The Alfa Romeo Giulietta is now available with the semi-automatic TCT transmission. The self-shifting Giulietta is available from £21,855 and can be had with petrol or diesel power.
Alfa claims the TCT (for twin-clutch transmission) gearbox gives a more sporting feel than a conventional automatic. It offers a choice between fully automatic and manual gear changes with steering wheel paddles. The self-shifting transmission is claimed to cut fuel consumption.
With the 172hp, 1.4-litre MultiAir petrol engine fuel economy is 54.3mpg and CO2 emissions are 121g/km. For the 2.0-litre JTDM diesel, which also develops 172hp, the equivalent figures are 62.8mpg and 119g/km - compared with 60.4mpg and 124g/km for the manual version.
Both engines are offered in either Lusso or Veloce trim levels with the latter adding £1,300 to the price. For company car users Alfa Romeo says the petrol version offers the best ratio of horsepower to Benefit in Kind rate (15% BIK rating and 11.3p per BIK percentage point) for petrol-powered cars in its class.
John Lambert - 30 Mar 2012
