Fiat India, the domestic arm of Italian auto maker, seems to be preparing for the launch of Linea facelift in the country. Reportedly, the model was globally unveiled last year and there was no certainty over any such thing happening for the Indian market at that time. Now, it seems that the Italian car maker is planning to launch the new Linea in India as well. After the mid-cycle facelift to the car in international markets, the company has finally begun with testing the updated Linea in India. The facelift is likely to be done in terms of cosmetic attributes. Experts suggest that the incorporated changes are expected to enhance the overall look of the car.
It is speculated that the new facelifted Linea will be introduced in the Indian auto market sometime in early 2014. A new front grille and redone bumper have been reported to be changed along with some other modifications. The rear bumper remains the same with some minor changes. There is an additional chrome strip, and the number plate has been positioned on the boot lid. The chrome addition is expected to attract more customers in India due to its premium-like perception. Also, the facelifted car features new fog lamps. It should be noted that although all these changes have been incorporated, the side profile still looks similar to the existing model in India.
With a revised three-layered two-tone dashboard, interiors get a new look. The new interiors also feature a unique integrated audio system along with better AC vents that have cubby holes above them. Similar to its outside styling, interiors are also redone with chrome addition. The instrument cluster in the facelifted version will come with chrome-ringed recessed dials and circular centre, whereas the gear lever, steering wheel, door pads and climate control knobs remain unchanged.
The engine is not supposed to be changed as there is no buzz regarding that as of now. It can be inferred that the new facelifted Linea will run on either 1.3-litre Multijet diesel, 1.4-litre Fire or 1.4-litre T-Jet petrol engine like earlier versions. It should be noted that the performance of the car is not going to be affected with any of the changes and 1.4-litre T-Jet, producing 112 bhp of maximum power and 207 Nm of peak torque, will hold its position being the most powerful version among several variants.
With these cosmetic changes to the car, Fiat India is expected to take a big leap in the Indian market. In the past few months, the company has made certain announcements and launches that direct towards its big plans for the Indian market. The launch of 2013 Linea T-Jet is an example of that. This car comes in three trims, which is not the case with its previous generation model. When the new model will be launched in India, experts suggest that the current model will be rebadged as the 'Linea Classic' and will be available alongside the new car. The auto maker also plans to increase the number of exclusive dealers in India to 120 by the end of 2013, which is currently static at 70.
The new Fiat Linea is supposed to be priced in the upper-end of C-segment while the Linea Classic will be priced in the lower-end of C-segment. Going by the earlier announcements made by Fiat, the car maker expects to launch an entirely refreshed product line by 2015. Apart from that, there is a buzz in the market for a new generation Linea to be unveiled in 2015 for the Indian auto market.
