TCT and diesel Giulietta due Q3

The local distributor of the Alfa Romeo range has barely lifted the wraps off the new Giulietta, but there are two additional variants scheduled for release in 2011.

During a presentation to the media this week for the new Giulietta, it was revealed by Public Relations Manager Edward Rowe that the new small car range would be filled out with a 2.0-litre diesel featuring an 'automatic' twin-clutch transmission (TCT), plus a variant of the car powered by the 1.4-litre MultiAir petrol engine -- also coupled to a TCT.

"Later this year, probably in the third quarter, we'll have a TCT version of the 1.4 engine. And around the same time we'll also have a TCT version of a diesel Giulietta," said Rowe.

Ateco Automotive, the Alfa distributor in Australia, has kept the entry price of the Giulietta down to the same level as the 147 it replaces -- and $4000 less than the 147's original launch price a decade ago. So it's on the cards that the two TCT variants of the Giulietta will reach the market priced around the same level as the discontinued 147 equivalents.

Both the new variants will bring markedly improved drivetrain technology, with the TCT capable of preselecting gears, unlike the single-clutch 'robotised' Selespeed transmission in the 147.

Ateco anticipates sales of 350 units of the MultiAir and diesel combined (including the TCT variants), with a further 150 units of the Giulietta QV forecast to find Aussie buyers.

Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at carsales' mobile site...