Fiat Linea
Fiat Linea is an exquisitely designed compact sedan launched at a very economical price range in India. Designed at 'Centro Stile', the premier designing facility of Fiat in Turin, Fiat Linea is a C+ segment car based on Fiat Small Platform. Currently, it is available in three engine variants with inclusion of a diesel option.
New Fiat Linea is available in seven vibrant colours and includes features like alloy wheels, chrome finish radiator grille and automatic climate control. Audio system with steering mounted controls and leather upholstery are included in the higher variant. A unique communication system 'Blue & Me' which is developed with support of Microsoft is also included in the car. New Fiat Linea has got elaborate safety and security systems including ABS with EBD, airbags and seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters.
Fiat Linea Launch History
The Fiat Linea car was launched in January 2009 followed by Grande Punto and Palio Stile in later months. The car's Italian design beautifully incorporates advanced safety features and has very spacious interiors. Initially the car was made available in 1.3 litre diesel and 1.4 litre petrol engines. In October 2010, two new 1.4 litre T-Jet engine variants were launched with 13 new features and 7 class leading equipment.
After the launch of these cars, the company witnessed a 69.2% growth in financial year 2010-11. The cars are manufactured at company's state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Ranjangaon near Pune, Maharashtra. Fiat in India has a joint venture with Tata Motors, which provides sales and service support for its vehicles.
Fiat Linea Variants
A total of three engines of Fiat Linea car and four luxury levels viz. Active, Dynamic, Emotion and Emotion Pack are available. Given below is a description of the range of choices offered in these luxury options.
| Variants | Specifications |
| Active | One gets a manual HVAC system, power steering with tilt adjustment, power windows and central door locking system as a standard. Both Fiat Linea diesel and petrol variants can be availed with this option. Fire protection system, immobiliser with rolling code, double crank protection system and exact door open indicators are included as safety feature. Interiors include dual tone dashboard, interior roof lights with dimming effect and rear armrest. The exteriors are designed with black radiator grille, rear fog lamps and black outside rear view mirrors. |
| Dynamic | A lot of changes in the front panel instrumentation and overall electronics can be brought in with this luxury option. This variant has all the features provided under Active range and includes some minor changes in exteriors. It includes automatic door lock facility, trip calculator in instrumentation panel with programmable speed limit buzzer, real time mileage indicator and external temperature display. Desmodronic foldable key, remote keyless entry and electrically adjustable outside rear view mirrors are also included. Driver seat height adjustment is another important feature. Front fog lamps and body coloured outside door are two major changes in the exteriors. |
| Emotion | Apart from including features available under Active and Dynamic options, Emotion further enhances comfort, styling and security level of the hatchback. Prominent changes in variant under this option are the chrome body side moulding, silver painted radiator grille, body coloured outside rear view mirrors and chrome finish outside door handles. The option for alloy wheel is provided for petrol variants only. Changes inside the vehicle include leather wrapped steering wheel and gearshift knob, sunglass holder, front seat back pocket and rear seat armrest with glove-box and cup-holders. Integrated CD/MP3 player with FM radio is also included as a standard feature. Automatic climate control with foot and knee level AC vents further improves the comfort level. As a major improvement in safety, ABS with EBD is also provided. |
| Emotion Pack | Emotion Pack includes all the features offered in Emotion with few more luxury additions. Prominent changes in car's entertainment system have been brought in the form of 'Blue & Me' communication package and steering mounted audio controls. Collapsible rear sun curtain also adds to the convenience of people sitting at back seats. Alloy wheels, dual stage front airbags with early crash sensors and 3 point ELR seat belts with pre-tensioners and load limiters further improve the safety level. The high end variants 1.4 T-Jet Petrol and 1.4 T-Jet Plus Petrol come pre-equipped with Emotion Pack and include few additional features. For instance, there is use of chrome at the exhaust tip and interiors of these cars. Rear back seats are double folding type while leather upholstery in T-Jet Plus is another major improvement. Both these variants include disc brakes on all four wheels while 16 inch alloy wheels are included as a standard feature in T-Jet Plus. |
Fiat Linea Pricing
Fiat Linea price is kept between Rs. 6.5 and Rs. 9.2 lacs giving a strong competition to cars like Maruti Suzuki SX4, Ford Fiesta, Honda City and Hyundai Verna Transform. The prices might differ according to the taxes charged by different states in India.
