Review Fiat Linea Emotion Pack

My car is 2.5 mnths old and going for first service this week (3000 Km). Had purchased from Fortune Cars, Navi Mumbai. Sales Executive Yogesh Parmar was extremely professional. No overpromises on delivery timelines, etc. Even got my car washed once again as I was not happy and send staff home to give a Teflon coat. Delivery officer Ramesh also did his job well and explained all features in detail even though it was nearlt 8.00 pm and most staff had left.

Exterior

Much has been said in this area and honestly there is nothing much to add. My car in Flamenco Red is a head turner, most kids in the society have praised the car as the best looking in the society (Our building has 2 more lineas-white and black). The factory fitted alloys are good looking unlike many other alloy wheels provided on other cars. Quality of metal and paint finish is superior.

One small negative is that mud flaps have to be drilled into for either the front or the rear tyres (don't remember which one, will have to have a look) 

Interior (Features, Space & Comfort)

Quality of interiors is fairly good, including buttons for mirror and windows. locking levers are of smart silver and give upmarket feel.

AC: Good and suffcient AC for the cabin size. Automatic climate control is an advantage.

Music System: Fairly good, does its job well. Excellent to hear instrumental. Quality gets distrorted at high volumes but is brilliant at low and regular volume. Have not used the USB yet.

Space: Spacious car with good leg room. 3 can comfortably seat behind, will also be able to accomodate 2 adults and 2 teens in the rear if required, with a slight squeeze. Head room will be limited if you are a 6 feeter. No problems for average Indians like me.

Comfort: Easily the best ride quality in its class. This is the second thing Fiat is known for after its styling in Europe.

Blue & Me: This is terrific. I have used the hands free and dial functions only till date and need to explore more.

Steering controls: Definitely an advantage, buttons are illuminated of good quality and respond well. 

The car has other small well thought of features like illuminated vanity mirrors (both sides) (these are available in BMWs); front facing ignition key; Rear passenger sun-curtain; cup holders for rear armrest; boot release on dasboard to name a few.

One small negative here is that the driver armrest is impossible to use in Bombay traffic, you will find difficulty in slotting the gears if you try with the armrest. Its a boon on expressway though.

Engine Performance, Fuel Economy and Gearbox

The Engine has fairly sufficient power if you don't intend drag racing. Have used it for driving in hilly konkan region and the car has responded decently. The long clutch becomes slightly tiring in the Bombay traffic conditions though (My neighbour told me that Fiat is replacing that in first service, will have to find out).

Gear slotting is decent though not the best, you will find Ford and Suzuki cars better here

Fuel Economy - This is one area where I definitely need help. My baby has returned an average of 8 kmpl and this is definitely 2 kmpl below my expectations. I have been driving for 8 years now and this is not my first car that I may be driving incorrectly or using the clutch wrongly. Even on highways I have not got good mileage (have travelled to Shirdi, Ekvira, Indapur and Janjira)

I have been using regular petrol as Fortune advised me against hybrids, the manual also cautions you against fuel with additives (most premium car manuals advise againsts fuel with additives).

I hope fuel economy improves after the first service, welcome tips to improve the same from othet linea owners

Ride Quality & Handling

This is the best part of the Linea, Superb ride quality. My departmental head also commented positively on the same (he drives a car in the 20 lac segment).

Handling is good, would have like if the turning radius was a tad bit smaller (say by 0.25 mts). The power steering is hydraulic and not electric, but does its job really well.

 

Final Words

Best value for money car in its category. Look no futher if you get the feeling of falling in love at first sight. Though it will have some shortcomings, its a terrific overall package. I did intensive research in this category before buying the Linea. Airbags and pre-tensioners add to the safety standards of the car making it a really safe cabin to drive in.

Areas of improvement  

One alert for other Linea owners. When you open the bonnet the be careful with the lever which holds the bonnet in open position, it becomes very hot. Fiat definitely needs to correct this flaw as some one can get injured.

 

 

Excllnt Stylng (lks hot in Flmco Red);Best Ride Quality;Silent Cabin; Ergonomically placed controlsNothing Really, fuel economy has been suspect for my car atleast