[Tivver500]

My dealer was told (by Ford at the FOS) around Aug/Sept. Sounds good for me as that's what I want!!

I have a relative (living in Hamburg) keeping his eye on the German motoring press and the Ford website as it'll be released in Germany a 'while' before we get it over here......

If anyone hears what the price will be - please post!!!

 

[Tivver500]

Perhaps the Frankfurt show would be a good time to launch the 'new 7-speed torque converter' auto box.

If anyone is visiting then please let us know......

Can't order one until it's actually on the price list!!

My local dealer says he has at least 3 people 'waiting' (and has sold 5 manuals in the last month!!)

 

[Tivver500]

News!!!

Focus ST petrol 7-speed automatic will be available to buy (OKTB in 'Ford speak') on 31st Oct (according to the latest Ford report to my dealer)

 

[Tivver500]

Focus ST Auto (petrol only) available now in Germany. Price difference is the same as the auto box on the rest of the Focus range.

It's listed on the UK Dealers 'Vista' but with no price as yet...... (hopefully the same price as other Focus autos...)

 

[Tivver500]

New price list from Ford (dated 21st October) shows the option of 7-speed automatic.

Cost is £1450 (same as the auto option on the rest of the Focus range.

Interestingly the base price of the vehicle has gone up!!!

Will be down to my dealer this week!!

 

[Tivver500]

Ordered yesterday. Unfortunately Ford will only give me 10% discount as a military veteran (rest of the Ford range is 15%) but my dealer is being very helpful with other bits and a good part ex on my Kuga so a 'happy bunny'.
Looking forward to seeing how it drives compared to my TVR Griffith 500.....

 

[Tivver500]

Will have to wait a while longer!!!

Ford have 'pulled' the auto versions as of yesterday. Current auto orders to be replaced with manual version. :facepalm:

More news when I get it....

 

[Tivver500]

Latest news on the Auto variant (after enlisting the help of the guys at 'Autocar').

The Auto variant is withdrawn across Europe and not being released until (possibly???) the middle of 2020.

Reason given - emissions!!!

Oh well - off to look at a Seat Cupra.....

 

[Tivver500]

Seat Cupra (300PS) dsg estate ordered.... (and saved over £9k off list price :clap: ).

Interesting to see what it'll be like although I'll get the delivery date the day after it arrives at the dealers.... (Seat communication leaves a bit to be desired!!)

Still keeping in touch with my local friendly Ford dealer though....

 

[Tivver500]

I contacted the editor of 'Autocar' who contacted Ford.

Answer was that the auto box had a homologation issue with regard to emissions and that it 'may' be available around the middle of next year. As the ST is the only model to use that 7-speed box I wasn't putting any money on that!

A friend (who was a homologation engineer for Volvo) reckoned this was a valid reason.

According to my dealer (who is a 'mate') there are several model variants which are no longer available due to emissions requirements.

The Leon Cupra that I've ordered is being replaced next year with a lower powered hybrid version...

Never mind - we'll soon be running around in cars powered by AA batteries, with a 0-6- measured in days and a top speed measured in feet per fortnight!!!

Good job I've still got the TVR in the garage (and still (just) young enough to drive it....)

 

[Tivver500]

The Seat Leon Cupra I've ordered is now no longer available as it's being replaced by a hybrid...... Fortunaly I got my order in on time!!
Don't fancy lugging a 1/4 ton battery around all the time

 

[Tivver500]

The Cupra I've ordered runs the 2.0 TSI (same as Golf R) with around 290bhp.

The replacement has a 1.4 TSI which, apparently, puts out 240bhp with the electric motor making up the difference to ???

Electric only range is around 30 miles so for a lot of short journeys it makes some sense but after that capacity is used you're reliant on the 1.4 engine to propel the car as well as recharge the battery. Yes you can recoup some power via regenerative braking but I still think theses are being sold under 'false pretences' when claiming fantastic mpg figures (start with a full battery over a 30 mile test route and end with a depleted battery = not much fuel used!!!)

Think I'll enjoy the Cupra.... while still doing my bit for global warming as I'm keeping my 5 litre V8 TVR Griffith!!!