Fiat Linea Review and Awards
New Fiat Linea has received a tremendous response from Indian automotive magazines and TV shows. It has been reviewed positively for its spacious interiors, better drive and overall build quality. BBC Top Gear has praised the drive quality and comfort features of the car in one of its reviews and strongly recommends it for small families. In 2009, CNBC Overdrive declared Fiat Linea as 'Midsize Car of the Year'. In 2010, it was awarded as 'Car of the Year' by UTVi Autocar. In same year, it was also judged as 'Midsize Car of the Year' by NDTV Profit.
Fiat Linea Used Car Market
Fiat India Automobile Limited is currently undergoing expansions in India covering major Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities, with its sales and service network. However, it is yet to announce any definite step towards its pre-owned vehicles. Launched in 2009, even the oldest models of Fiat cars are expected to be in good condition. One can check local dealers for availability of any pre-owned Linea.
Fiat Linea Specifications
New Fiat Linea comes with one diesel and two petrol engine options. These engines conform to latest fuel emission norms and provide good mileage, both in city and on highways. The front wheel drive vehicle includes an imported power train and turbocharged petrol engines in its new 1.4 T-Jet variants. Given below are important engine specifications:
| Criteria | Remarks |
| Variant | 1.4 T-Jet Petrol | 1.4 T-Jet Plus Petrol | Linea Diesel | Linea Petrol |
| Family | Advanced T-Jet | Advanced T-Jet | Advanced Multijet | Fire |
| Displacement (cc) | 1368 | 1368 | 1248 | 1368 |
| Max. Power | 112.44 hp at 5000 rpm | 112.44 hp at 5000 rpm | 91.73 hp at 4000 rpm | 88.77 hp at 4000 rpm |
| Max. Torque | 207 Nm at 2200 rpm | 207 Nm at 2200 rpm | 209 Nm at 2000 rpm | 115 Nm at 4500 rpm |
| No. of valves | 16 V |
| Camshaft | DOHC |
| Transmission | 5 speed manual |
Fiat Linea Exteriors
New Fiat Linea offers a fresh styling statement with international appeal. Alloy wheels, body coloured bumpers and ORVMs and chrome accents are the basic elements of its styling. At the same time, this design accommodates all requisite safety norms and regulations.
Fiat Linea Exterior Appearance
The car has a decent aerodynamic sedan design with proportionate front and rear overhangs. Its styling has unique Italian features coming straight out of the drawing boards of 'Centro Stile Fiat', the design centre in Turin. Fiat Linea's styling is similar to the saloon version of company's Fiat Marea, which was discontinued a while ago. Chrome is used lavishly in the radiator grille, body side moulding and door handles. Available in seven vibrant colours, it is sure to receive a lot of admiration from curious onlookers on road.
Fiat Linea Exterior Dimensions
Criteria Dimensions (in mm, common for all variants)
Overall length 4560
Overall width 1730
Overall height 1487
Wheelbase 2603
Ground Clearance 165
Fiat Linea Interior
The interior of new Fiat Linea has been nicely put together with an upmarket feel. These are spacious and include more advancement in higher variants.
Fiat Linea Interior Appearance
The fully loaded Linea car comes with imported leather upholstery and soft touch plastics at door and dashboard. This immediately makes one feel welcome as compared to previous Palio which even after having a 1.6 litre engine disappointed due to the interiors. The central console and dual tone dashboard seems much better than most other cars in this segment. Leather wrapped steering wheel and gear knob are eye soothing luxury features.
Fiat Linea Interior Comfort
The adjustable driver seat and headrest improve the comfort level and so does the tilt steering wheel. Its AC has climate automatic control in higher variant with greater number of vents for effective cooling. Besides, common conveniences like cup-holders, storage consoles, sun visors with vanity mirrors and sun blinds at the rear have not been forgotten. The car also includes essentials like central locking, power steering and windows, electric ORVMs and keyless entry feature.
Fiat Linea Interior Dimensions
One does not have to be a specialist to declare that new Fiat Linea is quite a spacious car. There is no need to worry for limited headroom and legroom even at the rear seats. Boot space volume of 500 litres further ensures that one can plan long trips with sufficient supplies with this car.
Fiat Linea Fuel Economy
Among all three variants of Fiat Linea car, diesel engine provides best economy of 19.9 kmpl. There is not much difference in the fuel economy of other two engines. The 1.4 litre T-Jet Petrol and Fire Petrol engine variants run 14.6 and 14.2 kmpl respectively. A fuel tank capacity of 45 litres ensures that one has to make lesser stops for refuelling on a long tour.
