[nanopano]

But I don't understand why Fiat has delayed the launch. I think that the month of December was a good time for launch. Everyone would be celebrating the Christmas season with gret joy and may make car purchases.

[sathyaprakash]

Originally Posted by finneyp

Wow, we'll be getting the Linea 2010 model in Jan'2009 itself! Brilliant!

Who told you, u will be getting Linea by Jan2009 IMO we may get it in Jan2010 that is the reason for 2010 modelBrilliant or not!!!

[SkyWalker]

Originally Posted by CrAzY dRiVeR

FIAT won't survive the economic crisis on its own: FIAT chief executive.

Looks to sell/ merge the company.

Fiat chief executive warns: we can't survive alone | Business | The Guardian

for me this kind of settles it. I had some hopes on FIAT would do a good job with Linea and will revise its fortunes here. The people here aren't even sure when to release the car, and now the parent company is shaky.

Doesn't leave much for the car buyer in general right? GM & Ford are being bailed out by govt, FIAT says its shaky - so i guess i have to stick with the Japanese or Maruti.

[finneyp]

Skywalker, the recession is having an impact on all the companies worldwide, no company is aloof!

Even Japanese cos are impacted big time, their car sales in US, Europe etc is hitting bottom.

And even if something drastic happens to Fiat, Italy's govt will offer a bail out for sure.

[crn12]

Originally Posted by finneyp

Skywalker, the recession is having an impact on all the companies worldwide, no company is aloof!

Even Japanese cos are impacted big time, their car sales in US, Europe etc is hitting bottom.

And even if something drastic happens to Fiat, Italy's govt will offer a bail out for sure.

Thats true finneyp, and I guess we have all seen Honda pulling out from F1 due to this reason..and with regards to FIAT if you read the complete statement he has made I personally feel its their way of telling the govt that be ready we might need some cash..(conspiracy theory here!!) and he is open for any mergers. We will sure hear more of all this in the coming months

[aaggoswami]

A few answers in bold.

Originally Posted by sridak

Delighted to know that the Linea's performance is bad against Dzire.

In 0-100 dash and 0-60 dash, Dzire is faster.

so you mean to say that all those Merc's, and BMW's should cost less than Dzire, fiesta, and Octavia’s as their FE is too low.

The Octy and Linea pricing are almost on similar lines. Merc and BMW are on sky as far as pricing goes.

Octy is delivering 90bhp with that heavy 1.9Lt engine, where as Linea is able to deliver the same power with a smaller engine 1.3Lt which is more refined and silent.

But too small for a car of that size and weight and it would reveal in FE figures.

If you consider the features, of Dzire, Fiesta, and Octy, am sure Linea’s would have more.

BTW, Linea is not going to cost 10-12 lacs as mentioned by you. It’s in the range of 7 to 9L.

That is what ACI mentions, but when then no body is sure about it. Even if its in the range of 7-9, I would be still overpriced, something not expected out of Fiat.

IMO, the price should not be based only on the bhp or the acceleration. we also need to consider all other factors.

Can you tell me one really useful feature that Linea has over Octy, Verna, G3HC, SX4 ?
Rear seat Space, NO. SX4, G3HC are better ( my reference is ACI roadtest ).
Ride quality, NO. Octy is equally good.
Engine, NO. Octy and Verna diesel take over.
Safety, NO. Octy prevent Linea from taking over the crown.


No offense to any one please.

My argument is this: Suppose Suzuki fits in the G13B motor in SX4, and puts in more features like cruise control, etc. then again will we appreciate Suzuki for the SX4 ?
If Suzuki puts in the M16A in GV and gives it more features, then again will we appreciate Suzuki ?
In both the cases, the answer is NO.

So all I am trying to prove is that Fiat is acting like a miser here for not giving a proper motor to Linea. Also to some extent, IMHO, they are taking us for granted in this regard. To me atleast this shows its sincerity, or rather the lack of it, if they offer 1.25 VGT in Linea. I would then start appreciating Hyundai for the Verna Crdi. Fiat has the technology since long, so why they are not providing to India where a good diesel saloon can certainly gain good numbers if priced sensibly ( read under 10-11 lakh ).

[ajitsank]

Here we go again, another wait to enternity!

[downsouth]

Thank God atleast there is a date now, thats not bad actually considering the launch was delayed for a month or so.

I wish FIat India could do more than just a simple banner, just to keep the interest of prospective customers.

[harry10]

Originally Posted by ajitsank

Here we go again, another wait to enternity!

This is utter Bull****. In the name of sentiments they had delayed the launch by a complete month! Now am not too inclined in getting the Linea as Fiat is not dependable at all.

[RakishRam]

Originally Posted by ajitsank

Here we go again, another wait to enternity!

Not too bad, it's less than a month. Provided no more change of dates

[deepakhon]

That is quite a delay. I was somehow assuming that they would delay by a max of a fortnight, but the delay is of almost a month.

The only silver lining is that they have announced the dates officially now.

[lurker]

Give credit where credit is due .. atleast they are consistent.

Linea's always a month away.

[autocarcr]

Originally Posted by lurker

Give credit where credit is due .. atleast they are consistent.

Linea's always a month away.

Well said! But I still don't get the point though... Xylo will release on the 13th of January and considering Xylo is being advertised as a sedan modified @ 7 lacs, Linea will have a competitor- dosen't that deter FIAT? I mean they have been avoiding a launch date since September on fears of 'competition' from Honda City and now, they want to go head on with the Xylo- that seems stupid- Anyhow FIAT has always got its market statistics wrong... Good Car, Bad Marketing, Someone has got to bring this to Fiat's notice (not that it'll help in anyway). This kinds of market tactics are just ruining the image even more. At this rate theyll only get a bunch of people who choose to buy a car in January without realising that they have actually gone for a car that has been delayed beyond frustration... still my LAST hopes havn't dieed- anything beyond this date and I wont breath the word FIAT anymore!

WAITING.... -29 DAYS TO GO- HMPH!!!!!

[harry10]

Originally Posted by lurker

Give credit where credit is due .. atleast they are consistent.

Linea's always a month away.

Atleast better than Hyundai who still have no clues about the launching of i20 in India.

[noidaboy]

Originally Posted by harry10

Atleast better than Hyundai who still have no clues about the launching of i20 in India.

Economic recession you see.Companies are too scared it seems