Ford Focus Titanium, Like Luke Skywalker, Is Switching To Manual Control
TTAC’s initial review of the current Ford Focus was an enthusiastic one, and a year later I’ll still stand by that enthusiasm. Today, there’s a new reason to be enthusiastic about Ford’s chic, Continental, and cher compact.
Ford has apparently read my Christmas wish list and decided to work on Wish #3. Multiple websites are reporting this morning that the Focus Titanium, previously available solely with Ford’s somewhat star-crossed PowerShift twin-clutch automatic, will have a manual transmission available for order.
Will it be the five-speed which can be had on the SE model, or the six-speed that will reportedly accompany the Focus ST? Don’t bet on the latter. With the addition of a manual transmission, Europhiles should find the Titanium to be the perfect car. It’s expensive, luxurious, small, economical, available as a hatchback, and not “overpowered”. What are you waiting for? Another question: What was Ford waiting for? Our guess: the Dodge Dart’s agnostic approach to transmission availability forced the Blue Oval’s hand.
More by Jack Baruth
Comments
Join the conversation
Why won't they just give it a six-speed manual? They're pushing powertrain updates, so why use only a five-speed?
Like any of you guys buy new cars. But we all agree it will make a nice used car, right? No wonder car companies don't build to this commentariat's desires. Congratulations Ford! You have built a car this crowd will advise their friends to buy when it comes off lease.
Maybe I'm a minority, but I'd like to see the Titanium with a 2.5L engine + Manual (direct injected or not). I know there would be a hit in fuel economy from the greater displacement, but the boost in torque should make it feel like there's a noticeable improvement in acceleration over my 2006 Focus. I imagine that it could be had for under $25k if I don't select all the features.
About time, though the Focus I am most interested in doesn't have a transmission at all...