ஃபியட் லீனியா 1.3 Multijet Dynamic

Fiat India, the wholly owned subsidiary of the Italian car manufacturer has officially introduced the facelifted version of their Linea sedan in the market. This latest version is available with petrol and diesel engine options for the buyers. There are three trim levels available in its series among which, the Fiat Linea 1.3 Multijet Dynamic is the mid range diesel version. This variant is powered by an advanced 1.3-litre Multijet diesel motor that is further accompanied by a 5-speed manual transmission gearbox. The manufacturer retained this powerful engine from the outgoing trim without making any changes. On the other hand, this latest model comes with major cosmetic updates in term of both inside and out. The interiors of this sedan comes with a fresh new look, thanks to the luxuriant finish with a dual color scheme. In addition to this, the design of the dashboard gets a re-treatment that makes the cockpit section look beautiful. Coming to the exteriors, this latest model comes with refurbished front and rear bumpers, stylishly designed radiator grille and revamped taillight cluster. The company is offering this latest version with two new color shades such as Magnesio Grey and Sunbeam Gold. By introducing this facelifted version, Fiat India has managed to boost the competition in the premium sedan segment.

Exteriors:

The facelifted version comes with an attractive new look that will certainly entice you. The manufacturer has restructured the front and rear bumpers, which gave it a distinct new look. The front bumper comes with a sleek and wide air intake console along with a pair of fog lamps. In addition to this, it is decorated with two expressively crafted chrome strips. The design of the headlight cluster remains to be the same as outgoing trim, but the front radiator grille gets a re-treatment. The company has designed this grille with two horizontally positioned trips and decorated it with the company logo in the center. The side profile of this sedan remains mostly identical to its outgoing model. The external mirrors on the sides gets a minor tweak and it comes incorporated with turn blinkers. Here, the wheel arches of this sedan comes fitted with a sturdy set of 15-inch alloy wheels that gives it a posh look to the sides. Coming to the rear end, this sedan is blessed with a trendy new bumper that comes fitted with a protective cladding along with a thick chrome strip and reflectors. In addition to these, the company has modified the design of taillight cluster that refreshes the look of its rear profile.

Interiors:

The interior section of this Fiat Linea 1.3 Multijet Dynamic comes with a gracious cabin with beige and black color scheme. The design of the dashboard along with the central console and the instrument panel gets a re-treatment, which gives an opulent look to the cockpit. The seats in the front and rear cabin have been covered with high quality fabric upholstery. On the other hand, the steering wheel and the gearshift knob have been covered with premium leather upholstery. The company has blessed this mid range trim with an array of features that include rain sensing wipers, real time mileage indicator, driver seat height adjuster, rear seat armrest with glove box and cup holders, automatic AC unit along with an advanced in-car entertainment system with steering mounted audio controls.

Engine and Performance:

The manufacturer has retained the same 1.3-litre, Multijet diesel power plant in this trim. It comes with 1248cc displacement capacity and has 4-cylinders and 16-valves. This engine works on a DOHC valve configuration and its direct fuel injection system allows it to produce 91.7Bhp at 4000rpm, while generating a peak torque output of 209Nm at 2000rpm. This engine is mated to a 5-speed manual transmission gearbox. The manufacturer claims that this engine can return a peak mileage of about 20 Kmpl, which is rather good.

Braking and Handling:

Unlike any other C-segment sedan, the 2014 Linea comes with a disc braking mechanism, which is quite good. The company has fitted the front wheels of this sedan with ventilated disc brakes and equipped the rear ones with a set of disc brakes. These brakes are further reinforced with anti-lock braking system. The company has assembled the front axle of this sedan with an Independent Wheel type of system, while equipping the rear axle with a torsion beam type of mechanism. In a bid to enhance the suspension, the company has fitted double acting telescopic dampers along with helical coil springs and stabilizer bars.

Comfort Features:

This mid range diesel trim comes with some impressive comfort features that makes the journey relaxing. The manufacturer is offering this trim with a list of features including an automatic air conditioning system with rear foot and knee level AC vents, a power steering system with tilt function, power windows with 'delay' and 'auto down' function, electrically adjustable outside mirrors and so on. It also has internal roof light, rear armrest with glove box and cup holder, remote key less entry , passenger side vanity mirror, desmodronic foldable key, driver seat height adjuster are just to name a few. In addition to these, there is a rear defogger with timer, reverse parking sensor and an advanced instrumentation console. The company has also equipped this trim with an in-car entertainment system that features Integrated CD/MP3 player, BlueMe system with controls mounted on the steering wheel.

Safety Features:

The car maker has not compromised on the safety and protective aspects of this mid level variant. The list of features include front and rear fog lamps, all four disc brakes assisted by ABS, an immobilizer system with rolling code, automatic door locking system, 3-point seat belts with pre-tensioner and load limiters and so on. It also comes with advanced features like fire prevention system, double crank prevention system, driver seat belt warning light with buzzer, central door locking system and the most important dual stage front airbags with early crash sensors.

Pros: Charming new look, superb comfort and safety features.

Cons: Cost slightly high, low fuel economy