbo motor is a regular torque-converter automatic, and Ford did not include flat-towing provisions for that combo.
