Why Fiat? I am writing this review after driving this car for around 2800 kms with in a month. After test drive of other shortlisted vehicles [ Vento, Fiesta , Verna, Aria] I settled for this Fiat Linea Dynamic [2012 model]. I gave much importance to Engine performance, safety, Driver + passenger Comfort, Ground Clearance and Service center network. Every car has its own Pros and cons. I decided to go for FIAT Linea Diesel, because finding a TATA dealer (for service) in South India is very easy. Ground clearance is very good [Most important factor for Indian roads] when compared to few other cars.
Initial hiccup:
After driving Maruthi vehicles for around 10 years, I had a difficulty in adjusting to the Cluth, brake and Accelerator positions of Fiat. But after adjusting the seat height, it is OK. Initial pickup (1st gear) is very poor. I can’t understand why Fiat settled with a poor pickup (gear ratio).
What I liked?
I drove this vehicle on Bangalore - Coimbatore , Bangalore - Madurai, Madurai - Tuticorin, Madurai - Theni (semi hilly region) routes. All the time, myself and my wife (co passenger) felt very comfortable and safe inside car [AC was always on]. Suspension was fantastic and did not disappoint us even in bad roads. Car was very stable at 155 kmph and braking was excellent. Mileage was 17 kmpl [2 passengers, AC always on, recommended tyre pressure]. Engine is reasonably silent inside. Audio player automatically adjust the volume according to the noise level + speed of the car. Blue and Me is very good feature. Full Automatic AC and Gear shift is very good.
What irked me?
Flooring material and seats were very light in colour and Fiat does not provide a standard set of good floor mats or covers. Floor mats provided by the dealer does not fit the curves inside the car. Even before I realize the issue, my flooring and seat got dirty. So be prepared with a proper floor mats, while taking the car delivery. Fiat Linea does not have proper car cover. You may not find proper hole in cover to accommodate the antenna. Rear wheel does not have provision to fit the mud flaps (from with in wheel space). So you have to fit the rear mud flaps from the side (body).
Mileage statistics:
Following is few things I had observed for engine speed and mileage combination.
Car speed [kmph] Engine speed[rpm] Inst Fuel Consumption (L / 100 km]
80 2500 4.6
120 3200- 3500 5.4
150 3900 6.2
There may be a some variation in engine speed, based on the road slope. But it took 140 kmph]. Initial pickup is very poor. You won’t get sudden acceleration even if you need it. But both can be managed. In city traffic you won’t need sudden acceleration. In highways if you need sudden acceleration [for over taking], just reduce the gear and press the accelerator. It just does the job.
My verdict:
It is very comfort and value for money vehicle. If you are not keen on a racing engine you can go for this vehicle. I will recommend this for family car, especially kids and women will enjoy the journey. [That is more important for a family man].
Dealer satisfaction will differ from person to person. So I don’t want to comment on this.
I might have missed some thing. Will add the comments if needed.