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Alfa Romeo MiTo TCT

Stylish Italian supermini now comes equipped with an efficient twin-clutch gear box - we travelled to Italy to find out if VW's DSG has met its match!

Alfa Romeo MiTo TCT tracking

By Mark Nichol

October 2010

Meet Alfa Romeo’s new twin! The Italian company has made its first dual-clutch transmission, called TCT, and the MiTo supermini is the first model to use it.

Developed by Fiat, the six-speed box is hooked up to a 135bhp 1.4-litre MultiAir petrol engine, although it will also appear in petrol and diesel versions of the new Giulietta hatch from the spring. 

Alfa is the latest in a string of manufacturers to offer a dual-clutch transmission, but the MiTo is only the second car to combine it with stop-start technology – the first being the Porsche Panamera.

On paper, the figures are impressive; economy, emissions and acceleration are all improved over the manual car. Plus, steering wheel-mounted paddleshifters are standard, allowing quick manual changes when you’re in the mood.
 
During leisurely driving, the TCT box shifts smoothly, regardless of whether it’s in full auto or manual mode. The set-up is linked to the car’s DNA switch, which alters the handling from comfort to sporty.

In Dynamic mode, TCT holds gears for longer and shifts down more aggressively when pushing on. However, the gearbox can have a tendency to pause slightly while it decides which ratio to use, and it over-revs occasionally, regardless of the DNA setting. 

The stop-start system can be frustrating, too – once the engine cuts out, there’s a brief wait while it fires up and first gear is engaged. That’s not ideal at busy junctions, although the system can be deactivated.

Otherwise, TCT is as impressive as VW’s DSG box. It will certainly satisfy those looking for an easier life in their Italian supermini.

For an alternative review of the latest Alfa Romeo MiTo visit our sister site carbuyer.co.uk

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4 Comments

Funny judgment

"As impressive as a VW's box", yet gets only 3 stars???

If VW DSG is the double-clutch benchmark, it must be worth 5 stars.
Alfa (Fiat) box has some bugs, but adds start-stop, so it should be valued the same or as a VW box.

AE reviews Mito as a 4 star car, so how does a 4-star car with new good/excellent gearbox become a 3-star car!? Fuzy logic??

By mko_20vt on 2 November, 2010, 12:13pm

"However, the poor ride and lifeless steering..."

The same features do not prevent most of the Audi lineup from receiving 4-star reviews!?

By mko_20vt on 3 November, 2010, 8:35am

How predictable....

as the page was loading i knew it would say 3 out of 5.....

As mentioned above, put a gearbox which "is as impressive as VW’s DSG box" but adds stop/start coupled to a multiair engine and a 4* car becomes a......you've guessed it 3* GENIUS!!

As said above VW/BMW/Audi automatically = 4* min regardless of blandness/lack of innovation/blandness (yes twice not a typo)/poor equipment levels/harsh ride/wooly steering/overpriced the list goes on

By philipdayton on 3 November, 2010, 4:13pm

What a Surprise!

If this was a Ford or BMW it would get 4 stars minimum!! Funny how most Alfa's always get a 3 star rating! Autoexpress ratings seem inconsistant, because when the Mito was first launched late last year, you rated it 4 stars! So why now 3 stars, 1 year later?

By JTravolta77 on 4 November, 2010, 10:07pm

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Alfa Romeo MiTo TCT static
Alfa Romeo MiTo TCT interior
Alfa Romeo MiTo TCT engine

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FIRST OPINION

    Alfa’s TCT gearbox works well, providing the ease of an auto without the performance and economy penalties. Those wanting a sportier drive will still get more kicks from a manual, even though Alfa has integrated TCT into its DNA system nicely. However, the poor ride and lifeless steering mean the MiTo is still no MINI beater. 

 

AT A GLANCE

    Price: £16,295 
    Engine: 1.4-litre 4cyl turbo 
    Transmission: Six-speed twin-clutch automatic, front-wheel drive
    Power/torque: 135bhp/206Nm
    0-62mph: 8.2 seconds
    Top speed: 129mph 
    Economy: 51.4mpg
    CO2: 128g/km
    Equipment: Air-conditioning, DNA switch, stop-start, alloy wheels, steering wheel paddleshifters
    On sale: Now 
     
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