Fiat Linea

    Autocar score 6

    Fiat Linea

    Autocar score 6
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    City Delhi
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    The Fiat Linea has the distinction of being the oldest of the mid-sized sedans on sale in India. It has been updated since its launch in 2008 but there’s no escaping that this is a car well past its prime. The Fiat Linea is available with a 1.3-litre diesel engine, a 1.4-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine as well as a 1.4-litre turbo-petrol. Given Fiat's impending exit from India, it's a great time to bargain hard on a new Linea.

    Fiat Linea latest updates

    The Fiat Linea has the distinction of being the oldest of the mid-sized sedans on sale in India. It has been updated since its launch in 2008 but there’s no escaping that this is a car well past its prime. The Fiat Linea is available with a 1.3-litre diesel engine, a 1.4-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine as well as a 1.4-litre turbo-petrol. Given Fiat's impending exit from India, it's a great time to bargain hard on a new Linea.

    Fiat Linea key specifications

    Fiat Linea Price NAPriceFiat Linea Range/Mileage 14.9kplMileageFiat Linea Engine Capacity/Motor Type 1368ccEngineFiat Linea Transmission ManualTransmissionFiat Linea Fuel type PetrolFuel typeFiat Linea Seating Capacity 5 SeaterSeating Capacity

    Fiat Linea expert reviews

    We like

    • Good ride
    • Performance (T-Jet)

    We don’t like

    • Feels dated
    • Loud diesel engine

    Fiat Linea Overview

    What is it?

    Although the Linea has been around for a very long time, it has always remained on the sidelines of the market. This had more to do with the brand rather than the product itself. The current car is the same generation car as was launched back in 2009, but it has gone through various updates and facelifts through the years. This time round there’s a more powerful T-Jet engine and a handy touchscreen infotainment system. We wish though that Fiat had done more to differentiate the 125 S from the regular Linea, apart from just some badging at the rear and A-pillars. We can expect quite a few enthusiasts looking for some visual mods for their cars.

    What is it like inside?

    The Linea 125 S is very similar to its lesser-powered sibling on the inside, with the exception of a new touchscreen for the infotainment system, replete with navigation and Bluetooth connectivity.
    The dashboard is attractive in design, with a large swath of soft-touch plastic sandwiched between hard, scratchy plastics. The touchscreen is quite tiny, though it is easy to use and features high-definition display. The only grouse is the positioning of the unit itself which is a bit low requiring you to take your gaze quite far off from the road.

    One of the Linea’s biggest problems has not been rectified with the 125 S – the poor driver-seating position. The steering wheel juts out too much and the long-travel clutch and other pedals are located too far away, compelling you into a stretched out position. The front seats, however, are large and comfortable. The rear is not the most spacious in the segment, and headroom is particularly tight, and while the seat is generally comfortable, the seatback is a bit flat.

    The equipment list is still strong, with navigation, automatic headlights, auto AC and rain-sensing wipers, to name a few. The remote-operable boot is a roomy 500 litres, though access to it is restricted by a narrow and high loading lip.

     

    Fiat Linea Page 2

    What is it like to drive?

    The Linea 125 S is powered the same 1.4-litre turbo-petrol T-Jet engine as before, though its different state of tune results in an increased power rating of 125hp as compared to the earlier cars 114hp. The manner of delivery of this power, however, is the real highlight, the engine has enough low-range torque to allow you to potter about town comfortably and post the 2,000 rpm mark things really pick up robustly all the way up to 6500rpm, with power delivered in a linear and continuous fashion. Engine noise is well-contained at lower revs, and though you can hear it at higher revs, it is not unpleasant or unbearable.

    The rev-happy engine should have been complemented with a better gearbox. Gear shifts aren’t sporty and feel rubbery.

    The hydraulic steering has a nice, old-school feel to it, and it sends a good amount of feedback your way. However, it is heavier than some electrically operated systems and you can feel so around town. The car does not feel as composed as its predecessor at high speeds, but it corners with a nice heft. On the positive side, low-speed ride quality is among the best in its segment. The suspension feels solid and is absorbent and has the ability to swallow bumps and potholes. Add to this, the best-in-class ground clearance of 190mm, and you get a car very capable over bad roads.

    Should I buy one?

    The Linea was always a good sedan, with decent engines, a solid build quality and lots of Italian flair. Those qualities have carried over to the 125 S, and additionally, now there’s more power, resulting in an even better driving experience, and the oh-so-in-demand touchscreen. Add to this, a competitive price of Rs 10.46 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). However, recommending one is a tricky affair, because all Fiat cars are ultimately let down by a harrowing ownership experience. The sales and after-sales service infrastructure for Fiat cars are not the best, which is a caveat to bear in mind.

