Fiat Linea

Expert Review by Maxabout

There are lots of players who have made their presence felt in the Indian automobile market and Fiat was one of the first ones to enter the mainstream. Fiat Linea came as a delight to those who had been awaiting the onslaught of launch of a sedan from the Italian automobile major. Fiat India launched the upgraded variants of Punto and Linea on 3rd January, 2012. All Linea models now features automatic headlights and rain sensing wipers. Both Linea and Punto gets updated and improved air-conditioner unit. The ground clearance has also been increased, it is now 185mm. The base model of Punto now comes with factory fitted music system. New Shade 'Oceanic Blue' has also been introduced in both the cars.

The parabolic headlamps surely strike a chord with every automobile enthusiast and the overall look of Fiat Linea is pleasant in comparison to other sedans of its class. Sedan comes as an extended version of Fiat’s flagship hatchback Punto. The rear-view mirrors are electronically adjustable and the front as well as rear bumpers have been made to looks burly. Altogether, Linea’s exterior design is commendable.

Venturing inside the cabin gives us the impression of large boot space as well as lavish dashboard. Fiat has provided a stylish and chic three-spoke steering wheel and an elegant finishing to the seats. The sedan is capable of accommodating 5 people comfortably. There are a few laudable features that have been provided as a part of interior package. The air-conditioning system partially acts as an automatic climate control as well.

Comfort and Convenience were something that Fiat played no games with. Linea as we know has ample boot space as well as space inside the cabin so that the passengers can easily stretch their legs. The automatic climate control mentioned in the previous section makes sure that the climate inside the cabin perennially stays at room temperature so that the passengers do not feel too combusted or too frosty.

The dashboard comes with two-tone wrapped outlook which makes it look even more elegant. There are two AC vents which do major part of the cabin cooling. Along with the AC vent there is the music system which is embedded with features such as Bluetooth, Aux cable feature and FM/AM radio. The rear seats can be folded in order to create more space for luggage.

Fiat Linea is available in both petrol and diesel. The petrol model is powered by 1.4 litre engine which generates maximum power of 90 bhp with maximum torque of 115 nm. The diesel model is powered by 1.3 litre Multijet engine which generates maximum power of 93 bhp with maximum torque of 209 nm. The gearbox attached acts on manual 5-speed transmission configuration. The functioning of the engine is smooth and does not emit much of noise even when the engine is acting under pressure. Since this variant is much more powerful than the previous one, thus it produces a better acceleration along with a better top speed.

Since we are already aware of the fact that Fiat Linea comes with two engine variants, thus both of them have different rates of acceleration and performance. The 1368cc engine is capable of reaching 0-100kmph in flat 12.6 seconds with a top speed of 165 km/hour whereas the 1248cc variant is capable of attaining 0-100 km/hour in 13.8 seconds with a top speed of 170 km/hr. “T Jet” is much faster than the two preceding variants as it can reach 0-100 km/hour in merely 11.14 seconds.

Fiat always renders safety perspectives in high regard which is the reason why Linea has been equipped with ample safety features much more than any other sedan of its class. Starting with dual front airbags, EBD and ABS ensure that the car does not swerve out of control and maintains a proper hold over the traction. An additional Fire Prevention System (FPS) has been installed which cuts off the supply of fuel in case if there is fire. In addition to this, there are hoards of safety features which Fiat has generously put into Linea.

Fiat Linea is available in 8 colors: Oceanic Blue (New Shade), Hip Hop Black, Bronzo Scuro, Sun Beam Beige, Tuscan Wine, Fox Trote Azure, Minimal Gray and Boss Nova White.

Fiat Linea is available in eight variants: Active, Dynamic, Active Diesel, Dynamic Diesel, Emotion Diesel, T-jet Active, T-Jet Dynamic and T-Jet Emotion. The fully loaded Emotion variant of Linea comes with Airbags, ABS, EBD, Fog lights, Alloys, Rear AC vents, Parking Sensors and Fiat's Blue&Me System. All Linea variants now feature rain sensing wipers and automatic head lamps.

The primary reason is the engine configuration as it functions quietly thus maintaining a calm atmosphere inside the cabin. Secondly, Fiat Linea on grounds with other sedans gives a remarkable mileage. Last but not the least, the exteriors as well as the interiors of the car would definitely strike a chord with all automobile enthusiasts.

The prices are utterly justified owing to the fact that Fiat is giving delightful features in all perspectives be it exteriors, interiors, ergonomics, accessories as well as safety. As per our critical analysis, we can instigate that Fiat Linea surely stands up to its rival sedans as it has a plethora of features to flaunt and carries a good repute when it comes to value for money.