Alfa MiTo twin-clutch on sale

Alfa this week showed the strengths of the MiTo twin-clutch six-speed "robotised" transmission and concedes the absence of even a regular torque-converting automatic has cost the company sales since the MiTo launched last year.

In the MiTo's case the latest pair of dual-clutch MiTo models - the TCT and TCT Sport - are much smarter than a regular auto unit. For a start there's three different modes to operate in while still in automatic mode, or the option of self-shifting by pushing the lever left to manual mode or using the steering wheel-mounted paddles.

Alfa predicts the TCT duo will represent 180 units - or more than 70 per cent of the next year's projected 252 sales.

Both TCT models use the company's new "MultiAir" turbocharged 1.4-litre petrol engines fitted with stop-start engine management. It's a necessary but still worthwhile upgrade as European production gears up from Euro IV to Euro V-compliant engines and the effects role through the local fleets.

Alfa's latest engine puts out 99kW and 190/230Nm depending on whether the transmission is in "normal" or "dynamic" mode.

And in most situations the engine is a willing performer once on the boil. The car is allowed to rev to raucous levels in manual mode, but will short-shift even in dynamic mode if it detects only light pedal pressure.

Prices start at $31,990 for the TCT with 17-inch alloys, Alfa's DNA system, fog lights, and climb to $34,990 TCT Sport which adds an alloy kick plate and alloy pedals, climate air-conditioning, auto wipers, rear parking sensors and a carbon-fibre effect dashboard that will invite many to steer in that direction.

MULTI-AIR

Alfa's Euro V compliant 1.4-litre engine is dubbed "MultiAir" not just for its turbocharger but the hi-tech engine itself. The inlet cam has been replaced by an electro-hydraulic array of four solenoids - one for each cylinder - to meter oil flow that in turn adjusts valve lift and timing to match engine speeds and loads with the performance/economy juggling act all. The mechanical cam deals with the two exhaust valves, while a third lobe determines the maximum lift and opening duration of the two inlet valves.

Alfa says the system optimises the stoichiometrical efficiency - how well it completely combusts a given charge of fuel with a given volume of air - of the engine over a wider load range.