Which Petrol Sedan - Linea or SX4 or Fiesta

nkrishnap · 25th May 2009, 12:29

Hi,

I have been on the hunt for quite sometime for a sedan. The requirements being

Comfortable with good legroom and good boot space
Handling should be good. Ride quality is equally important
should have all the bells and whistles like the ACC, Electric mirrors, etc.
Safety features ABS and Airbags a must.

The max budget being 8.5 Lacs on the Road.

The three cars shortlisted are:

Fiesta SXI
Linea 1.4 FIRE Emotion Pk
SX4

Test drove these cars and here we go with the observations during the test drive.

Fiesta (S version for test drive odo - 10K kms) - The test drive car color was the blue. The color suited the car but however the car was not cleaned.

The car is driveable in low rpms, engine is pretty refined and responsive. The brakes has a good feel/feedback/bite. Hydralic steering has good feedback.

Rear seat space is a bit of worry, felt it was cramped with somebody like 6 feet tall sitting at the rear seat.

+s

good driver's car
Decent FE
Excellent price quoted (will reveal it later)
VFM

-s

Looks dated when compared to the lot
Leg room at the rear is less

Linea 1.4 (test drive car Dynamic version - odo 6k Kms) - The car looks gorgeous from any angle. The color being silver suited the car very much.

The engine is refined at low rpms but felt at bit rough (rather more throaty) at the high rpms. Decent enough power for the city, somehow felt they could have tuned the engine better. 2nd gear acceleration was a bit lousy. The ride and handling very good (I would rate Linea equal to Fiesta if not better in handling). However scraped almost all the humps on the route IPTL - Varthur - Hopefarm - ITPL

Good space inside when compared to SX4 and Fiesta. Huge boot. Rear seats very supportive and comfortable. Plastics here and there are filmsy.

+s

Fantastic looks
comfortable space both at the front and rear
decent FE
Huge Boot
VFM

-s

Low Ground Clearance (even tough there are reinforcement beams to protect the chasis, I would rather feel uncomfortable when it scrapes the humps)
Plastics
*** (Has improved after the launch of Linea as per the owner's feedback here on the forum, but still a bit apprehensive about the ***)

SX4 - ZXI with 5K on the Odo - First of all, I need to mention that the sales rep was the best informed about the car as well as the competitor's cars. No bad mouthing about other cars.

About the car. The car had a bad clutch with a lot of judder. Gear shifts are ok. The engine is not responsive until it touches 3K rpm. The handling is not so confidence inspiring. The ride was a bit bumpy. The rest was pretty fine with the car.

The GC is a big boon with regard to the huge mountains on the road (humps

)

+s

GC
Maruti Service Network
VFM
decent space if not exceptional

-s

Engine not so refined
poor low end torque.
Rear seat not comfortable. The middle is seat is literally a waste

Here are the observations

Looks: Linea> Fiesta = SX4

Performance- Fiesta > Linea > SX4

Comfort - Linea > Fiesta > SX4

Handling, ride quality & Braking - Linea > Fiesta > SX4

Bells & Whistles - Linea > SX4 > Fiesta

I have not test driven the Verna yet because of the reason that it does not have airbags. Honda City out of the list due to the price (Cant afford the E variant as well, its over 9 lacs OTR Bangalore). GM Aveo ruled out for obvious reasons.

Now comes the tough question. Which of the three is a good buy.

Please provide your feedback, inputs, ownership experience, etc.

Thanks in advance guys

sriramv.iyer · 25th May 2009, 12:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by nkrishnap

Hi,

Now comes the tough question. Which of the three is a good buy.

Please provide your feedback, inputs, ownership experience, etc.

Thanks in advance guys

if you like to drive:
----buy Fiesta
----Have fun
----Spares Expensive

if you love gadgets, looks, and good handling:
----Go for the linea

if you dont want to scrap a single speed breaker and can put up with the coarse engine:
----SX4

pranava999 · 25th May 2009, 12:54

What a lovely dilemma to be in - Fiesta 1.6 v/s Linea. Guess it depends on what you want from your car. The Linea is a good driver's car that delivers adequate power for a small engine. wonderful ride quality and handling. Complete VFM for the price.

