Fiat has added a DCT automatic gearbox option to the Talento van, which should now mean it will appeal to an even broader range of customers. The Fiat Talento already offered a good selection of body sizes and types, now it will change gears for you as well.
While this might not be enough to make you consider a Talento instead of the medium van you were going to buy, it does at least put it on a level playing field with the Renault Trafic it’s based on – and the DCT is a more responsive gearbox than the automatic fitted in the Ford Transit Custom and arguably out-classes Volkswagen’s DSG auto as well.
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What kind of gearbox does the Fiat Talento DCT use?
DCT stands for Dual-Clutch Transmission – which means that instead of being a conventional automatic like the ones used by the Transit Custom and the PSA Group of medium vans (Vauxhall Vivaro / Peugeot Expert / Citroen Dispatch) it’s instead a design similar to the DSG transmission used by the Volkswagen Transporter.
These designs are typically more precise and quick shifting – although sometimes not as smooth as a conventional auto.
We’re yet to drive a Talento DCT, but have driven the Renault Trafic version – which is exactly the same van beneath the branding – and came away very impressed. This is a good addition to Fiat’s van range.
Which Talento engines are available with the DCT gearbox?
The DCT is an option on 12 versions of the Talento, fitted with either the 145hp or 170hp version of its latest 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine. Official fuel economy ranges from 47.0mpg to 48.7mpg.
Available in two lengths (SWB and LWB), two roof heights and as a panel van, crew van and a platform cab, the Talento is a versatile choice. But with a maximum payload rating of under 1.3 tonnes it is outclassed for practicality by many rivals – even if the available load area of 5.2-8.6 cubic metres is one of the very largest.
How much does the Talento DCT cost?
Prices start from £28,445 for a 145hp SWB panel van in Tecnico specification, rising to £33,795 for a 170hp LWB crew van in Onyx Edition spec – that’s before VAT and options, of course.
The Fiat Talento DCT is on sale from 30 November 2020, with first deliveries expected in December 2020.
