Fiat Linea

The Italian sense of design and styling is unparallel across the world and the physical proof it is exquisitely cited by Fiat Linea. Designed over the “Centro Stile” platform, Linea is an exclusive piece-of-art that comes with a complete package of power and performance. At present, the sedan is offered with two engine options that include a petrol and a diesel engine. Apart from a beautiful exterior design, Linea incorporates latest safety features and best-in-class comfort features. Fiat presently offers this sedan in five versions that include Active, Dynamic, Dynamic Pack, Emotion, and finally Emotion Pack. Each one of these trims can be availed with diesel and petrol fuel option. The ex-showroom (New Delhi) price of these variants varies between Rs.7.12 lakhs and Rs.9.55 lakhs.

It’s story of elegance starts somewhere from its Maserati like bi-parted grille that is closely guarded by a pair of twin pod lights. This front end smoothly merges into its wheel arches, waistline, and a wide windscreen. The only feature distinguishes between its petrol and diesel version is the placement of ‘Multijet’ badge that lies on left of Fiat’s badge. The rear mirrors the front end as a bright shadow with identical boot lid and bumper along with a cluster of tail lights. On the interior front the car presents a clear picture of Italian style and design. The ergonomically designed cabin speaks a user –friendly language with comfort oriented features such as electrical ORVMs, twin barrel headlamps, centrally integrated music system, USB connectivity, steering mounted audio controls, ample number of storage cubicles, large glove box, and so on.
Linea in every aspect epitomises what Fiat stands for be it design, looks, comfort, or power. The 1.4-litre FIRE and 1.3-litre multijet diesel engine brings the power quotient of this car at par with several other powerful options such as Swift Dzire, Indigo Manza, and a few others. The car is a boon in terms of driving dynamics and handling. The light steering and strong suspension system of the car adds up to the driving pleasure, and the car outclasses several other Indian cars in terms of handling. It is a perfect option in C segment for those looking to drive a vehicle with stunning looks, great design, awe inspiring driving dynamics, and superb power + mileage.

Fiat Linea exudes an international appeal in the style statement it carries which makes it a head turner wherever it goes. The front as well as rear overhangs seem quite proportionate which is one of the biggest advantage in its aerodynamic structure. The front looks quite sophisticated with a chrome plated front that proudly carries Fiat badge in between.

The twin pod headlights are carefully underlined by a pair of fog lights that improve vision in misty foggy times. The side profile is a combination of sophistication and muscle. The beefed wheel arches gradually merge into the waistline. The 16’inch alloy wheels looks stunning and play an important role in defining its distinct style statement.
The stylishly protruding electrical ORVMs, clutch style door handles and a nicely embellished C pillar gives a coupe-like look to this sedan. The rear profile looks equally attractive with a large boot lid, chrome linings, and three light clusters of tail lamps. The ground clearance of 165mm accompanied by a strong suspension makes it a suitable option in terms of Indian roads. Fiat currently offers this sedan in seven vibrant colors which adds another feather to its cap.

Fiat Linea interiors speak fluent Italian in terms of style and looks. One has to literally sit down when they enter the car which may not be very suitable for elderly members of family. The quality of plastics and upholstery used seems good and up to the mark. The front seats offer sufficient leg room while that from rear is average. Under thigh and back support offered is superb and gets full marks in terms of seating convenience. Things may not be very comfortable for rear seat accommodators in terms of head room, therefore tall people may want to take front seat.

Dash board is cool and looks well arranged. The three spoke power steering looks pretty stylish with mounted air-con and audio controls. The bright orange light in meters and MID gives a retro look while large fonts on MID helps you know all needed information in a comprehensive way. Some of the major things that it will help you know include date of next service, average as well as instantly fuel consumption, travel time, date, time, and distance before which you need to re-fuel your car.
The well discussed “My Car” feature lets one customise features of the car as per their own convenience. It will allow you to switch on/off airbags, control beep and buzzer volume, programme speed limit, lets you decide if you want doors to close automatically or not, and several other such features. Another major noteworthy aspect is the Microsoft’s designed “Blue&Me” that connects your phone to car’s system and allows you to give voice-activated commands, receive and make phone calls, change music tracks, and have your messages read out loudly. The Blue&Me system can effortlessly store your complete phonebook and act as a backup in moment of need. The comfort is taken a level up by the strong air-conditioner that manages to keep the car cabin chilled in scorching sunlight in desert areas too. The rear curtain acts as another safeguard and helps maintaining low temperature on hot days. Another special comfort aspect is the height adjustable centre arm rest for driver which is first of its kind in this segment and a commendable addition. Storage spaces are sufficient, the two cup holders, a deep glove box, and door pockets lends a helping hand in keeping your small things in place. The car carries a capacity to accommodate four people comfortably; the fifth might have to be adjusted. A boot space of 500 litres compensates all other shortcomings as it swallows your entire luggage without a hitch. Other added comforts include a rear air vent, air con vents placed under the front seat to cool rear passengers’ feet, adjustable head restraints, electrical ORVMs, door ajar warning, and a few others.

