Ford is debuting a new seven-speed automatic transmission option for its EcoBoost Hybrid mild hybrid powertrains, bringing increased choice for drivers.

Ford is adding the seven-speed auto as an option on its Puma and Fiesta mild hybrids

It will launch on the Puma and Fiesta 1.0-litre EcoBoost Hybrid models, which feature Ford’s 48V mild hybrid technology. The system uses a belt-driven integrated starter/generator (BISG) to recover energy usually lost during braking and coasting and charge a 48V lithium-ion battery pack. The BISG also acts as a motor, integrating with the engine to provide torque assistance that can enhance fuel efficiency or performance, depending on the driving scenario.

The mild hybrid technology offers improved efficiency. The Puma EcoBoost Hybrid and Fiesta EcoBoost Hybrid seven-speed automatic models are expected to improve CO2 emissions by more than 5% compared with the 1.0-litre EcoBoost non-electrified petrol equivalents, when the official figures are available. The mild hybrid set-up also enhances performance, with up to 20Nm of extra torque providing more responsive in-gear acceleration.

Initial data, yet to be homologated, indicates that the Fiesta 125hp 1.0-litre EcoBoost Hybrid with the auto box will have CO2 emissions from 118-128g/km and fuel efficiency from 50.4-54.3mpg with standard tyres.

For the Puma 125hp 1.0-litre EcoBoost Hybrid with the auto, this stands at 129-131g/km with anticipated fuel efficiency from 48.7-49.6mpg, with the higher-powered 155hp Puma mild hybrid expected to be rated at 131-134g/km and 47.9-48.7mpg.

The addition of the seven-speed automatic transmission also supports additional driver assistance features including stop & go functionality for adaptive cruise control. This can bring the vehicle to a complete halt in stop-start traffic and automatically pull away if the stopping duration is less than three seconds. The new auto also enables remote start functionality, via the FordPass app.

Roelant de Waard, general manager, passenger vehicles, ford of Europe, said: “Adding the option of our seven-speed automatic transmission for EcoBoost Hybrid is another step in our mission to make electrification accessible to all our customers.”