Alfa Romeo Giulietta gets ALFA TCT semi-automatic ‘box

Alfa Romeo Giulietta gets 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.

By Cars UK