New Ford Fiesta automatic gearbox due

• New Ford Fiesta automatic gearbox due
• All-new dual-clutch transmission
• Face-lifted Fiesta; on sale

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The new 2013 Ford Fiesta will get a dual-clutch automatic gearbox, Ford has revealed.

Speaking at the Ford GoFurther event in Amsterdam, where the face-lifted Fiesta made its debut, Ford executive Raj Nair acknowledged an 'industry trend' for smaller automatics.

'We have noticed the increasing demand in this area,' he said, 'so we will be introducing a six-speed dual-clutch unit. Along with the Ecoboost engines, it plays a key role in our targets for greater efficiency on the car.'

The current Fiesta has long been hampered by its lack of a dual-clutch option; its conventional five-speed torque converter auto has looked increasingly outdated against more modern opposition. The new six-speed dual-clutch gearbox will be the only auto option for the updated Fiesta, and it will be available only with a non-turbo 103bhp 1.6-litre engine.


2013 Ford Fiesta has updated looks and new engines

The new dual-clutch gearbox is available now for the new Ford B-Max MPV.

John.McIlroy@whatcar.com