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Old 15th January 2009, 22:32   #736
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Mandira has changed her name to Linea, is it? No wonder FIAT is dreaming to reverse its future in india. By the way what car it is shown in quite a few pictures? Looks good!
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Old 15th January 2009, 22:57   #737
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Thirteen threads and 3300 (yes!) posts later, the Linea is really here.

Bhpians' patience would put some monks to shame. Cheers!
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Old 15th January 2009, 23:08   #738
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OT : The same has been blocked. Team-BHP does NOT permit automotive advertising. If you see any others / similar, please PM me (alongwith the ad url).

Thanks
Any particular reason why we have the Skoda on the top of every page?
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Old 15th January 2009, 23:31   #739
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Originally Posted by d_himan View Post
Of course, I'm sure it'll be quite 'ok' to drive. But picture this, you're on a decent stretch of highway, doing a sedate 80 kmph and an ugly Mahindra Ingenio, with its 112bhp, 240NM torque, 6 people inside, hood scoop and all, overtakes the Linea. Maybe, just maybe, the Linea can muster up enough juice to catch the Ingenio - but it'll be embarrassingly tough.
No the Linea won't be able to catch the Mahindra. The Mahindra will disappear into the distance. And then, ten miles later you will see the Mahindra on its roof.
 
Old 16th January 2009, 00:51   #740
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No the Linea won't be able to catch the Mahindra. The Mahindra will disappear into the distance. And then, ten miles later you will see the Mahindra on its roof.
That was a good one.

The Honda City Killer is finally launched. The only thing that would prevent people from buying a Linea over a City would be the sales and service. If Fiat-Tata have that sorted, they have a Winner. Another thing that can help Fiat is to advertise the fact that the car(Linea) comes from the makers of Ferrari. Maybe they can create an Ad where the Linea is escorted by Ferraris. That would create a huge impact in the minds of people. On any day a Honda is no match for a Ferrari, be it on power or be it on Brand Image
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Old 16th January 2009, 00:59   #741
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The Honda City Killer is finally launched. The only thing that would prevent people from buying a Linea over a City would be the sales and service. If Fiat-Tata have that sorted, they have a Winner. Another thing that can help Fiat is to advertise the fact that the car(Linea) comes from the makers of Ferrari. Maybe they can create an Ad where the Linea is escorted by Ferraris. That would create a huge impact in the minds of people. On any day a Honda is no match for a Ferrari, be it on power or be it on Brand Image
Haven't they (FIAT) done that already, albeit with the other FIAT Hatchback that travelled all over India, on that Heritage Run along with the Ferraris?

I don't think it will make a huge impact as our markets are driven predominantly by A.S.S/Running costs and resale value. That's why we are now referring a car that is loaded to the gills with some "First time in India" features as the Honda City killer. To me, the Honda City is just a plain jane car with an even simpler ICE, let alone any other comfort features. Honda has just woken up to the safety part, and if the Linea can put them under pressure to get the interiors, equipment and ICE levels improved, then that in itself would be a big achievement. Honda City killer, this car is not...... at least not untill TATA-FIAT wins the common man's confidence back.
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Old 16th January 2009, 04:34   #742
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So lets see the Palio hatchback get a 1.6 liter engine and the much larger and expensive Linea gets a 1.4 liter. Italian logic of some sort?

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Heres the Final Lot from the Linea Launch.
Who's the guy standing next to Shaimak and how is he connected to FIAT?
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Old 16th January 2009, 07:57   #743
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So lets see the Palio hatchback get a 1.6 liter engine and the much larger and expensive Linea gets a 1.4 liter. Italian logic of some sort?
As enthusiasists we understand and are also aware of things under the hood. But there is a perception which is going on in the market since the Palio GTX times that Fiats are guzzlers.

When I was recommending a Palio MJD over the Swift DDiS to my friend, he went straight ahead to quote that Fiats are guzzlers and he cant afford one. And then I stopped him to explain that its the same engine under the hood which is owned by Fiat which won quite a lot of awards internationally and it was also the same engine which is being boasted about by MSIL. Then he was convinced to go on with the Fiat.

