Fiat Professional has chosen the Düsseldorf Caravan Salon (from 24 August to 2 September) to world preview a new generation of robotised gearboxes called Comfort-Matic. As from January 2008, this innovative unit will be available on the Fiat Ducato featuring the powerful 160 Multijet Power engine (3 litre capacity, 157 hp maximum power output, 400 Nm peak torque).

The Comfort-Matic gearbox combines the excellent performance of the 160 Multijet Power with the low consumption of a mechanical transmission and the simplicity and ease of use of an automatic; the new option is therefore sure to attract the interest of sector professionals as well as free-time enthusiasts who, among other things, will appreciate its exclusive combination with the leather-lined steering wheel and gearlever knob.

The new gearbox meets the demands of all those customers looking for the specific features of automatic transmissions, and enhances the Ducato’s already consolidated values of flexibility and versatility. The Comfort-Matic offers a concrete response for a variety of duties: from recreational (trailers, motorhomes, campers) to city deliveries, personal transport within city limits (panorama, minibus) and public fleets (postal services, municipality, town couriers).

During the development stage in particular, great attention was paid to the adaptation and personalisation of the gearbox for recreational vehicles. Hence the use of camper-like prototypes for the fine-tuning and testing phase, with faithful reproduction of the front surface configurations, gross vehicle weight and conditions of use typical of this class of vehicle. In addition, as is often the case with trailers and motorhomes which by their very nature are employed in conditions of maximum load, the trim on the Comfort-Matic presents an “UP” button which makes it possible to optimise gear-change points automatically, thus guaranteeing optimal engine revs in all circumstances and improving performance in particularly demanding conditions or on steep slopes.
 

Technically the gearbox is called an MTA (Manual Transmission Automated) and consists of a traditional mechanical gearbox on which the manual leverage is replaced by an actuator that is electronically controlled by a TCU (Transmission Control Unit).

In detail, the gearbox offers 6 gears (plus reverse) with modes that are totally automatic and manual sequential with actuation. Here’s how it works. In manual mode the driver can freely choose the ratio required by manoeuvring the joystick gear lever on the dash. Obviously there is no clutch pedal. In automatic mode the customer has the benefit of a variety of useful functions typical of the electronic operation of the gearbox: 1. Uphill – Downhill Mode: gear changing logics operated by software to guarantee the best ratio depending on the slope in the road; 2. Warm Up Mode: emission reduction strategy for cold starts; 3. Brake Assistance Mode: reduction of ratios to support vehicle deceleration; 4. Kick Down Mode: reduction in the ratio following abrupt acceleration (for example while overtaking); and 5. Fast Off Detection: gearbox inhibition if the accelerator is released rapidly.

It should be pointed out that in automatic mode, the Comfort-Matic offers various advantages compared to a manual unit. For example, maximum driving comfort, especially in heavy urban traffic, in addition to great driving pleasure due to the smoothness of the gearbox. In addition, pressing the “UP” button on the gearbox trim allows you to take advantage of a specific profile for driving in the mountains or in heavy load conditions. And again: the Comfort-Matic assures correct engine braking on steeply sloping roads while the control systems guarantee maximum reduction of transmission noise. Without mentioning that the new unit protects the drive shaft from overloading and offers less wear on brakes.

Compared to traditional automatic gearboxes, the Fiat Ducato’s Comfort-Matic offers lower weight (about 30% less), improved fuel economy, better energy efficiency as well as an appreciable reduction in the cost of maintenance and repairs.