Test Alfa Romeo Giulietta 2.0 JTDm 170 TCT Exclusive

The Giulietta has a performance chassis, the high
adhesion despite suspensions maintaining good comfort

An attractive plastic, a muscular and sober diesel, and a dual-clutch transmission: the Giulietta seems to have the student model. Ah, if only its transmission had better learned the sweetness ...

In the Fiat group, the dual-clutch gearbox is not reserved only for Ferrari. We also find this technology from Alfa Romeo, as the "TCT".
After the little MiTo, the Giulietta can now enjoy, including its 2.0-liter diesel with 170 hp. But in common with the Prancing Horse formidable transmissions are unfortunately very limited. Jerky gear shifts are often accompanied by fits and starts. So much so that one sometimes has the impression of dealing with a classic robotized gearbox as the infamous EGS6 PSA. This is all the more disappointing that we had not encountered a fault as marked on the MiTo.

As the Mito, Giulietta can accommodate
a double-clutch TCT

Benefits
    Efficient diesel
    Appetite measured
    Effective frame
Pitfalls of
    Box brutal self
    Firm suspension at low speed
    Stop & Start whimsical

If manual mode mitigates the problem by allowing swift enough gear ratio changes, the sweetness is still weak, and small fixed blades are impractical when the winding road shows. The additional cost of € 1750 (price 2012) claimed by the TCT transmission seems difficult to justify: well it hangs a little, the manual provides a higher approval in most situations. You will also be well advised to avoid sports chassis, present on our test model. This option is in effect undermine the compromise comfort / behavior of the Giulietta, usually succeeded in imposing an incongruous firm in town.

The trunk lacks a bit of width and volume for the family

However, the seductive Italian compact is rather lax when the pace is accelerating, while maintaining a high efficiency fly. With this 2.0 JTDm, it also makes us enjoy strong reminders. Even in the "Normal" mode of DNA, which clamp the torque to 320 Nm (350 Nm Dynamic), overtaking pose little difficulty. This Diesel also manages to show relatively quiet ... unlike the Stop & Start, which is often noted for its failures restarts. This confirms that the Giulietta TCT deserve a better education.