Fiat Linea Classic 1.4 Petrol

Linea Classic 1.4 Petrol Review

Fiat India is currently working on adding more and more models to its fleet. It currently has two sedan models in its stable among which, Fiat Linea Classic sits in the entry level segment. The company has done an excellent job in designing this vehicle. It has been designed to give a direct competition to the likes of Chevrolet Sail, Ford Fiesta and others in its class. It is being sold in two diesel (Classic and Classic Plus) and one petrol (Classic) variants for the buyers to choose from. The petrol trim is powered by a 1.4-litre engine that churns out a maximum power of 88.7bhp and torque of 115Nm. While the remaining two versions are powered by a 1.3-litre multijet oil-burner that displaces 1248cc. Both these drive-trains are mated with a five speed manual transmission gear box, which sends the engine power to its front wheels. Its front and rear wheels are fitted with a set of ventilated disc and drum brakes respectively. It has a distinctive body structure that commands an aura of classiness from all the facets. Further augmenting its appeal are the stylish exterior cosmetics.

It gets a slew of attractive features like a bold radiator grille with chrome treatment, a body colored bumper, stylish headlight cluster and other such cosmetics. As for the interiors, the cabin is quite roomy that is made with the use of high quality scratch resistant plastic. There are well cushioned seats furnished inside for a comfortable drive all through the way. Adding to this, there are features like power steering, an efficient air conditioning unit, all four power windows with driver side auto down function, center console with two cup holders and several other features. The dashboard in the cockpit section is equipped a large glove box, an advanced instrument panel, a three spoke steering wheel and AC vents. As far as its safety features, this vehicle is packed with 3-point seat belts along with driver seat belt warning, high mount third brake light and an electronic engine immobilizer with floating code. This sedan is currently available with a standard warranty of 3-years or 100000 Kilometers, whichever is earlier.

Mileage and Fuel Economy:

The petrol versions are equipped with a 1.4-litre drive-train, which is incorporated with a multi point fuel injection supply system and it allows the sedan to deliver a decent fuel economy. It has the ability of producing 11.4 Kmpl in the city traffic conditions, while mileage goes up to 14.9 Kmpl on the bigger roads. On the other hand, the 1.3-litre multijet mill is incorporated with a common rail based direct injection fuel supply system that helps in generating 19.5 Kmpl on the highways and 16.2 Kmph within the city, which is quite decent for this segment.

Power:

The DOHC based oil-burner has the ability to churn out a power output of 74.9bhp in combination with a peak torque output of 197Nm. Whereas, the 1368cc petrol motor can generate a maximum power of 88.8bhp at 6000rpm along with 115Nm of torque at 4500rpm, which is pretty good for Indian road conditions.

Acceleration and Pickup:

A five speed manual gearbox is assigned to both the mills that allows them to be perkier with regards to the acceleration. Its diesel motor can attain a maximum speed in the range of 160 to 165 Kmph and can accelerate from zero to 100 Kmph in close to 13.6 seconds. While the other motor can reach a top speed of 165 Kmph. At the same time, it takes about 12.6 seconds for crossing the speed barrier of 100 Kmph from a standstill.

Exteriors:

This sedan has a distinctive body design with aerodynamic front facade. This facet is designed with a bold radiator grille with chrome treatment on it. It is embedded with a prominent company insignia in the center. This grille is flanked by a neatly carved headlight cluster featuring dual parabola headlamps and turn indicators. Just below this, it has a body colored bumper that houses a wide air intake section for induction of air for engine cooling. Its bonnet has a slanting forward design featuring some character lines on it. Its base version gets black colored door handles and outside rear view mirrors, while the high end version gets them with body colored paint. The well carved wheel fenders are mated to a set of steel rims that are embraced with tubeless radial tyres. The rear profile is designed with a body colored bumper that is equipped with a couple of fog lamps. There is a radiant tail light cluster, which is equipped with halogen based brake light and side turn indicator. The large windshield is accompanied with a centrally located high mounted third brake light for improved safety quotient.

Exterior Measurements:

The company has built this sedan with a minimum ground clearance of 185mm, which is rather decent. It has a large wheelbase of about 2603mm that ensures ample leg space inside the cabin. Its overall length is 4560mm, width is 1730mm (including external rear view mirrors) and height is 1487mm respectively. Its steering wheel supports a minimum turning radius of 5.4 meters.

Interiors:

This model series has a decent looking internal cabin, owing to the dual tone color scheme. It has a neatly designed dashboard decorated with chrome accentuated AC vents. It also houses a three spoke steering wheel, an illuminated instrument panel and a large glove box. It gets silver garnished inside door handles, chrome accentuated gear shift knob and parking lever brake,which gives the cabin a classy look. Its steering wheel is mounted with audio control buttons for convenience of the driver. The cabin is furnished with well cushioned seats that have been integrated with adjustable head restraints. Its base version gets vinyl upholstery, while Classic Plus version gets premium fabric seating upholstery. The rear seat has foldable function, which helps in increasing the boot volume of car. This model series also has a lot of utility based aspects including storage pockets in front doors, three grab handles with folding coat hooks, center console with cup holders, front center arm rest, remote fuel lid opener and vanity mirror in left sun blind. The 12V power socket is given in center console for charging mobiles and other electronic devices. The luggage compartment of top end model is accompanied with rear parcel shelf and boot lamp for easy access.

