- Twin-clutch 'TCT' for Giulietta and MiTo. - Quicker and cleaner than manual equivalent. - Available for petrol and diesel cars.
There are no new cars on the Alfa stand, so the traditional array of Alfa girls are smiling even wider to make the Giuliettas, MiTos and 159s look more appealing. However, the TCT twin-clutch gearbox debuting in Paris is big news for buyers.
What's all the fuss about?
Each new Alfa Romeo brings with it the hope that the brand can finally compete on a par with the likes of VW and BMW. Well, this TCT twin-clutch automatic gearbox is just the sort of thing that will get it there. It has been developed in-house by Fiat and looks every bit as sophisticated as VW's DSG transmission.
Anything that stands out?
At first the gearbox will appear in the 178bhp 1.4-litre MultiAir Giulietta and the 135bhp MultiAir MiTo, though it will be extended to diesel versions too. In the MiTo, the 0-62mph sprint is lowered by 0.2 seconds and CO2 emissions go down by 3g/km as well. Not enough to reduce VED or dent fuel costs, but remarkable for an automatic.
Estimated release date: Before 2011
Estimated cost: From around £16,000 in the MiTo.
