Auto Focus? - Karl Williams
I haven't read anything good about the Auto 'box on a Focus. Is this just early
versions? I need an auto for my wife and the Focus seems good value, but is it a wise buy as the car-by-car breakdown says don't buy one! What alternatives are there in this size/class of car?
Re: Auto Focus? - David Lacey
Buy a Rover 25/45 1.8 Steptronic - decent performance and a three year warranty. It uses an electronic version of a well-proven CVT auto-box. Before you dismiss this, try one first and then report back. I think you'll be impressed.
Re: Auto Focus? - honest john
The verdict is still open on the Focust auto. It uses the 4 speed box from the Mazda 323, but suffered catastrophic fluid leaks on launch (a very common Ford problem with its previous CVTs). Ford says it has no got this sorted. But I want to hear about at least 18 months trouble-free running before I remove the warning. The other problem (from road tests) is that the power characteristics of the 1.6 Zetec S engine do not seem to suit the box, so it doesn't give a good drive. The Focus is a great car. The Focus auto and the Focus diesel seem to be the duds of the range.

HJ