The Fiesta is more performance oriented. An equally lovely driver's car and a forum favorite on that front.

Can't really give you an opinion mate - Heart goes Linea, mind goes Fiesta.

Let us know what you have decided.

"I went with my heart"

prince_pervez · 25th May 2009, 12:54

Quote:

Originally Posted by nkrishnap

Here are the observations

Looks: Linea> Fiesta = SX4

Performance- Fiesta > Linea > SX4

Comfort - Linea > Fiesta > SX4

Handling, ride quality & Braking - Linea > Fiesta > SX4

Bells & Whistles - Linea > SX4 > Fiesta

Do you want to hear it or should I say 'Linea' ?

If I were you and those were the choices than I would say 'Linea'
Its a VFM car. Not that the others are not, but...
Next SX4 (A.S.S) and then Fiesta (driver's car).

centaur · 25th May 2009, 12:55

SX4 will definitely be a better bet owing to the fact that it comes from maruti stable. Low on maintenance and excellent ***. Good performance and robust looks as well. Linea I feel is underpowered though loaded with features. Fiesta (personally i like the looks) comes from Ford and though these days the service has improved and the maintenance cost has come down still it cannot match the SX4. So better opt for the SX4

gemithomas · 25th May 2009, 13:23

The Fiesta would be the best drivers car that would test the function of your adrenalin glands once in a while.

If you want space and comfort. Its just the linea. Provided you can live with the "FIAT" image thats ofcourse improving by the day.

If you really want a maruti badge. Then and only then go for the sx4. But for me it would be out of the list by now.

finneyp · 25th May 2009, 13:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by nkrishnap

Here are the observations
Looks: Linea> Fiesta = SX4
Performance- Fiesta > Linea > SX4
Comfort - Linea > Fiesta > SX4
Handling, ride quality & Braking - Linea > Fiesta > SX4
Bells & Whistles - Linea > SX4 > Fiesta

Based on your review, it should be Linea!

JVH · 25th May 2009, 14:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by nkrishnap

.

Fiesta (S version for test drive odo - 10K kms) -
Rear seat space is a bit of worry, felt it was cramped with somebody like 6 feet tall sitting at the rear seat.

-s

Leg room at the rear is less

You have observed that rear space could be a problem for a 6 footer in Fiesta.

It is just my observation but I felt the rear head room in Linea is also nothing to write about.

You haven't mentioned who will drive the car. If the driver of the car is not much concerned about driving dynamics, it would simply be Linea (not that Linea is bad)

If I were you, I would feast upon Fiesta 1.6 S simply because in terms of engine equivalent/upgrade, it would suit me and my driving style.

Edit - Just noticed your final observations. You yourself have ticked Linea, just go ahead with it :-)

nkrishnap · 25th May 2009, 14:20

Thanks guys for the feedback.

Should I test drive the verna as well (the petrol because diesel is out of budget), but the airbags are missing.

pedrolourenco · 25th May 2009, 14:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by nkrishnap

Thanks guys for the feedback.

Should I test drive the verna as well (the petrol because diesel is out of budget), but the airbags are missing.

The Verna Diesel is a nice car. The petrol is sluggish and not at all fun to drive. It's OK if you have a driver.

The best car would be the Linea here. The spares of Ford are expensive and will be difficult to get as soon as production stops or a new version comes out. As for the SX4 I just don't like it. Buy it if you don't have a better way to proove you're a man.