Fiat offers Linea with two engine options a 1.4-litre FIRE petrol power mill and a 1.3-litre multijet diesel power mill. Both engines have been placed transversely under the hood and use a 5-speed manual transmission to deliver power to front wheels.
The petrol versions of the car are powered by a 1.4-litre FIRE petrol engine that displaces 1368cc to deliver power worth 91PS against a peak torque of 115Nm. A lag may be felt at higher speed as the engine can manage to pull the 1240kgs kerb weight of the car at lower speeds only. But that doesn’t mean it is slow, the car speedily accelerates from 0-100kmph speed in just 16 seconds and attains a top speed of 165kmph. The diesel version of the car, on the contrary, is powered by a 1.3-litre 16 valve engine whose power and performance is enhanced by Multijet and Dual OverHead Camshafts (DOHC). The DOHC and Multijet not only enhances the efficiency of this engine but also help in improving its performance. The engine smoothly manages to delivers power worth 86PS along a maximum torque of 203Nm. The Variable Geometry Turbocharger (VGT) supports the engine’s performance and helps it in gliding from rest to 100kmph speed within 15 seconds. The diesel version of Fiat Linea carries ability to attain a maximum speed of 170kmph.

Out of the two fuel options offered with this sedan it is its diesel version that makes it especially proud in terms of mileage. Fiat Linea delivers an ARAI rated fuel efficiency of 20kmpl with its diesel engine. The fuel tank of the car bears a capacity to store 45-litres of fuel in one go which means with the diesel version you can easily travel a distance of 900kms in one go. The petrol version on the other hand delivers mileage of 15kmpl as certified by ARAI. The range of distance that can be covered via this version with a full tank is 675kms, not bad considering its cost and segment.

Braking and safety, both these aspects have been looked well by Fiat in Linea. The halting of front wheels is supported by disc brakes while the rear wheels have been awarded with drum brakes. The larger diameter of disc brakes allows instantaneous deceleration of car while the safety aspect in sudden braking is looked into by Anti Lock braking System (ABS) and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) system that distributes braking force equally to all four wheels preventing sliding and squealing of tyres. Other measures taken to ensure safety of its passengers include an Anti-theft engine immobilizer, Fire Prevention System (FPS), 3 safety headrests, programmable speed limit that helps controlling speed of the car, digital door open indicator, power steering, and double crank prevention system.

Performance is another section where Fiat Linea makes an strong impressions as compared to its rivals. The strong suspension system of the car allows the car to smoothly pass over all kind of potholes and doesn’t let passengers realize small bumps and cracks over road. The front portion of the car bears independent wheel, double telescopic dampers, helical coil springs, with stabilizer while the rear is supported by double acting telescopic dampers and torsion beam type helical coil spring.
The multi functional steering of the car excels in all parameters and allows smooth handling over all kind of speeds and roads. The steering feels light except for the twists and turns where it gets a bit heavier due to its strong suspension. The 5-speed gear shifting is smooth and offers excellent drivability over all kind of city roads and freeways.

Fiat Linea sets a high benchmark in C segment with its stunning looks, well done interiors, and above par driving dynamics. The car gives a tough competition to all its rivals now only in terms of style and design but also in terms of power and performance. The exteriors have been done really well which allows the car to enjoy a huge fan following. The excessive use of chrome gives it an upmarket appeal which is one of the favourite features in Indian automotive market. The acceptable ground clearance in combination with a strong suspension system makes it a suitable choice with respect to Indian roads. Those looking for long trips and frequent air port trips would love to have this car as the boot space easily swallows entire luggage, a higher bay though ask for long hands to place the luggage.
The insides have been done pretty well except, but would be more appreciated if it could accommodate five members comfortable in place of four. The rear seats offer ample sitting comfort but those with long legs are recommended to use front seats for longer journeys. The quality of material used is decent and beige and black interiors form a sophisticated ambience with the car. You would definitely love the new introduced features like Blue&Me, My Car, and height adjustable driver arm rest. Storage space is enough but could have been better if Fiat could look into providing bottle holders and larger cup holders. The car is your behaves pretty well on city roads as well as freeways. The power churned by both the engines is good though turbo lag is noticed sometimes. The driving dynamics is where Linea wins the war with its multi functional steering and light clutch. Handling the car over all kind of roads is an easier game due to this factor. Fiat needs a better marketing strategy to promote this car considering its rivals have been promoting their vehicle in a much aggressive way. On a whole, Fiat Linea is a perfect car for those looking to enjoy a comfortable ride in a features studded European style sedan that delivers acceptable mileage and power.

At present, the C segment is being led by Honda City, Ford Fiesta, and Maruti Suzuki SX4 that also happen to be biggest rivals of Fiat Linea. Maruti Suzuki SX4 that has been designed in synchrony with Swift Dzire exhibits a strong built and bold style statement. The cabin space has been utilized quite intelligently in terms of space and comfort and looks a step up as compared to dual beige and black interiors of Fiat Linea. Ford Fiesta in every aspect is a step ahead of Linea but the higher price range gets more number of buyers to Linea as compared to the former one. Honda City is again a well done master piece but again takes a seat back when it comes to price which is again a favourable factor for Linea. The drive quality offered by Linea along with its stunning style sets a high benchmark that is yet to be touched by any of its prime rivals.