How does the new Ford Fiesta automatic gearbox work?

Are all automated clutches the same? Having changed my Jazz to the revised model CVT-7 because the auto clutch was not to my liking I note Ford has changed the new Fiesta to an auto clutch. Has Ford discovered something Honda did not? We also have Fiesta with automatic transmission, which is good. Why the change?

Asked on 16 March 2013 by JS, Solihull.

Answered by Honest John
Dual clutch systems are entirely different from automated manuals. Automated manuals like the i-Shift are merely manuals with an electric clutch and actuator that mimic the driver changing gears, not always very satisfactorily. A dual clutch automatic like VAG’s DSG or Ford's Powershift has two clutches and two sets of gears on separate shafts that pre-select up or down. Of all the dual clutch boxes, I think Ford/Getrag's Powershift works best. Prior to the Powershift the Fiesta had a 4-speed torque converter auto, like the Mazda 2’s.
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