Fiat Linea: The Italia Beauty

It is true that cars are a personal means to commute from Point A to Point B. However within the vast variety of cars that are on offer today, each segment speaks about the profile of the owner. Hence they are more of a status symbol than a mode of transportation. It so happened back in 2012 I was window shopping for my first dream car (other than the family owned ones), It was an era of the sedans. Being the only one in the friend circle to drive a hatch initially, I thought its time I purchased a sedan (a big car - as it was addressed earlier). Shortlisting Process I test drove a few cars in the Mid High segment. i) Nissan Sunny ii) Maruti SX4 iii) Hyundai Verna iv) Toyota Etios v) Ford Fiesta vi) Fiat Linea Of the lot, I had thought of staying away from Fiat especially after owing 2 Fiats in the past ( Uno & Palio). So even though I drove the Linea, I didn't shortlist at the first go. However in the end, Once a Fiat always a Fiat The LINEA test drive experience The 1.3 diesel engine did seem a little underpowered as compared the powerful competition models with 1.5 & 1.6 diesel engine. The turbo kicks in post 1800-2000 rpm. The long clutch is at times a nail in the tooth. However it does not tire you while driving in congested roads. The car is built like a tank, feels sturdy and offers you all the safety you need. Unlike Maruti it's not made of tin (Positive factor about Fiat, GM, Ford) Drive at high speeds & you seldom experience body roll. Fiat Linea is one of the few cars that offer Hydraulic steering - Instills confidence in diving and accuracy with every swiver Feature Packed The Linea comes loaded with all features. The Blue & Me enables hands free calls. Safety: ABS, EBD & Dual Airbags instill more confidence in your drives. The front & rear fog lamps are effective & efficient especially during the monsoons & fog season. Ground Clearance: At 195mm the Linea is ready to take on most roads in India Alloy Wheels: Comes with 4 alloys & 1 steel wheel Centre handrest is a boom especially for all those long rides for the driver to rest is hand on Interior Beige (Light Colour) Interior are prone to dirt especially for Indian climate conditions. however they offer a sense of roominess to the cabin Fuel Efficiency The 1.3L diesel engine is frugal. Offer a superb highway mileage of 24-25km/L & city mileage of 19-20 km/L. What you'll Likes What I like about the car is the complete package it offers. You need not fit any after market accessory. The exterior looks are evergreen and will never see an end (my feeling) The drive is sturdy. Have taken bad road with ease Service interval at 15,000 kms What you wont like The after sales service is one of the worst that one can expect. Limited dealers and lack of spares in the market. Cannot be & shouldn't be handled by any road side mechanic The interior plastic fit & finish may not be the best (unlike Hyundai) Final Verdict After possessing it for 4 years & clocking 60,000kms, the car still feels like new. No rattles that shake your confidence. Although the market has many sedans to offer now like Ciaz, City in Diesel there is none that meets the strength & durability of a Fiat