Is the Ford Powershift automatic transmission likely to cause any problems?

Because of trouble with my left hip and knee I have been finding using the clutch pedal painful and have been looking at small cars with automatic transmissions. I have been offered £8500 trade in on a new Ford Fiesta 1.6 Duratec Ti-VCT. I am tempted to buy this car as my present Fiesta 1.6 TDCI has given me good service for 19,000 miles. Unfortunately I have been reading an article that criticises the 6-speed automatic box that Ford fits. Have you any experience of this gearbox, and if you agree could you suggest an alternative small car?

Asked on 8 June 2013 by JH, via email

Answered by Honest John

All my experience and feedback of the 6-speed Ford/Getrag Powershift now fitted to the Fiesta is that it is the best of its type. What article did you read? By whom? What evidence was presented? The only occasions where Powershifts have hesitated is when fitted to a diesel that was used for repeated short runs from cold, but then the cause of the problem was the engine and diesel particulate filter, not the Powershift transmission

Tags: automatics diesels gearboxes

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