Focus Trend take-off shudder

Yes it is. I also observed a shudder similar to what you report when road testing a Focus some time ago. The so-called auto in this case is not a traditional automatic gearbox that we have become used to over many, many years, it's a new technology automated manual gearbox, which in effect means it's a manual gearbox, but with an automated shift mechanism. As part of that mechanism it has two clutch packs that release and engage when it's shifting gears, and these are known problem areas. These gearboxes are not just fitted to Fords, but many other vehicles as well. VW's recent well-publicised difficulties are related to the gearboxes it uses. The shudder is annoying and will potentially get worse, so I would press your case with the dealer and with Ford to have it fixed.