The success of the Dualogic gearbox in Brazil since it was introduced onto the market last year by Fiat Automóveis on the Stilo and Linea models sees this transmission option now being made available on the Palio, Siena, Palio Adventure Locker and Idea Adventure Locker models. Like the Stilo and Linea, the four new versions see the gearbox mated up to the 1.8-litre Flex (petrol/alcohol) unit.

The Dualogic transmission, developed by the Fiat Group's Magneti Marelli division, offers the driver the option of manual sequential mode or automatic operation, bringing benefits of comfort, emissions and practicality as well as distinct savings in the area of fuel economy. It also has the additional benefit of not negatively affecting engine power as is the case with a conventional automatic gearbox.

Dualogic made its commercial debut in Brazil last January with the introduction of a facelifted version of the Stilo and was rolled out onto the Linea when it arrived in the autumn. Fiat Automóveis report that both models have since seen 65 percent of all versions specified by customers with the Dualogic option. Now for more key models will get this transmission, the Palio ELX 1.8 Flex, Siena HLX 1.8 Flex, Palio Adventure Locker 1.8 Flex and Idea Adventure Locker 1.8 Flex.

The Magneti Marelli designed Dualogic gearbox represents the realisation of the next generation of sequential, robotised automatic transmissions: a cutting-edge smart system processes a complex set of information on the car’s status and the driver’s intentions and automates clutch and gear engagement through electro-hydraulic actuators. The main advantages of the Dualogic system are ease of use and a reduction in driver fatigue, particularly around town, because gear shifts can be controlled automatically or manually (under sporty driving conditions, in other words high revs and full throttle, gearshifts can be carried out within a record time of 190 ms); greater efficiency and a reduction in average fuel consumption and emissions compared to a manual gearbox; the prevention of driver errors and a consequent improvement in driving safety.

The Dualogic also ensures effective integration with the latest-generation ESP fitted to the Fiat Bravo, because the Hill-holder system is engaged automatically whenever the car meets pre-established gradient conditions, rendering a handbrake unnecessary  during hill starts (this is a limitation of most automatic transmissions on the market).

The Dualogic offers two operating modes: semiautomatic (manual) and automatic: when used in the first function the gear shifts take place sequentially by simply pressing a lever on the tunnel. In manual mode, drivers are free to enjoy a an entertaining drive over mixed/fast routes, yet without reducing comfort during low-speed drives. Driving satisfaction and the sensation of sportiness increased when the gear is selected using the steering wheel paddle controls in exactly the same way as as on present-day Formula 1 racing cars.

When automatic mode is active, the control unit takes over control of selecting the best ratio for the driving conditions. Two operating strategies are available: Normal and Economy: The former places the emphasis on driving comfort while the latter ECO setting aims to reduce fuel consumption by shifting gears at the most effective junctures. The Dualogic also ensures important benefits for the customer in terms of fuel consumption, emissions and maintenance costs.

The four new Dualogic equipped models joining the Fiat Automóveis range are priced in the Brazilian showrooms as follows: the Palio ELX 1.8 Flex Dualogic is the most competitively priced and costs R$ 37.230,00, while the Siena HLX 1.8 Flex Dualogic (R$ 45.420,00), Palio Adventure Locker 1.8 Flex Dualogic (R$ 55.470,00) and Idea Adventure Locker 1.8 Flex Dualogic (R$ 53.860,00) make up the new versions.