Chris I have a 2012 Ford Focus SEL with the six speed dual clutch automatic with hill assist. I don't know if it's the hill assist feature or the nature of the dual clutch transmission, but this car is terrible for intial responsiveness. I'd go so far as to say it's almost dangerous when trying to get out in front of traffic from a complete stop. It is my understanding that there is no way to turn the system off on North American models. I wish there were.
1 year(s) ago via Ford Social

Brad Krekelberg I'm a little confused about this. Since Hill Start Assist is not available on the SEL and Titanium, higher trim levels, one would assume that they have some other feature that makes it so they do not "need" it. Is that the case?
1 year(s) ago via Ford Social

R Thomas Dave -- Here's an excerpt from an article on this web site regarding the 2012 Focus automatic dual-clutch transmission. Hope it helps... "Hill Start Assist: If sensors detect the Fiesta or Focus on a slope of 5 degrees or more, Hill Start Assist automatically prevents the car from rolling backward in the instant when the driver moves his or her foot from the brake to the accelerator. The PowerShift computer controls the brake pressure and engine to hold the car in place."
1 year(s) ago via Ford Social