How can we address sharp drive-off on our Ford Fusion automatic?

In November 2012 my wife and I purchased a 1.6 Petrol Zetec Ford Fusion automatic, registered September 2010 with a recorded mileage of 4400, which has now covered 4950. We find acceleration on drive-off extremely sharp and have complained to the supplying Ford garage, but they have tested it and said it is within the limits of the factory settings that are set electronically at the factory and our vehicle was in the range of that setting, and unfortunately they could not do anything to alleviate our problem. I consider this could be very dangerous in icy conditions and wonder if you have heard of our problem from other Ford drivers?

Asked on 30 March 2013 by HA, Burnham, Slough

Answered by Honest John

When driving an automatic car you should not attempt to drive it one footed only, as you will not then have full control over it. Best to use both feet and left foot brake, especially at low speeds where this will make the difference between hitting walls, other cars, objects and people and not hitting them because it enables you to stop in couple of feet rather than several metres while you are moving your foot from accelerator to brake.

Tags: automatics driving techniques

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