VahanPujari · 25th May 2009, 14:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by pedrolourenco

Buy it if you don't have a better way to proove you're a man.

ha ha ha

Well Said & well summed up. cant stop laughing

vnabhi · 25th May 2009, 14:55

I second JVH's opinion---the head room in the rear of the Linea is poor--even for a guy like me who is 5'10", there was hardly any head room.
I'd go for the Fiesta. Spares are not so costly as in the initial Ikon days. And AFAIK, it is Fiat that makes you run from pillar to post for spare parts.

gopinathann · 25th May 2009, 15:34

You hold your answer in your review itself. Linea is the way to go, try to increase your GC by going for bigger alloys.

nkrishnap · 25th May 2009, 16:33

A friend of mind who accompanied me is 6 ft tall. Said he was ok with it. Also nobody is 6 feet tall in the family, so not much of a worry on that aspect.

Do i really need to take the test drive of verna petrol and the honda city as well?

pedrolourenco · 25th May 2009, 16:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by vnabhi

I second JVH's opinion---the head room in the rear of the Linea is poor--even for a guy like me who is 5'10", there was hardly any head room.
I'd go for the Fiesta. Spares are not so costly as in the initial Ikon days. And AFAIK, it is Fiat that makes you run from pillar to post for spare parts.

How many pillars & posts have you run through? All spares of Fiat are available at the dealers. Some uncommonly replaced parts are not stocked, but they can get it for you. I didn't get the radiator fan for my 1.6. Dealer said it will be there by the weekend.
I'm 5'10" too. I found the headroom OK.

25th May 2009, 12:29	#1
nkrishnap Distinguished - BHPian Join Date: May 2006 Location: Bangalore Posts: 3,983 Thanked: 7,407 Times View My Garage	Which Petrol Sedan - Linea or SX4 or Fiesta Hi, I have been on the hunt for quite sometime for a sedan. The requirements being Comfortable with good legroom and good boot space Handling should be good. Ride quality is equally important should have all the bells and whistles like the ACC, Electric mirrors, etc. Safety features ABS and Airbags a must. The max budget being 8.5 Lacs on the Road. The three cars shortlisted are: Fiesta SXI Linea 1.4 FIRE Emotion Pk SX4 Test drove these cars and here we go with the observations during the test drive. Fiesta (S version for test drive odo - 10K kms) - The test drive car color was the blue. The color suited the car but however the car was not cleaned. The car is driveable in low rpms, engine is pretty refined and responsive. The brakes has a good feel/feedback/bite. Hydralic steering has good feedback. Rear seat space is a bit of worry, felt it was cramped with somebody like 6 feet tall sitting at the rear seat. +s good driver's car Decent FE Excellent price quoted (will reveal it later) VFM -s Looks dated when compared to the lot Leg room at the rear is less Linea 1.4 (test drive car Dynamic version - odo 6k Kms) - The car looks gorgeous from any angle. The color being silver suited the car very much. The engine is refined at low rpms but felt at bit rough (rather more throaty) at the high rpms. Decent enough power for the city, somehow felt they could have tuned the engine better. 2nd gear acceleration was a bit lousy. The ride and handling very good (I would rate Linea equal to Fiesta if not better in handling). However scraped almost all the humps on the route IPTL - Varthur - Hopefarm - ITPL Good space inside when compared to SX4 and Fiesta. Huge boot. Rear seats very supportive and comfortable. Plastics here and there are filmsy. +s Fantastic looks comfortable space both at the front and rear decent FE Huge Boot VFM -s Low Ground Clearance (even tough there are reinforcement beams to protect the chasis, I would rather feel uncomfortable when it scrapes the humps) Plastics * (Has improved after the launch of Linea as per the owner's feedback here on the forum, but still a bit apprehensive about the ) SX4 - ZXI* with 5K on the Odo - First of all, I need to mention that the sales rep was the best informed about the car as well as the competitor's cars. No bad mouthing about other cars. About the car. The car had a bad clutch with a lot of judder. Gear shifts are ok. The engine is not responsive until it touches 3K rpm. The handling is not so confidence inspiring. The ride was a bit bumpy. The rest was pretty fine with the car. The GC is a big boon with regard to the huge mountains on the road (humps ) +s GC Maruti Service Network VFM decent space if not exceptional -s Engine not so refined poor low end torque. Rear seat not comfortable. The middle is seat is literally a waste Here are the observations Looks: Linea> Fiesta = SX4 Performance- Fiesta > Linea > SX4 Comfort - Linea > Fiesta > SX4 Handling, ride quality & Braking - Linea > Fiesta > SX4 Bells & Whistles - Linea > SX4 > Fiesta I have not test driven the Verna yet because of the reason that it does not have airbags. Honda City out of the list due to the price (Cant afford the E variant as well, its over 9 lacs OTR Bangalore). GM Aveo ruled out for obvious reasons. Now comes the tough question. Which of the three is a good buy. Please provide your feedback, inputs, ownership experience, etc. Thanks in advance guys Last edited by nkrishnap : 25th May 2009 at 12:42. Reason: Title changed
	() Thanks

