Fiat Linea

Fiat launched the Linea at the 12th Auto Expo in Delhi. The Linea was given a facelift in 2014, along with revisited exteriors and premium finished interiors.

EXTERIOR
The front fascia of the Linea features a twin-slat chrome plated radiator grille, large dual barrel headlamps with reworked reflector inserts and a new housing for the fog lamps. On the side, it gets sporty shoulder lines and a new set of alloy wheels. At the rear, the number plate position has been changed from the bumper to the boot lid, and it also gets chrome highlight with ‘Linea’ written on it. Overall the new Linea looks more attractive with all the modern element added to it.

INTERIOR
The inside of the Linea looks smart and feels premium, especially the high gloss piano finished central console and the new instrument cluster. The leather wrapped steering wheel gets audio and Blue&Me controls mounted on it. The cabin looks classy and elegant due to the dual-tone (beige and ebony) colour tone, along with ample head/shoulder/leg room in both the rows.

ENGINE & TRANSMISSION, RIDE & HANDLING, BRAKING & SAFETY
The Linea is offered in both petrol and diesel options.
The 1.4L 16-valve DOHC T-JET petrol engine churns out 114ps of maximum power @ 5000rpm and a peak torque of 207Nm @ 2200rpm, and comes mated to a 5-speed manual transmission gearbox. The diesel trim is powered by 1.3L 16-valve DOHC Advanced Multijet motor that produces 93Ps of power @ 4000rpm and a peak torque of 209Nm @ 2000rpm, and comes mated to a 5-speed manual transmission.
The ride and handling in the Linea is well balanced, as Fiat has equipped it with Independent Wheel, Helical Coil Springs, Double Acting Telescopic Dampers & Stabilizer Bar in the front axle while, the rear axle is equipped with Torsion Beam, Helical Coil Springs, Double Acting Telescopic Dampers & Stabilizer Bar.
Also, the braking is quite good with ventilated disc front brakes and drum brakes at the rear.
Fiat has loaded the Linea with features, which include a touchscreen infotainment system, automatic headlamps, cruise control, auto dimming IRVM, keyless entry, cooled glove-box, rear AC vents, and rain sensing vipers. The massive ground clearance of 190mm, makes the Linea the perfect car for Indian potholed roads.
On the safety front, the Linea features ABS with EBD as standard, dual front airbags, fog lamps, engine immobilizer and a rear defogger.

CONCLUSION
Overall, Fiat Linea has been a flagship vehicle for the carmaker and the new model with all the upgrades and a plush feel is the perfect buy in the mid-size sedan segment.