Fiat Linea On Road Drive
Fiat Linea with its new 1.4 litre petrol T-Jet engines is better than the older engines. The extra power brought in to support its 1.2 tonnes of weight is more appropriate and provides ease in overtaking slow moving autos or carriers on highways. Steering and drive quality has always been exceptional with Linea. It is easier to corner the turns with better stability and grip than most other cars in this segment. The suspensions have been designed for Indian road conditions and do not disappoint at any point.
This 5 speed manual transmission front wheel drive vehicle now comes with disc brakes on all four sides with ABS and EBD which further adds to driver’s comfort. The engine sounds nice and cabin remains silent during the drive. One can easily say that it’s a must drive even if somebody has planned not to buy it.
Fiat Linea Power
There are three engines of Fiat Linea to consider, out of which the 1.4 litre T-Jet Petrol remains at the front. It thrashes out 112.44 hp at 5000 rpm while producing 207 Nm at a low 2200 rpm. The other 1.4 litre engine without turbocharger manages 88.77 hp at 4000 rpm with a torque of 115 Nm at 4500 rpm. The diesel engine produces 91.73 hp at 4000 rpm while the torque rating stands at 209 Nm at 2000 rpm.
Fiat Linea Acceleration
The three engines of Linea car provide better fuel efficiency and conform to latest emission norms besides taking the vehicle to the high speeds. The 1.4 litre Fire Petrol engine takes 12.6 seconds to reach 100 kmph mark with a claimed top speed of 165 kmph. Multijet Diesel engine also performs well while taking 13.8 seconds to reach 100 kmph mark. However, the latest 1.4 litre turbocharged petrol engines are the quickest with 11.14 seconds for accelerating from standstill to 100 kmph. These engines can easily take car above 180 kmph speed.
Fiat Linea Safety & Security
Fiat Linea comes with all the requisite safety and security systems that commonly feature in the cars belonging to this segment. These include ABS with EBD, airbags, safety belts with load limiter and pre-tensioners, automatic door locking and immobiliser system. A digital door open indicator, programmable speed limiter system with buzzer and a fire prevention system are some of the advanced features included in new Fiat Linea. Front and rear fog lamps and rear defogger also ensure safety of the vehicle.
Fiat Linea Comfort & Convenience
One does not have anything alarmingly discomforting even in the lowest variants of new Fiat Linea. However, the upper variants come with extra convenience in terms of seat adjustments, glove compartments beneath the rear armrests and few state-of-the-art technologies. One of these technologies is 'Blue & Me' which connects with any mobile phone via USB port and offers streamlined voice and text communication for the driver. Steering tilt adjustment facility, steering mounted audio controls, power windows and power steering further add to the driver's comfort. For rear seat passengers, few extra AC vents have been provided in upper variants, though it’s quite satisfactory even in lower variants.
Fiat Linea Wheels & Suspensions
The new Fiat Linea comes with sixteen inch alloy wheels and gives an option of fifteen inch steel and alloy wheels in other variants. Its suspensions have been redesigned suiting Indian road conditions.
| Criteria | Remarks |
| Tyres | 195/60 R15 (205/55 R16 in 1.4 T-Jet Plus Petrol) |
| Wheels | 15 inch Steel and 16 inch Alloy Wheels |
| Front Suspension | Independent wheel, Helical Coil Springs, Double acting Telescopic Dampers and Stabilizer Bar |
| Rear Suspension | Torsion Beam, Helical Coil Springs and Double acting Telescopic Dampers and Stabilizer Bar |
Fiat Linea Stereo & Accessories
An integrated CD/MP3 and FM Player with four speakers comes as a standard in higher variants of the car. It also includes 'Blue & Me' which is a technology developed in collaboration with Microsoft for the Fiat cars. It allows car’s system to connect with mobile phones via USB port. A driver can make use of steering mounted controls for 'Blue & Me' for receiving calls and reading texts without any major discomfort while driving. Steering mounted audio controls also add to the driving experience.
Fiat Linea Dealers
The company has improved a lot in after sales services and provides best in class warranty for its cars. Reaching 130 cities with 175 service outlets across the nation, Fiat in collaboration with Tata Motors India provides sales and service support. Fiat also offers a 24X7 roadside assistance which is covered throughout the nation with value added benefits.
