Titanium 1.6 Powershift 5dr Auto Hatchback

Huge Disappointment

Previous MK2 Focus auto, ran like a dream and only replaced because it got long in the tooth. Did a lot of research but still decided to go with a straight replacement and bought 1.6 powershift auto from main dealer even though I had read criticism of this. Test drive, absolutely fine so decided all those reports i had seen on the internet were from picky people who like to whinge. How wrong could I be? Within weeks the dreaded powershift judder appeared and deteriorated to the point the car was virtually undriveable. To their credit, Ford dealer took the car in and the same day called to say the clutch pack needed to be replaced. Due to back order issues this took another 2 months. After repair it drove better but was still jittery/unsettled and not like any other auto Ive ever driven, so it went back to the dealer for another fortnight. On return it was ok but not great and to my dismay after only 6 weeks the judder is starting to make a re appearance. Cruises fine on the motorway with little wind/tyre noise but the roar the engine suddenly starts to make at just after the national limit is really irritating. Overall it does what you'd expect a 1600 hatch to do, but nothing exceptional and certainly no better than the model it replaced. Really cannot see why this version of the focus has been heaped with such lavish praise, and if you're after a smooth auto ride -forget it. This is the most disappointing car I have ever owned and the autobox is by far the worse I have ever driven in 35 years. I usually keep a car for about 5 years. Ive had this thing 7 months and am actively looking to trade it in already, which is a shame (quite apart from the depreciation) because otherwise its smart, fairly comfortable, the interior including bluetooth is decent and mine is a great colour. Although I have been luckier than some who have experienced near fatal power failure in foot to the floor situations like junctions and roundabouts it will be a very long time before i consider another Ford powershift. If I could give it no stars for how it drives I would have done. I gave repairs and maintenance 5 stars only because mine has been repaired under Ford warranty and hasnt cost anything other than my time and sanity. But I certainly cannot recommend the powershift auto version to anyone. Avoid, seriously

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