The Fiat Linea test drive thread

eternalck · 20th March 2009, 12:56

Finally....(a big finally at that)... saw the first linea at kapasheda border (delhi-haryana border)...
but the poor thing was all covered up in mud... so not a very good sight. :(

20th March 2009, 13:06

Quote:

Originally Posted by abhim23

Let us know when you get the details back and I believe you are talking about the diesel. The diesel Linea anyway has quite good torque so I guess it will make for a very very good expenditure........now I am seriously thinking of buying the Linea diesel.
If anyone of TBHPians Pete the Linea,

post the results.

What is Pete?
Pardon me for my ignorance.

diabloo · 20th March 2009, 13:24

Well, its missing here too - http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/announ...-team-bhp.html

For Pete, check out this: Pete's Automotive Products Pvt Limited

Quote:

Originally Posted by capri_cap

What is Pete?

hirajan · 20th March 2009, 18:29

Friends,
I currently own a swift Zxi and TD Linea petrol this thursday. I spent lot of time going through this thread and i had my own apprehension towards the car pickup.
1) Though it doesnt match with the instant response compared to my Swift, I must say that pickup is not that bad. If you are 'no rush' driver who drives with cool head .., then you will not have any problem with Linea's performance.
2) A Pillar is thick and block your vision to a greater extent. You typically have to leab to your right and check before taking a right turn.
3) Though it is not Amearian, I dont understand why they changed the turn indicator swith position.
4) Height adjustment and recline lever platics are of poor quality. You can feel it when you hold the lever.
5) i must admit that i was impressed with the noise level inside. When i say noise level i meant the rattling noises, its absolutely calm inside. Not sure if that is because the car has run only 1400 Kms.
6) Engine noise penetrates through the cabin.. but with AC&Music on you will not feel the engine noise.
7) Not all teh doors are closing with the good thud sound. Some doors make tin sheet noise when closed.
8) Middle seats position back support in the back seat is very hard and i think you will not have a pleasant ride if you are pushing your Linea for a long drive.
9) Steering doesnt give me that butter feel i get out of my Swift. I need to use both the hands when i take a U Turn.
10) One thing that i noticed when i remove my feet off the accelarator the speed dips fast. The engive rev is not maintained.

Not all cars available in the market are perfect. We do make some compromise and live with our car.

I feel that Linea is a good car in terms of build quality and drive dynamics. The only thing that concerns me if the engine power and TATA.

sapre · 22nd March 2009, 13:56

got delivery of my linea diesel emotion pack in black colour yesterday

!!
I have to admit I am impressed

. Yes no doubt some of the plastics like the seat levers etc. feel flimsy but on road it manages to put a big smile on your face ! Audio is poor though it is by blaupunkt. The one in my siena was much better. Fiat has compromised on a lot of small items which I feel should hve been included in the top most model - like the ORVM's do not fold electronically, no parking aid inspite of the view in the mirror being poor. Will post my experience after driving a couple of days more ! Cheers !

VahanPujari · 22nd March 2009, 14:39

First of all thanks to all t-bhpians who indirectly helped me (in last 2 months) reaching decision on the new sedan I’m buying. My TD experience on SX4, Verna, ANHC & Linea are as below

SX4 - Maruti tag, network, service, features, Resale are strong points. However, during the drive, I did not found ride quality or drive a pleasure. Somehow It feels heavy as compared to others & does not give a feel of finness of verna/city/linea. A-pillar is an obstacle while turning the car. Only 2 persons can sit on rear seat as the middle portion is popped up & does not have headrest. It has almost all features as other cars have (& some more also) except Linea.

Verna - The best ride quality among these 4 cars. Power is very good. Even in 5th gear, it climbs mumbai’s overbridge easily without giving any feel of engine underpower. However, the design/ looks does not excite me. Neither it has airbags which are common now in all such cars

ANHC - Good, Reliabile, Good Resale are strong points. However, its kinda monotonous & does not give excite

Fiat Linea - Engine though some reviews suggest as underpowered, I did not feel it & it looks alright though not as powerful as verna during ride. Features are mindblowing, Blue n me, Rear AC Vents, “my car” are exclusive to this car only. Nicely styled with a very good shape in the front with grill.