    Fiat Linea features and specifications

    Our Rating
    6
    Fuel Type
    Petrol
    Engine Displacement
    1368 cc
    Body Style
    Sedan
    Doors
    4
    Seats
    5
    Airbags
    0
    Max Power
    90hp at 6000rpm
    Max Torque
    115Nm at 4500rpm
    Gearbox Type
    5-speed Manual
    Warranty Distance
    100000 km
    Warranty Duration
    3 Years
    Dimensions
    Engine/Motor
    Transmission
    Fuel Economy Range
    Suspension
    Steering
    Wheels and Tyres
    Brakes
    Performance as Tested
    Safety
    Exterior
    Seats and Upholstery
    Infotainment
    Comfort and Convenience
    Instrumentation
    View all specifications

    Fiat Linea variants and price

    Variants
    Price On road price
    Compare
    Fiat Linea 1.3 Multijet Dynamic 1248cc | Manual | Diesel | 20.5kpl
    NA
    Fiat Linea 1.3 Multijet Active 1248cc | Manual | Diesel | 20.5kpl
    NA
    Fiat Linea 1.4 T-Jet Emotion 1368cc | Manual | Petrol | 14.2kpl
    NA
    Fiat Linea 1.4 Fire Active 1368cc | Manual | Petrol | 14.9kpl
    NA

    Fiat Linea comparison

     
    Fiat Linea NA Autocar India rating for Fiat Linea 6
    Hyundai Verna ₹ 12.13 - 20.02 lakh Autocar India rating for Hyundai Verna 8
    Maruti Suzuki Ciaz ₹ 9.42 - 12.97 lakh Autocar India rating for Maruti Suzuki Ciaz 8
    Honda City ₹ 10.52 - 16.89 lakh Autocar India rating for Honda City 8
    Engine
    1248-1368 cc
    Engine
    1368-1591 cc
    Engine
    1248-1462 cc
    Engine
    1497-1498 cc
    Mileage
    14.2-20.5 kpl
    Mileage
    15.92-24.75 kpl
    Mileage
    20.28-28.09 kpl
    Mileage
    17.4-25.6 kpl
    Fuel Type
    Diesel,Petrol
    Fuel Type
    Diesel,Petrol
    Fuel Type
    Diesel-Electric Hybrid,Petrol-Electric Hybrid
    Fuel Type
    Diesel,Petrol
    Airbags
    Yes
    Airbags
    Yes
    Airbags
    Yes
    Airbags
    Yes
    Transmission
    Manual
    Transmission
    Torque Converter Auto,Manual
    Transmission
    Manual,Torque Converter Auto
    Transmission
    Manual,CVT Auto

    Fiat Linea mileage

    Fiat Linea mileage starts at 14.2 kpl and goes up to 20.5 kpl.The Fiat Linea Petrol engine mileage starts at 14.2 kpl and goes up to 14.9 kpl.The Fiat Linea Diesel engine mileage is 20.5 kpl.

    Fuel TypeDisplacementTransmissionMileage
    Petrol1368ccManual14.2kpl
    Petrol1368ccManual14.9kpl
    Diesel1248ccManual20.5kpl

    Fiat Linea quick review

    The Linea has aged gracefully but the cabin feels last-gen now. It’s down on space compared to newer sedans and can’t quite compete on features either. On the inside, the other weak points include an odd driving position and inconsistent quality.
    The Linea’s 93hp, 1.3 diesel engine is sluggish at low speeds and takes time to get into its rhythm. It’s a similar story on the 90hp, 1.4-litre naturally aspirated petrol that is rather dull in town. The star of the Linea’s engine line-up is the 125hp, 1.4-litre turbo-petrol. It offers good low-speed responses, has a strong mid-range and also revs quite freely. The notchy gearbox spoil the experience, however. The Linea does score well in ride and handling, even if it feels quite heavy in town.

    Fiat Linea : our choice

    The only reason to choose a Linea over its more accomplished, newer rivals is for its 125hp, 1.4-litre turbo-petrol engine. The engine allows you to make the most of the Linea’s keen handling. It’s even well-priced by current standards. Just don’t expect the latest of comfort features.

    Fiat Linea images

    Fiat Linea colours

    The Fiat Linea offers a variety of color options. Fiat Linea is available in a range of 5 colors. The colors offered in Fiat Linea are New Pearl White, Minimal Grey, Magnesio Grey, Hip Hop Black and Bronzo Tan.

    Fiat Linea Image
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