Fiat Linea 1.3 Multijet Elegante

Fiat India has launched a limited edition variant of its Linea sedan. It is available at the price tag of Rs. 9.9 Lakh (Ex- Showroom New Delhi) and is christened as Fiat Linea 1.3 Multijet Elegante. This variant is placed under the Dynamic trim and has all its features along with quite a few additional aspects. It has a brand new sporty body kit, a set of redesigned alloy wheels, sporty rear spoiler, chrome garnished ORVMs and Elegante decals. This variant is being sold in a White color only with a Black colored panoramic roof. In terms of interiors, there are not many changes, but it has new seat covers, special carpet mats with Elegante badging and special flat door still. One of the most important features of this limited edition variant is the presence of an advanced infotainment unit with 6.5-inch multi-functional touchscreen display. Mechanically, there are no any changes and it has the same 1.3-litre diesel mill, which can yield 1248cc. It has the capacity of churning out 91.7bhp in combination with 209Nm. This sedan will compete against the likes of Maruti Ciaz, Volkswagen Vento, Skoda Rapid, Hyundai Verna, Honda City, Nissan Sunny and others in this segment. It is being sold with a standard warranty of 3-years or 100000 Kilometers, whichever comes first. At the same time, the buyers can extend this period for 2-years along with 150000 Kilometers at an additional cost paid to the authorized dealer.

Exteriors:

The frontage has a chrome treated radiator grille with a company logo embedded in the center. There is a prominent company logo embedded in the center of this grille. It is surrounded by a trendy headlight cluster that is incorporated with high intensity projector headlamps and side turn indicator. Just below this, it has a body colored bumper that houses a wide air dam for cooling the engine. It is flanked by a couple of bright fog lamps that adds to the visibility of its driver. The windscreen is made of green tinted glass and also has a couple of intermittent wipers. Coming to its side profile, this newly launched Elegante edition has chrome accentuated external rear view mirrors that are integrated with side turn blinker. These outside rear view mirrors are electrically adjustable. The door handles are treated with chrome, which adds to the classiness. Its flared up wheel arches are fitted with a modish set of 16-inch alloy wheels, which gives the side profile a sporty look. All these rims are further covered with tubeless radial tyres, which offer a superior grip on any roads conditions. At the same time, its rear end has an expressive boot lid that is embossed with variant badging and fitted with a chrome strip. Its light cluster is powered by LED based reverse light and turns indicators. The company is selling this variant with a black panoramic roof, which further adds to the elegance of its exteriors.

Interiors:

This trim has the best in class interior cabin with a striking design. The dashboard has an attractive design, which is equipped with a few aspects like chrome accentuated AC vents, a large glove box, a multifunctional steering wheel and an advanced instrument panel with a lot of functions. Its seating arrangement is very snug and provides ample leg space for all its passengers. The seats are covered with brand new upholstery. The driver seat can be adjusted electrically. This vehicle is bestowed with a number of utility based aspects including sun glass holder, front seat back pockets, door map pockets and a large boot compartment with a rear parcel shelf, sun visors with vanity mirror and several other features. The door handles, gear shift knob and steering wheel gets the chrome inserts, which adds to the elegance of interiors. It also has a 12V power socket for charging mobiles and other electronic devices. Its instrument cluster houses digital tachometer, low fuel warning light, door ajar warning, seat belt reminder, gear shift indicator and several other aspects. It also has a few exclusive features like special carpet mats with Elegant badging and special flat door still.

Engine and Performance:

As said above, this variant is fitted with a 1.3-litre, Multijet power plant that has a total displacement capacity of 1248cc. This engine comprises of four cylinders and sixteen valves using a double overhead camshaft based valve configuration. It is further incorporated with a variable geometry turbocharger, which enhances the on-road performance. This commanding mill has the ability to produce a maximum power of 91.7bhp at 4000rpm and yields a peak torque output of 209Nm at 2000rpm. This motor is skillfully coupled with a 5-speed manual transmission that allows torque distribution to its front wheels. With the help of a common rail direct injection system this vehicle can return around 14 kmpl of mileage within the city limits, while giving away 20.4 kmpl on the bigger roads. At the same time, it can attain a maximum speed in the range of 165 to 175 Kmph and can accelerate from 0-100 Kmph in close to 13.8 seconds.

Braking and Handling:

Its front wheels have been equipped with a set of ventilated disc brakes and drum brakes are used for the rear ones, which works exceptionally well in all conditions. For maintaining the vehicle's stability, its front axle is assembled with an independent wheel, while its rear one gets a torsion beam type of mechanism. Both these axles are further loaded with helical coil springs along with double acting telescopic dampers and stabilizer bars that enables it to deal with all the jerks caused on roads. It is incorporated with a highly responsive power steering system that offers smooth and precise steering feel. This tilt and telescopic adjustable steering wheel supports a minimum turning radius of 5.4 meters, which is rather good for this class.

Comfort Features:

The car maker has bestowed this mid range trim with almost all those features, which are necessary for giving a pleasurable driving experience. However, its one of the most important feature is the automatic air conditioning system that comes with a cluster ionizer, which will keep the cabin pleasant and hygienic with clean air. This limited edition variant comes with an advanced infotainment unit, which has a 6.5-inch touchscreen display. It supports Bluetooth connectivity along with CD, MP3 player, radio with AM/FM tuner, USB interface and Aux-in port. Apart from these, it is bestowed with a key less entry system, reverse parking sensor, electrically adjustable ORVMs, map lamp, sun visors with passenger side vanity mirror and so on.

Safety Features:

The company has given this variant 3-point ELR (emergency locking retracting) seat belts are given for all passengers along with pretensioner and load limiter. It has a rigid body structure featuring crumple zones and impact beams for reducing the impact of collision. Apart from these, it is equipped with double crank prevention system, programmable speed limit indicator, front and rear fog lamps that enhances the visibility in foggy conditions, exact door open indicators, an advanced engine immobilizer with rolling code that prevents the vehicle from theft and Fire Prevention System that automatically cuts-off the fuel-flow in case of impact.

Pros:

1. Sleek and lustrous body line with elegant black roof.
2. Braking and suspension system are quite efficient.

Cons:

1. Lack of ABS and airbag is a big minus point.
2. There is still scope of improving its internal section.