The Ford Kuga gets Ford's PowerShift dual clutch 'box for 2010/2011
Ford are rolling out their dual clutch auto PowerShift ‘box out across the range, with the Kuga, Mondeo, S-Max & Galaxy getting the new ‘box.
There was a time when auto boxes were really just a way to be bone idle; the gearbox of choice for those who thought of cars as transport not a ‘Drive’. But auto boxes started to get clever when Porsche pioneered dual clutch ‘boxes which could be used in auto mode – without a clutch pedal – back in the eighties.
As these ‘boxes matured they started to be offered in cars most would consider less ‘Premium’. The advantages are clear; no torque converter means little power loss so the ‘box – when used in auto mode – changes as an automated manual meaning better performance and little or no economy penalties.
There are drawbacks – these sorts of ‘boxes are expensive to manufacture and more expensive to maintain – but they offer almost all the advantages of an auto ‘box with very little of the penalties. As a result we’re now at the point where such ‘boxes are starting to proliferate amongst the mass manufacturers – this week we’ve got the new Mitsubishi Outlander Juro in for review, complete with Dual Clutch ‘box – and Ford has just announced that their Dual Clutch PowerShift ‘box is now going to be available on much more of Ford’s range.
Until now you could only get the PowerShift ‘box on the Ford Focus and C-MAX, but Ford has now extended that to the Ford Kuga, Mondeo, S-MAX and Galaxy. The PoerShift ‘box comes as standard on the Ford Mondeo, S-MAX and Galaxy with the 2.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine, and is optional on the Ford Focus, C-MAX, Kuga, Mondeo, S-MAX and Galaxy with the 2.0-litre Duratorq diesel engine.
Where you choose to option the PowerShift box it will set you back and extra £1500 (we told you it was pricey to make), but these new Dual Clutch boxes are now so good you really should consider it.
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