The best automatic transmission in its class in terms of efficiency-to-performance ratio
Alfa Romeo’s innovative (Twin Clutch Transmission) system is now also available in the Alfa Romeo Giulietta. First made available in the Alfa Romeo MiTo earlier this year the latest automatic dual dry clutch six-speed transmission is setting the class benchmark for its ratios between performance, fuel consumption and emissions.
Developed and produced by Fiat Powertrain Technologies (FPT) the TCT system is teamed with the Fiat’s MultiAir engines with Stop&Start fitted as standard – the MiTo and the Giulietta are the first vehicles in the market to combine these three innovative technologies.
The innovative transmission ensures greater driving comfort and a sportier feeling than regular automatic transmissions while still ensuring improved efficiency and lower fuel consumption.
The transmission works in either a full automatic or sequential mode, as required by the driver. The driver can manually change the gears either up or down utilising the paddle shifts on the steering column or gearshift for complete control. In addition, the driver can customise the car’s personality using the Alfa D.N.A. driving selector to enhance its features of comfort, performance, safety and efficiency.
The new Alfa TCT consists of “two gearboxes” in parallel, one for even gears and one for odd gears, each with its own clutch, which allows the selection and engagement of the subsequent gear while the previous one is still engaged. The gear is therefore changed with a simple, smooth yet very fast switching of the corresponding clutches, guaranteeing continuous torque delivery and therefore traction.
The result is a refined yet dynamic driving experience well above those offered by conventional automatic transmissions (with torque converter) as proven by superior gear shift speeds, the possibility of selecting between manual and automatic mode, all without significant power loss during shifts.
Furthermore, consumption is reduced by up to 10% with respect to a traditional automatic gearbox. Alfa TCT uses dry clutches allowing, natural integration with Start&Stop, a function which is not always available with traditional automatic transmissions, and which guarantees a further benefit in terms of fuel consumption, particularly in cities.
The operation of the Alfa TCT is also designed to integrate the engine and the various onboard systems in the best manner. To allow for the best performance on the road, depending on the driving conditions and on the driver’s wishes, the transmission interacts with the Alfa D.N.A., braking system, engine control and vehicle stability control system (VDC).
The engine control system automatically identifies road conditions, gradients and bends and optimises traction by selecting the most appropriate gear, managing engine torque delivery and modulating the brakes. With lightening-fast parameter processing, the transmission can adapt its behaviour in real time.
GIULIETTA TCT DISTINCTIVE
The Giulietta TCT is equipped with the 125kW 1.4 Turbo MultiAir engine. Its top speed is 218 km/h with just 7.7 seconds (0.1 seconds faster than the manual derivative) needed to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h. Even with this excellent performance, the fuel consumption and emissions are extraordinarily low. The TCT system sees fuel consumption reduced from 5.8 l/100 km on the manual derivative to 5.2 l/100 km for the TCT over a combined cycle. Using just 121 g/km of CO2 (13 less the manual model) the Giulietta is the most environmentally-friendly and efficient petrol-powered compact on the market, even when compared with manual gearbox versions of competitors with lower power ratings and performance.
The Giulietta, launched last year, caught the imagination of car enthusiasts with its high level of comfort, safety and technical excellence. A five-door hatchback with obvious Alfa Romeo genes, it’s capable of expressing great agility on the most demanding routes while providing comfort on everyday journeys.
. When tested for the Euro NCAP safety ratings the Alfa Romeo Giulietta achieved a five-star rating and the highest safety score (87/100) ever by a compact car. Its list of safety features include the Alfa DNA system (incorporating Q2 electronic differential and DST), VDC (including ASR and hill holder), 6 airbags, front seat belts with dual pretensioners and front seats with anti-whiplash system as standard.
The standard equipment on the Giulietta Distinctive TCT comprises Blue&Me connectivity, 17″ alloy wheels, dual zone automatic climate control, leather steering wheel with multimedia controls, paddle shift control, trip computer, front armrest with storage compartment, , fog lights, reconfigurable control panel, seats upholstered in Competizione fabric, and a stylish chromed insert (chrome line) framing the side windows.
The dashboard on the Distinctive version is also distinguished by a stylish insert painted in magnesium grey or, alternatively, you can customise with optima white, Alfa red or burnished aluminium.
In addition there is the option of My Port for the Blue&Me –TomTom system. This combo system adds navigation functions to the functions of the Blue&Me thanks to the TomTom portable navigation system which is perfectly integrated with the vehicle’s existing systems thanks to a Bluetooth® interface. The TomTom portable navigation system is positioned on the dashboard using a support designed to guarantee maximum safety in the event of impact and complete integration with the vehicle’s other systems and improved ergonomics in everyday use.
With the addition of the TCT the Giulietta range now comprises four derivates including the Progression, Distinctive, Distinctive TCT and Quadrifoglio Verde.
Alfa Romeo offers a five-year 150 000 km warranty on the Giulietta. Linked to this is a six-year/90 000km service plan with service intervals of 30 000km on the 1.4-litre Turbo models.
MITO TCT DISTINCTIVE
The MiTo TCT is paired with Alfa Romeo’s 1.4-litre Turbo MultiAir engine that delivers 100kW @ 5 000rpm and has a torque peak of 230Nm @ 1 750rpm. In combination with the TCT system it completes the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.2 seconds (0.2 seconds faster than the manual derivative ) and has a top speed of 207km/h. Fuel consumption is reduced from 7.4l/100km/h to 7.1l/100km/h on the TCT with CO2 emissions measured at 126g/km (3g/km less than the manual derivative).
The MiTo TCT is available in Alfa Romeo’s Distinctive trim level. It is equipped with Cruise Control, “Follow Me Home” Headlights, Electrically Adjustable Mirrors, steering wheel paddle controls, Blue&Me entertainment system, Front Fog Lights, LED Rear Lights and 17” Alloy wheels with 215/45 tyres, amongst other features.
Optional features include Alfa Romeo’s Visibility Pack (including Automatic Headlamps Rain Sensor and Electrochromatic Rear View Mirror), Automatic Dual Zone Climate Control and more.
The MiTo TCT like all models in the MiTo range are equipped with seven airbags as standard, Alfa Romeo’s VDC (Vehicle Dynamics Control) system that includes Hill Holder, ABS, ASR and Brake Assist as well as Dynamic Steering Torque (DST).
With the addition of the MiTo TCT the MiTo range now comprises four derivates including the Distinctive, Distinctive TCT, Quadrifoglio Verde and the Quadrifoglio Verde Sport.
Service intervals for the Alfa Romeo MiTo are stationed at 30 000 km intervals, while a 5yr / 150 000km Warranty (three years on paintwork and five years on rust anti-perforation) as well as a six-year / 90 000km service plan ensures peace of mind ownership.
All Alfa Romeo models are covered by the AA Fleetcare roadside assistance plan for three years. The service is active 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and is available by calling the dedicated toll-free number 0800 223 727.
Mito 1.4 Turbo Multiair Distinctive TCT
R265 000 (incl VAT and CO2 Tax)
Giulietta 1.4 Turbo Multiair Distinctive TCT
R315 000 (incl VAT and CO2 Tax)
