Now available in South Africa and offered in Distinctive specification on MiTo and Giulietta models, Alfa Romeo has introduced its new twin-clutch-transmission technology (TCT).
Developed by Fiat Powertrain Technologies, the implementation of the six-speed TCT system in the MiTo and Giulietta is seen as a move towards lower CO2 emissions and improved fuel consumption, while harnessing the dynamic attributes associated with this system.
In both applications (MiTo and Giulietta), the new TCT system is complemented by MultiAir and stop/start technology. This helps the 125 kW 1,4 Giulietta achieve an emissions figure of 121 g/km (13 g/km lower than the manual) with an all-important claimed 5,2-litre/100 km fuel-consumption figure. The 100 kW MiTo TCT consumes a claimed 5,5 litres/100 km and emits 126 g/km (3 g/km less than the manual).
Fiat claims that the lightweight, dry-clutch TCT ‘box improves the all-round dynamics of the cars. Zero to 100 km/h sprint times stand at 7,7 and 8,2 seconds for the Giulietta and MiTo respectively.
The driver can choose between fully automatic or sequential modes, with paddles located behind the steering wheel coming into play in the latter option. Thanks to the slick double clutch transmission, changes are smooth and it was great fun hanging onto gears to exploit the smooth, powerful engines.
The stop/start system means that, on an incline, there isn’t the usual crawling associated with a more conventional automatic transmission. So, when the engine is off, you need to think like a driver of a manual car in terms of applying the handbrake.
In both models, the driver can choose between normal, sport and all-weather (DNA) driving modes. In dynamic, the transmission (when left to its own devises) holds onto the gears that much longer and shifts just before the rev limiter kicks in. A healthy step on the accelerator pedal is required to get the ‘box to drop enough cogs before executing a brisk overtaking manoeuvre.
For full specification sheets of the Mito Distinctive TCT and Giulietta Distinctive TCT, click on the documents tab in the top right-hand corner of the image block.
Specifications*
Model: Alfa Romeo MiTo Distinctive TCT
Engine: 1,4-litre MultiAir
Power: 100 kW at 5 000 r/min
Torque: 230 N.m at 1 750 r/min
0-100 km/h: 8,2 seconds
Fuel consumption: 5,5 L/100 km
CO2: 126 g/km
Top speed: 207 km/h
Price: R265 000
Service plan: 6 years/90 000 km
Model: Alfa Romeo Giulietta Distinctive TCT
Engine: 1,4-litre MultiAir Turbo
Power: 125 kW at 5 500 r/min
Torque: 250 N.m from 2 500 r/min
0-100 km/h: 7,7 seconds
Fuel consumption: 5,2 L/100 km
CO2: 121 g/km
Top speed: 218 km/h
Price: R315 000
Service plan: 6 years/90 000 km
*Manufacturer;s figures
