Fiat Linea 1.3 Multijet Emotion

Fiat India, the fully owned subsidiary of the Italian car maker has launched the facelifted version of its premium sedan Fiat Linea in the country. This latest variant comes with major changes in terms of both exteriors and interiors. The automaker has introduced this sedan in three trim levels among which, Fiat Linea 1.3 Multijet Emotion is the top end variant. This trim comes with number of advanced features including cruise control system, a sophisticated in-car entertainment system with BlueMe connectivity, ABS, fire prevention system and numerous other such aspects. In terms of exteriors, this sedan is blessed with chrome accentuated bumpers, redesigned radiator grille and slightly tweaked taillight cluster. While inside, this trim comes with a curvy dashboard, leather seating upholstery, automatic AC unit and so on. This latest version has been introduced with two new exterior paint options such as Magnesio Grey and Sunbeam Gold. Apart from all these, this 2014 Linea comes with a total length of 4596mm, which is about 36mm longer than the earlier version.

Exteriors:

This facelifted series comes with major cosmetic updates that gives it a modernistic look. To start with the frontage, it has a revamped radiator grille with a thick chrome surround and horizontally positioned slats. This grille is further decorated with the prominent company logo. The design of the headlight cluster has been retained from the outgoing trim, which is equipped with turn indicators and powerful halogen lamps. What is truly impressive about the front is the elegantly crafted bumper with large air intake section along with a pair of dynamic fog lights . In addition to these, the company also decorated the bumper with chrome lining that gives it a rejuvenated look. Its entire side profile remains to be the same, but the window sills and the door handles get chrome embellishment. The company has assembled the wheel arches with a set of 16-inch alloy wheels, which gives it a sophisticated look. At the rear, this sedan comes with a modified bumper that has been fitted with a thick chrome strip along with a protective cladding and reflectors. The design of the taillight cluster gets a minor tweak and it surrounds a curvy boot lid that also has a lot of chrome inserts.

Interiors:

The interiors of this latest version gets a major cosmetic update with a newly designed dashboard, color scheme and improved features. The insides are done up in beige and black color scheme that emphasizes the stylishly crafted dashboard as well. In addition to these, the central console and the instrument cluster gets a sleek design that further adds to the classiness. The company has installed a slightly tweaked three spoke steering wheel with leather upholstery that also has audio control buttons. This top end trim also comes with very well-cushioned seats that have been covered with good quality leather upholstery. The company has installed numerous utility based features inside including an advanced instrumentation panel featuring trip calculator, real time mileage indicator , tachometer, cruise control system, digital clock, external temperature display and so on. In addition to these, this sedan is blessed with an integrated CD/MP3 player with inbuilt BlueMe system that has USB and AUX-In connectivity along with 6 speakers.

Engine and Performance:

Powering this top end diesel trim is the advanced 1.3-litre Multijet engine with direct fuel injection. This engine has 4-cylinders 16-valves and uses the advanced DOHC valve configuration . This motor generates a peak power of about 91.7Bhp at 4000rpm, while developing a commanding torque of about 207Nm at 2000rpm. The company has coupled this sophisticated engine with an advanced 5-speed manual transmission gearbox that enables the engine to deliver a flawless performance, while returning a decent mileage. It takes only about 13.8 seconds for this diesel sedan to reach 100 Kmph mark from a standstill and it can achieve a top speed of 160 to 170 Kmph.

Braking and Handling:

The manufacturer is offering this refurbished sedan with front ventilated and rear solid disc brakes. In addition to this, this trim also has anti-lock braking system, which improves the overall braking mechanism of the sedan. On the other hand, the company has fitted the front axle of this sedan with Independent Wheel type of system, while assembling the rear ones with torsion beam type of system. This suspension mechanism is further loaded with helical coil springs, stabilizer bar and double acting telescopic dampers, which improves its stability. On the other hand, it comes with an advanced power steering system that provides excellent assistance at low speed and offers a precise steering feel even at high speed.

Comfort Features:

This is the top end variant in its model series and is blessed with an array of features. The list includes an automatic air conditioning system with rear AC vents, premium leather seats, an advanced instrumentation panel, power windows with one touch operation, driver seat height adjuster, reverse parking sensor , remote key less entry and other advanced features. It also comes with some of the utility features including collapsible rear sun curtain, desmodronic foldable key, internal roof light with dimming effect, rear arm rest with glove box and cup holders, rear defogger with timer, remote tailgate open, driver and passenger vanity mirror are just to name a few. It also comes with an advanced In-car entertainment system with BlueMe and audio controls mounted on the steering wheel.

Safety Features:

The Fiat Linea 1.3 Multijet Emotion trim is the top end variant in its series. This sedan is being offered with a set of sophisticated safety features including dual stage front airbags with early crash sensors and 3-point ELR seatbelts with pre-tensioner and load limiter that keeps the occupants safe in the event of a crash. Apart from these, the company is offering this sedan with front and rear fog lights, automatic door lock, double crank prevention system and much more. This variant also comes with sophisticated features like fire prevention system, central door locking and anti-lock braking system. In addition to these, the company also incorporated an advanced immobilizer system with rolling code that keeps the vehicle safe.

Pros: Decent exteriors, sophisticated safety and comfort features.

Cons: Cost of initial ownership, fuel efficiency.