City Dealers
New Delhi Rama Motors Pvt. Ltd., Okhla Phase 2
Him Motors Pvt. Ltd., Peeragarhi
Techno Automotive Pvt. Ltd., Dwarka
Techno Automotive Pvt. Ltd., Najafgarh
Autolink Enterprises (India) Pvt. Ltd., Hauz Khas Enclave
Pawha International Private Limited, Wazirpur Industrial Area
Raghuvanshi Enterprises Pvt. Ltd., Dilshad Garden
Kolkata Lexus Motors Ltd., AJC Bose Road
R.D. Motors Pvt. Ltd., Raghunath pur
K.B. Motors Pvt. Ltd., Alipore
Ghosh Brothers, S C Mullick Road
Mumbai Concorde Motors (India) Ltd., Prabhadevi
Fortune Cars (Pvt.) Ltd., Navi Mumbai
Galaxy Motors, Mulund (West)
Wasan Motors Pvt. Ltd., Chembur
Wasan Motors Pvt. Ltd., Borivali East
Om Sai Motors Pvt. Ltd., Kandivali ( West )
Fortune Cars (Pvt.) Ltd., Thane
Fortune Cars (Pvt.) Ltd., Andheri East
Chennai Concorde Motors (India) Ltd., Ambattur
V S T Motors Ltd., Anna Salai
Tafe Reach Ltd, Anna Salai
Concorde Motors, Guindy
Fiat Linea Company Quotes
Mr. Rajeev Kapoor, President and CEO, Fiat India at the launch of Fiat Linea in January 2009 said, “Fiat has kept its promise of making this an exciting year for its customers. The launch of the Linea is the first in the line of three launches that Fiat will undertake this year, the other two being Bravo and Grande Punto. With this car, which is equipped with Multijet and the fire engine, we hope to make inroads in the C+ segment. We have also ensured that the Linea appeals to a wide range of customers with its petrol and diesel variants and the various options available under each of them. The car has met with strong success across the world and although Linea has been designed with a strong Italian style, we have also taken into consideration local Indian tastes and requirements and have incorporated this into the Indian Linea.”
Mr. Rajeev Kapoor President and CEO, Fiat India at the launch of Fiat Linea T-Jet model variants in October 2010 said, “We are pronouncing the Linea T–Jet as Refined luxury & power. The Linea T–jet is a product that has been refined according to the feedback received from existing and potential customers. It literally sets a benchmark in the C plus segment with its robust engine and the never ending list of features. The new Linea offers a perfect blend of sophisticated style, guaranteed performance and class leading comfort, outstanding ride and handling with unbeatable toughness. Linea T-Jet is sure to give competition in the C plus segment, a run for its money.”
Fiat Linea Competitor Analysis
Maruti Suzuki SX4, Ford Fiesta and Honda City are considered as the main competitors of Fiat Linea in India. Starting with Maruti Suzuki SX4, one must say that even after sharing the same platform as Swift Dzire, the car looks much more well built. It has got better luxury features though it still cannot compete with spacious interiors of Fiat Linea. Ford Fiesta might pack a lot of features and may drive well on Indian roads; however its price range starts where most of the variants of Linea end. Same price difference issue also exists with Honda City which is yet to announce any diesel engine variant. Moreover, the drive quality of Fiat Linea with inclusion of new turbocharged engines has remained unmatched.
The small displacement turbocharged petrol engines are craze nowadays, as these provide a huge amount of torque at low revs and also consume lesser fuel than large displacement engines. This provides a major advantage to Fiat Linea in India over cars like Chevrolet Optra Magnum and Mitsubishi Cedia which rely on conventional wisdom of using larger engines. In the end, Hyundai Verna Fluidic is the most serious competitor of Linea. It has second largest sales and service network in its support. The car comes in 4, 5 and 6 speed manual and automatic transmissions with both diesel and petrol engines being available. The only major disadvantage of Hyundai cars is not so promising stability and control of vehicle at higher speeds and turns. Looks might be another reason, which may influence buyers to opt for Linea car over a Verna.
Fiat Linea Pros
The car has already received enough awards for its styling and beauty. It impresses even more with new T-Jet engines and does not disappoint when it comes to mileage.
Fiat Linea Cons
Fiat Linea still has to compete with a number of competitors which provide tremendous value for money. Company's growing sales and service network have not impressed the Indian customers in the past.
Fiat Linea Conclusion
Though, it does not get highlight in company advertisements, the car is class apart in real sense. Its unique Italian styling, range of comfort features, excellent drive stability and grip on roads make it a perfect proposition for buyers.
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