Debuting in 1992, the transmission was developed in tandem with the Zetec family of engines.
The transmission is optimised for transferring larger levels of torque than the older iB-series unit used on the Fiesta and Escort models.
Other features include the provision of equal length driveshafts (to combat torque steer) and synchromesh on reverse gear.
The transmission was first used on the Zetec-engined Escort Mk V (only XR3i), but its proper intended application was on the Mondeo and its derivatives (the American Ford Contour, Mercury Mystique and the New Edge Mercury/Ford Cougar).
The main change to the unit was to cable operation in 1996 on the facelifted Mondeo, as the rod-based linkage of the original unit attracted criticism for feeling vague and notchy.