An available all-new North American industry-exclusive PowerShift six-speed automatic transmission combines the responsive performance and fuel economy of a manual transmission with the convenience of a traditional automatic in one advanced, dual dry-clutch package.

"Fuel economy leaders have traditionally been manual shift models," said Pierro Aversa, team leader for transmissions. "Ford Fiesta changes the game by offering an advanced PowerShift six-speed automatic that delivers maximum fuel economy."

Twin internal clutches keep the PowerShift in constant mesh, always optimizing for maximum responsiveness or fuel efficiency, depending on input received from the driver's foot on the accelerator pedal.

This "dry" transmission operates with sealed internal lubrication, reducing internal friction and adding to Ford Fiesta fuel economy. The lack of pumps and hoses reduces under-hood complexity, saves weight and also contributes to fuel efficiency.

PowerShift has been proven in Ford's European market and will redefine North American small car segment expectations for responsive shifting and fuel efficiency.