driven automatics all my life, will I like/hate ford powershift?

easy

Hi guys, looking for anecdotes from experienced powershift owners please.

I've been driving for 30 years, always automatics with conventional torque converter transmissions - generally 1.6 engines or bigger
About 15 years ago I was lent a Micra, which had a CVT gearbox - I Hated it !!
About 6 years ago I had to drive semi-auto corsa for a week while repairs were carried out to my car (some chump ran into it while it was parked). I didn't like that either - it would lose power to change up just after pulling out of junctions, and (yes I'll admit it) I miss the slight creep of a conventional auto when maneuvering into parking spaces.

I'm being offered a focus 1.6 with powershift for less than the price with a standard auto box. I'm trying to find a dealer with one I can test drive which is harder than you would expect, but would like to hear any others experiences.

Cheers guys.

gilbert_and_sullivan

Now why would one of these hell boxes be at a cheap giveaway price i wonder?

Probably because most people avoid them like the plague, knowing that not only are they horrible to drive but when they go wrong they will cost an arm and a leg to put right, and Ford have form for this with their CVT monstrosity as fitted to 1.6 Diesel C max.

JonathanA

We've got a 2008 CMAX 2.0TDCi Powershift, had it since it was 3 months old. Great to drive, not as clunky as a conventional auto box when changing gears, far better than a CVT in my view. Averages between 42-44 mpg mostly now around town and shorter journeys, but with the odd longer run thrown in. No issues other than standard servicing. Would highly recommend it, well worth finding one to try.

Not sure if you're looking at the 1.6 petrol or diesel, but the 1.6tdci auto was a different box altogether I believe and was a real dog, and should be avoided! Think the 1.6 petrol was different again.

Mankysteve

As with any car take a test drive, then you'll know if you like it or not.

easy

gilbert_and_sullivan wrote: »

Now why would one of these hell boxes be at a cheap giveaway price i wonder?

Probably because most people avoid them like the plague, knowing that not only are they horrible to drive but when they go wrong they will cost an arm and a leg to put right, and Ford have form for this with their CVT monstrosity as fitted to 1.6 Diesel C max.

Definately NOT cheap giveaway, but a lower price than the standard TC transmission.

easy

JonathanA wrote: »

We've got a 2008 CMAX 2.0TDCi Powershift, had it since it was 3 months old. Great to drive, not as clunky as a conventional auto box when changing gears, far better than a CVT in my view. Averages between 42-44 mpg mostly now around town and shorter journeys, but with the odd longer run thrown in. No issues other than standard servicing. Would highly recommend it, well worth finding one to try.

Not sure if you're looking at the 1.6 petrol or diesel, but the 1.6tdci auto was a different box altogether I believe and was a real dog, and should be avoided! Think the 1.6 petrol was different again.

Its the 1.6 petrol I'm looking at. According to Honest John I don't do quite enough miles to make diesel an economic option.

easy

Mankysteve wrote: »

As with any car take a test drive, then you'll know if you like it or not.

I do know that, I'm just looking for info to fill in the time until a dealer finds me one to test.

I never understand how they expect to sell new automatic models, cos no dealer ever seems to want to hold an auto demonstrator.

[Deleted User]

I don't drive automatics but if I did then it would have to be a proper automatic, none of this modern clutchless manual rubbish.

Stooby2

Deleted_User wrote: »

I don't drive automatics but if I did then it would have to be a proper automatic, none of this modern clutchless manual rubbish.

You forgot the "Harrumph!" at the end of your post.

[Deleted User]

Stooby2 wrote: »

You forgot the "Harrumph!" at the end of your post.

My throat didn't need clearing.

RichardD1970

We have one of these "modern clutchless manual rubbish" things on our car (C4 Grand Picasso) and have never had any trouble with it. Our neighbour is on their 3rd brand new C4 Picasso with the same EGS and has never had any problems either.

It is different from driving a "proper" auto and does take some adjustment to your driving to prevent issues like mentioned in the OP, but you soon adjust, as you do to driving any different type of car.