25th May 2009, 12:54	#3
pranava999 BHPian Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: BANGALORE Posts: 845 Thanked: 23 Times View My Garage	What a lovely dilemma to be in - Fiesta 1.6 v/s Linea. Guess it depends on what you want from your car. The Linea is a good driver's car that delivers adequate power for a small engine. wonderful ride quality and handling. Complete VFM for the price. The Fiesta is more performance oriented. An equally lovely driver's car and a forum favorite on that front. Can't really give you an opinion mate - Heart goes Linea, mind goes Fiesta. Let us know what you have decided. "I went with my heart" Last edited by pranava999 : 25th May 2009 at 12:56.
	() Thanks

25th May 2009, 12:55	#5
centaur BHPian Join Date: May 2009 Location: -- Posts: 897 Thanked: 1,169 Times	SX4 will definitely be a better bet owing to the fact that it comes from maruti stable. Low on maintenance and excellent ***. Good performance and robust looks as well. Linea I feel is underpowered though loaded with features. Fiesta (personally i like the looks) comes from Ford and though these days the service has improved and the maintenance cost has come down still it cannot match the SX4. So better opt for the SX4
	() Thanks

25th May 2009, 13:23	#6
gemithomas Senior - BHPian Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Trivandrum Posts: 2,366 Thanked: 143 Times View My Garage	The Fiesta would be the best drivers car that would test the function of your adrenalin glands once in a while. If you want space and comfort. Its just the linea. Provided you can live with the "FIAT" image thats ofcourse improving by the day. If you really want a maruti badge. Then and only then go for the sx4. But for me it would be out of the list by now.
	() Thanks

25th May 2009, 14:20	#9
nkrishnap Distinguished - BHPian Join Date: May 2006 Location: Bangalore Posts: 3,983 Thanked: 7,407 Times View My Garage	Thanks guys for the feedback. Should I test drive the verna as well (the petrol because diesel is out of budget), but the airbags are missing.
	() Thanks

25th May 2009, 14:55	#12
vnabhi Senior - BHPian Join Date: May 2007 Location: DC -> DC Posts: 5,958 Thanked: 2,393 Times View My Garage	I second JVH's opinion---the head room in the rear of the Linea is poor--even for a guy like me who is 5'10", there was hardly any head room. I'd go for the Fiesta. Spares are not so costly as in the initial Ikon days. And AFAIK, it is Fiat that makes you run from pillar to post for spare parts.
	() Thanks

25th May 2009, 15:34	#13
gopinathann BHPian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Chennai Posts: 765 Thanked: 20 Times View My Garage	You hold your answer in your review itself. Linea is the way to go, try to increase your GC by going for bigger alloys.
	() Thanks

25th May 2009, 16:33	#14
nkrishnap Distinguished - BHPian Join Date: May 2006 Location: Bangalore Posts: 3,983 Thanked: 7,407 Times View My Garage	A friend of mind who accompanied me is 6 ft tall. Said he was ok with it. Also nobody is 6 feet tall in the family, so not much of a worry on that aspect. Do i really need to take the test drive of verna petrol and the honda city as well?
	() Thanks