This perception should change in the market, so I see a point why we have a new generation Fiat which could offer a perfect balance of power & performance. But the Linea is defenitely not underpowered or disappoint you with the ride, but it doesnt give you the adrenaline rush when you go pedal to the metal. It offers a very sedate drive which is above average for sure. (Will detail more in my TD report to follow soon)!
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Old 16th January 2009, 08:25   #744
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Any particular reason why we have the Skoda on the top of every page?
It is a member's vehicle. The image changes to a white Civic sometimes as well. Methinks the random image algorithm isn't very random
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Old 16th January 2009, 09:50   #745
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Originally Posted by quicksilver View Post

I don't think it will make a huge impact as our markets are driven predominantly by A.S.S/Running costs and resale value. That's why we are now referring a car that is loaded to the gills with some "First time in India" features as the Honda City killer. To me, the Honda City is just a plain jane car with an even simpler ICE, let alone any other comfort features. Honda has just woken up to the safety part, and if the Linea can put them under pressure to get the interiors, equipment and ICE levels improved, then that in itself would be a big achievement. Honda City killer, this car is not...... at least not untill TATA-FIAT wins the common man's confidence back.

Last time around Fiat didnt have a long term partner. This time it does seem Pretty good with Tata. But yes back of the mind every buyer would think twice. Im pretty sure it ll impact Honda City sales. I was pretty sure on getting the City. After seeing the Linea the City looked plasticy .
Soon ill have to change my avatar
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Old 16th January 2009, 10:00   #746
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The face of the Indian car industry is "After sales, running cost and resale" instead of "the car itself and its technology". No manufacturer can help until we help ourselves. Team-BHP is just a fraction of total car buyers. Nobody outside such a car forum even gives a damn to ABS forget about airbags. Until the manufacturer realize ABS+airbags thing is accepted by the buyer even at a premium, they will not make it mandatory across all variants.

About Honda and City, they can afford to do it cause they know Indian people are happy getting ripped by them just for the sake of badge Honda. For FIAT, A*S*S is more important than airbags and ABS for all variants. I hope this time FIAT will sort out this issue otherwise Linea will have an early death as Palio.
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Old 16th January 2009, 10:01   #747
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Time for Honda go load up the ANHC with goodies like alloys and Fog lamps atleast.
Else its Linea all the way, with its fuel efficient diesel option and packed to the brim features.
Let the govt cut diesel prices by another 3 Rs and we have the Linea taking the city head on.
Now i want maruti to come up with diesel SX4 and heat up the game for the ANHC.
Wake up Honda, Indians have options beyond the ANHC now !!!
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Old 16th January 2009, 10:11   #748
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Thats true. I wonder how many indeed know that Linea was launched by Fiat. The word 'Fiat' brings about the perception of Mumbai taxis, Premier Padminis. Maybe atleast in India, Fiat needs to change their name.
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Originally Posted by neoonwheels View Post
Team-BHP is just a fraction of total car buyers.
I beg to disagree. If any other manufacturer tries to bring their car upto ANHC level, then they will overshoot ANHC prices. So no question of being ripped. People here mention alloys & fog lamps are missing in ANHC. I wonder how many really miss them in ANHC .
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About Honda and City, they can afford to do it cause they know Indian people are happy getting ripped by them just for the sake of badge Honda.
They always had the option in competent Fiesta, Verna & SX4.
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Wake up Honda, Indians have options beyond the ANHC now !!!
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Old 16th January 2009, 10:18   #749
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wow mandira and linea both looking really nice...guys to be honest i'm not a big fan of fiat and on the other hand i'm an ardent honda fan and swear by their high revving engines. For me its the pedal to metal efficiency which wins my heart.
But i dont understand whenever i look at linea i feel something from inside, i dont know what it is...excitement, curiosity, admiration or appreciation. And whenever i compare linea to ANHC i'm not able to decide. Whats happening to me?
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Old 16th January 2009, 10:26   #750
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Originally Posted by neoonwheels View Post
The face of the Indian car industry is "After sales, running cost and resale" instead of "the car itself and its technology". No manufacturer can help until we help ourselves. Team-BHP is just a fraction of total car buyers. Nobody outside such a car forum even gives a damn to ABS forget about airbags. Until the manufacturer realize ABS+airbags thing is accepted by the buyer even at a premium, they will not make it mandatory across all variants.

About Honda and City, they can afford to do it cause they know Indian people are happy getting ripped by them just for the sake of badge Honda. For FIAT, A*S*S is more important than airbags and ABS for all variants. I hope this time FIAT will sort out this issue otherwise Linea will have an early death as Palio.
Can't agree more. A colleague of mine , who is professionally qualified and can afford safety features, actually tries to convince buyers about the lack of utility of such features. One common argument he advances is that with the differential 50-75K you can "upgrade" to a higher spec car. I believe our "fatalistic" attitude plays a big role.

OT: Product manf have to keep the market's tastes in mind while developing tastes. I find it very funny that in India TVs are promoted on the basis of their sound quality
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