What is it?
'TCT' means this Alfa Romeo MiTo has two clutches. No, it's not a driving instructor special with pedals on both sides, but a dual-clutch automatic. If you haven't guessed yet, TCT stands for Twin Clutch Transmission.
Fiat designed and developed the TCT - its answer to Volkswagen's DSG gearbox - but has let Alfa Romeo use it first in the 1.4-litre MultiAir MiTo with 135bhp. In 2011 it will go into the Giulietta, then other Alfas and Fiats.
Is it any good?
So what does this have to do with the Porsche Panamera? Well, TCT is only the second twin-clutch system to come with Start & Stop technology - the German super saloon was first.
Ironically enough, though, Start & Stop is the main bugbear of Alfa's new gearbox. Stop at a junction and the car will cut out to save fuel. The problem is, press the accelerator to restart and there's a short but irritating pause while the engine restarts, the gearbox finds first gear and you pull away. That's fine at a traffic light, but at times when you're darting in and out of busy traffic - a typical scenario in a supermini - it's not ideal. You might find yourself switching the function off.
Otherwise TCT is very impressive. It changes gears very smoothly and much quicker than a conventional automatic, while standard paddles on the steering wheel allow you to flick up and down ratios manually.
Hit the throttle abruptly and occasionally the car will over-rev while the right gear is found, but largely it's just as impressive and bug-free as VW's DSG system. It's even linked to Alfa's DNA chassis control functionality, so when the car is in Dynamic mode (the sporty one) TCT holds gears for longer and shifts down more aggressively. Ordinarily it will chase a high gear as early as possible for comfort and economy.
Should I call the bank manager?
The £1,250 extra that TCT costs over a manual isn't extortionate, but because it's only available with the 1.4-litre MultiAir engine (for now), buyers are limited to higher Lusso and Veloce trims. That makes the entry cost £16,295.
But there are economy gains to be had. Not enough to claw back that £1,250, granted, but not to be sniffed at. The manual MultiAir MiTo returns 50.4mpg and emits 129g/km of CO2, while the TCT does 51.4mpg and 128g/km. It makes the car quicker too, shaving 0.2 seconds off the manual MiTo's 8.4-second sprint to 62mph. Nice.
Summary
Even though paddle shifters are standard, you shouldn't think of TCT as a sporty, racing-inspired gearbox (no matter what Alfa says). Rather, think of it as a very good, smooth and efficient automatic. For those with an aversion to clutch pedals, TCT will make the MiTo very appealing; that it boosts economy and performance is a welcome bonus. Still, it can't cure the MiTo's over-firm, unsettled ride, or its strangely weighted steering. The MiTo remains in the MINI's shadow, but now it at least has something the German car doesn't.
