Focus CVT

Honest John Back Room » Motoring discussion
View Threaded
Thu 17 Feb 2005 12:16
Focus CVT - machika
I took a look at the new Focus on Sunday, with a particular interest in the TDCi CVT version. I was told it wouldn't be available until July. I asked about the C-Max version and asked (again) about the problems with getting this car. I was again told they were keeping the transmission back for the new Focus (so why isn't it available now?). They dismissed all suggestions of problems with this transmission, just because they hadn't been told of any. One of the salesmen even said ''I don't expect you will believe me because I am a salesman''. Could be that he is right.

I had already drawn my own conclusion by that time, which was that it is strange that Ford would want to keep back the transmission for the Focus, when it is losing sales that it could be making with the C-Max CVT.

The latest development is that I received two phone calls last night, from one of the aforesaid salesmen. This was a response to my request for a test drive through the website. He obviously didn't recall my name, or the visit on Sunday. So when I reminded him that my interest was in the Focus CVT and that I had been told about the delayed release of it, that stalled the conversation somewhat. However, within a few minutes he rang back again to say that the Focus CVT would be available in March and the July delay referred to the C-Max (which is supposed to be available now).

So, what does one conclude from all of this? Personally, I will believe it when I get to see a Focus CVT.
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Thu 17 Feb 2005 12:44
Focus CVT - Chas{P}
I would avoid a CVT transmission like the plague. If the launch has been delayed there lies my suspicion that there are inherent problems being ironed out by stressed out engineers being hassled by marketing.

In the past Ford gave up hope on the Fiesta/Escort CVT's, even cancelling technician training courses as there was no clearcut way of repairing them. I was told this by one of the staff working at the Daventry training college when I visited a couple of years ago.

So to sum up; if they go wrong out of warranty it's an exchange unit costing many ££££'s as the only repair option.

You have been warned.

HTH

Charles

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Thu 17 Feb 2005 18:56
Focus CVT - machika
Doesn't the VAG DSG unit operate on much the same principle? What is the industry feedback on the reliability of this auto box?
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Thu 17 Feb 2005 18:59
Focus CVT - Aprilia
As many will recall, I have posted on here saying that CVT's are a great idea, the problem is getting them to work reliably.
Not many Ford or Rover CVT's have covered more than about 30k miles without needing a rebuild. I would steer well clear.
GM are currently trying to make CVT's at their Hungarian plant =- but production is 'stop-start' as they try to solve recurring problems. The ZF CVT in the Mini is fairly popular in the US market, but again, many transmissions are being swapped out under warranty and they are on something like 'version 30' of the software.
Let someone else do the development work - if you want an auto stick to a traditional stepped epicyclic transmission from either GM or a Japanese manufacturer.
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Thu 17 Feb 2005 19:33
Focus CVT - machika
So who manufactures the DSG units for VAG? Have they proven to be reliable so far? Would the Honda Jazz CVT be reliable, do you think?
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Thu 17 Feb 2005 19:57
Focus CVT - machika
Thank you for clarifying that matter HJ. Does the DSG box have auto and manual (tiptronic?) modes?
Reply | Report as offensive | Link

Our honest used car pricing is a little bit different to all the others. You can get to our values through make or model - you don’t have to follow a prescribed route. Plus, it’s live, which means we can react to changes in the market quicker than any printed price guide.

Honest Used Car Prices

From which small car to buy at which price point to the best UK-built cars, our Top 10s have the lot. Click now for your shortlist.

Unsure of what to buy? Our Top 10s are here to help you....