Alfa Romeo Giulietta gets ALFA TCT semi-automatic ‘box

Alfa Romeo has announced that the Alfa Romeo Giulietta 1.4 TB MultiAir 170 bhp and 2.0 JTDM-2 170 bhp can be specified with the ALFA TCT semi-auto ‘box.

We really like the Alfa Romeo Giulietta. In a world where many cars look the same, the Giulietta has style and panache. And it’s a decent drive, which will now be improved with the addition of the ALFA TCT semi automatic gearbox to the options list.

There was a time, not so very long ago, when any keen driver would always eschew an auto ‘box in favour of a good manual. But that’s changing fast as gearbox technology improves, and we’re now at the point where specifying a manual ‘box on many cars is a poor choice, no matter how keen a driver you are.

Modern auto boxes – like the ALFA TCT box now fitted to the Giulietta – offer better performance, better fuel economy and lower emissions than gearboxes rowed along with the aid of a left foot and a clutch.

Alfa are offering the TCT ‘box on two models – the 1.4 TB MultiAir 170 bhp and 2.0 JTDM-2 170 bhp – and although the improvements aren’t dramatic, they are certainly notable.

The 1.4 TB MultiAir 170 bhp Giulietta with ALFA TCT transmission can do 135mph and get to 62mph in 7.7 seconds. It can also do 54.3mpg with emissions of 121g/km and a BIK rate of 15 per cent – which Alfa says makes the 1.4 TB MultiAir the lowest CO2 emitting car in the C segment.

Opt for the  2.0 JTDM-2 170 HP diesel – which most will – and you’ll get to 62mph in 7.9 seconds, get 62.8mpg, emit 119g/km and be hit for a BIK rate of just 13 per cent.

All this is possible because modern auto ‘boxes work in conjunction with the rest of the car to ensure that the performance and economy are the best they can be.

In the Giulietta, the ALFA TCT ‘box interacts with the brakes, ECU, ALFA DNA, Start-Stop – and everthing else you can think of – to give the best change options every time, whether you’re poodling around or having a blat.

That means every shift – and its speed – is accompanied by tweaks to the torque as well to give the best results, whether you plonk the ‘box in drive or play with flappy paddles or gear lever.

Really, it’s not going to be long before its only dinosaurs and Luddites who option a manual ‘box on any car. So good are modern boxes you couldn’t hope to be as quick or as efficient however good your reactions and your left foot gymnastics are.

ALFA GIULIETTA WITH ALFA TCT 

CHARACTERISTICS	1.4 TB MultiAir 170 bhp ALFA TCT	2.0 JTDM-2 170 bhp ALFA TCT
No. of cylinders, arrangement	4 in line
Bore x stroke (mm)	72 x 84	83 x 90.4
Displacement (cc)	1368	1956
Compression ratio	9.8 : 1	16.5 :1
Max. power output: bhp (kW-EC) at rpm	170 (125) 5500	170 (125) 4000
Peak torque: Nm (kgm-EC) at rpm (NORMAL mode)	230 (23.4) 2250	320 (32.5) 1500
Peak torque: Nm (kgm-EC) at rpm (DYNAMIC mode)	250 (25.4) 2500	350 (35.6) 1750
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (12V)
Battery: capacity (Ah) / Generator (A)	63 / 450	72 / 600
TRANSMISSION
Drive	Front
Number of gears	6 + 1R
TYRES
Standard version	205/55 R16
STEERING
Steering system	Rack and pinion with electro-mechanical power steering (Dual Pinion)
Turning circle (m)	10.9
SUSPENSION
Front	MacPherson independent with anti-roll bar
Rear	Multilink system
BRAKES – (DISCS)
Front (mm)	305
Rear (mm)	264
WEIGHTS – TANK CAPACITY
Fuel tank capacity (litres)	60
Kerb weight DIN (kg)	1305	1335
Max towable weight (kg)	1300
PERFORMANCE
Top speed mph (km/h)	135 (218)
Acceleration (driver + 30 kg): 0 to 62 mph (s)	7.7	7.9
FUEL CONSUMPTION – EMISSIONS#
urban cycle mpg (l/100km)	42.2 (6.7)	53.3 (5.3)
extra urban cycle mpg (l/100km)	65.7 (4.3)	70.6 (4.0)
combined cycle mpg (l/100km)	54.3 (5.2)	62.8 (4.5)
Exhaust emissions –  CO2 (g/km)	121	119
Emissions Standard	EURO 5
# according to 1999/100EC directive