Interior Comfort:

Although it is the entry level sedan, it gets a slew of important comfort features that makes journey comfortable. All the trims are available with a manually operated HVAC (heating, ventilation, air conditioning) unit that helps in regulating the cabin temperature and makes the ambiance pleasant inside. There are power operated windows featuring delay and auto down function. Its instrument panel is equipped with a few functions and notifications for keeping the driver up to date. These include a digital tachometer, digital clock, real time mileage indicator, driver seat belt warning lamp, programmable speed limit indicator with buzzer and follow me home headlamps. It also has an advanced trip calculator, which houses mileage indicator and average speed. Apart from these, it also has a remote tail gate opener, manually adjustable outside mirrors, tilt adjustable steering wheel, which makes it easy to maneuver in city traffic conditions, sun visors with passenger side vanity mirror, internal roof light with dimming effect and a luggage lamp for easy access.

Interior Measurements:

This sedan has a spacious internal cabin with a capacity to accommodate at least five passengers. It has a centrally mounted fuel tank with a storage capacity of 45 litres. This sedan has a large boot compartment of 500 litres, which can be increased by folding its rear seat.

Engine and Performance:

Its petrol versions are powered by a 1.4-litre power plant that comes with a displacement capacity of 1368cc. It is integrated with four cylinders and sixteen valves using double overhead camshaft based valve configuration. With the help of a multi point fuel injection supply system, this mill has the ability of churning out a maximum power of 88.7bhp at 6000rpm and yields a peak torque output of 115Nm at 4500rpm. On the other hand, its oil-burners are equipped with a performance packed 1.3-litre multijet drive-train that has the displacement capacity of 1248cc. It carries 4-cylinders and sixteen valves, which is also based on a dual overhead camshaft valve configuration (DOHC). The maximum power generated by this power plant is about 75bhp at 4000rpm in combination with 197Nm of peak torque output at just 1750rpm, which is quite good. It is integrated with a common rail based direct injection fuel supply system, which allows the vehicle to produce a decent fuel economy. The manufacturer has skillfully coupled both the engines with a five speed manual transmission gear box that sends the torque output to its front wheels.

Stereo and Accessories :

The top end trim in this model line up is bestowed with an integrated audio system that keeps its occupants entertained all through their journey. It features a CD, MP3 player as well as FM radio tuner along with USB interface. It also has a roof mounted antenna that assists in better reception of radio signals. At the same time, the car owner can even personalize their trim with various internal or styling aspects according to their comfort. Some of the interior features are high quality leather upholstery, floor carpets, car perfume as well as music system and luggage compartment lamp. Apart from these, its exteriors can be added with a stylish spoiler, eye catching body graphics, side moldings, roof rails as well as protective claddings that boosts its appearance.

Wheels :

The wheel arches of all its variants are equipped with a conventional set of 14 inch steel wheels. These rims are covered with tubeless tyres of size 175/70 R14, which offers a superior grip on any road conditions. These wheels have been covered with full wheel covers that add a stylish look to its side profile. The company has also given a full size spare wheel, which is affixed in the boot compartment with all other tools required for changing a flat tyre. It is a standard aspect across all the variants.

Braking and Handling:

The automaker has given this sedan a proficient suspension as well as reliable braking mechanism, which keeps the vehicle well balanced and stable at all times. Its front wheels are fitted with a set of ventilated disc brakes and a sturdy set of drum brakes for the rear ones. This mechanism is further assisted by anti lock braking system along with electronic brake force distribution. On the other hand, its front axle is assembled with an independent wheel, while the rear one gets a torsion beam type of suspension system. These axles are further loaded with helical coil springs along with double acting telescopic dampers and stabilizer bar that helps to keep it to tackle all the jerks caused on roads. It is incorporated with a hydraulic power assisted steering system that is highly responsive and makes it easy to handle even in peak traffic conditions. This steering wheel has tilt adjustment function and it supports a minimum turning radius of 5.4 meters.

Safety and Security :

For a stress free driving experience, this sedan is incorporated with several safety aspects, which ensures proper security of the occupants and vehicle as well. The list of advanced features in the Classic Plus version includes central door lock system, rear windscreen with a defogger, exact door open indicators and anti lock braking system along with electronic brake force distribution that avoids skidding even on the slippery roads. The seat belts are give for all passengers along with driver seat belt notification, which is displayed on the instrument panel. The fire prevention system helps in cutting off the fuel supply in case of car crash. It has an advanced engine immobilization device with rolling codes that prevents it from theft and any unauthorized entry. In addition to these, it has engine and gear box shield, double crank prevention system, a high mounted stop lamp and a pair of rear fog lamps that adds to the safety quotient.

Pros:

1. Reasonable price range is a big plus point.

2. Mileage of diesel engine is quite decent.

3. Safety features of the top end trim are remarkable.

4. Internal cabin space is spacious with ample leg room.

5. Decent ground clearance is an advantage.

Cons:

1. Absence of alloy wheels is a big minus.

2. Music system is available in top end variant only.

3. Poor fuel economy of the petrol variant is a disadvantage.

4. There is still scope of improving its exterior appearance.

5. Many more comfort and safety features can be added.