I had almost made up my mind when I first saw her. Was held back only because of concerns on Fiat reputation in India, After-sales service, dealer network etc. Did extensive digging – explored thro’ t-bhp threads for 2 months, spoke to people, visited dealership & service station, wrote to Rajiv Kapoor - & then finally booked Linea Emotion Pack Petrol Flamenco Red. Shall get the delivery in Apr first week & shall post ownership experience then.

VahanPujari · 23rd March 2009, 00:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by nehamit

Hi! I took the TD of petrol linea 3 times in last week here in Ahmedabad. The in built trip meter showed 11.7/12.3/11.3 average on these 3 occasions. I have already ordered a black E+ diesel and after thoroughly calculating my costing for finance etc. The price difference between a petrol and diesel E+ in Ahmedabad is about Rs. 1 lakh. I just continued with my choice to go for a diesel one as per following calculation.
My average monthly run is about 1200 Kms in pure city driving conditions.
So,
Petrol - 1200/12=100 litres of petrol*Rs.43.77=Rs.4377/month
Diesel - 1200/15=60 litres of diesel*Rs.35.40=Rs.2832/month
Difference is Rs.1545/month
Now, my finance is at 11% reducing, which turns out to be Rs2174/lakh/month for 60 months. So just at Rs.650 more I am going for the time tested MJD engine which is going to attract higher resale price also in future. And consider this - This is just for 1200 Kms/month. Anything more is going to save more!
So, that's simple calculation to go for diesel E+ in my case!

Well, I've booked Emotion Pack Petrol & My calculations are as under for monthly usage of 1700 km:

Petrol: 1700 km/11 FE = 154 litres * Rs. 44.55 = Rs. 6885/month
Diesel: 1700 km/14 FE = 121 litres * Rs. 36.80 = Rs. 4469/month

i.e. difference of Rs. 2416/month

Against this saving, diesel car price is higher by 1.20 Lacs. After 4 yrs this addl "investment" of 1.20 Lacs will become 1.75 Lacs @ 10% compunded interest. To cover this cost of 1.75 Lacs, it would have taken 72 months (Rs. 1.75 Lacs/ Rs. 2416 per month saving) to breakeven i.e. I would have covered addl cost of diesel engine in 6 years (& we've taken interest on 1.20 lacs only for 4 yrs, further 2 yrs interest means breakeven will be more than 6 years after). After 6 yrs in all probability, I would change the car anyways so why not to enjoy Petrol ride?

23rd March 2009, 12:07

I just test drove the linea diesel at this dealer:
The Fortune Cars
Wagle Estate,
Thane
Maharashtra

After a kilometer of driving I noticed that speedometer is not working, when asked the dealer representative told that they had removed the speedometer.

On further enquiring he said that would be selling this car and are currently using it as a TD car.

He stated that they would give this car to someone who wants urgent delivery and would informed the customer about the car's history.

When I told the represntative that , you could sell it to anyone, even me, how do I trust them.

He just said that I am TD the emotion, but I would going for emotion pack so atleast I would not be getting it.

This was not something expected and it is comletely unethical.

Imagine the plight of the custmer who lands up with this car.

What should be done in this case?

This is enough to spoil fiat's leftover reputation if any.

Prash · 23rd March 2009, 12:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by VahanPujari

Well, I've booked Emotion Pack Petrol & My calculations are as under for monthly usage of 1700 km:

Petrol: 1700 km/11 FE = 154 litres * Rs. 44.55 = Rs. 6885/month
Diesel: 1700 km/14 FE = 121 litres * Rs. 36.80 = Rs. 4469/month

i.e. difference of Rs. 2416/month

Against this saving, diesel car price is higher by 1.20 Lacs. After 4 yrs this addl "investment" of 1.20 Lacs will become 1.75 Lacs @ 10% compunded interest. To cover this cost of 1.75 Lacs, it would have taken 72 months (Rs. 1.75 Lacs/ Rs. 2416 per month saving) to breakeven i.e. I would have covered addl cost of diesel engine in 6 years (& we've taken interest on 1.20 lacs only for 4 yrs, further 2 yrs interest means breakeven will be more than 6 years after). After 6 yrs in all probability, I would change the car anyways so why not to enjoy Petrol ride?

The diesel price that you have mentioned is wrong. Its 34.45 Rs for a ltr of diesel. And if you have mentioned the price of some premium or extramile or whatever the name of the diesel be its not recommended by Fiat. Also i guess the price of the petrol that you have mentioned is of normal petrol. So your comparision calculations changes a bit.
And i drive my diesel linea in city with AC on for all run and get an FE of 15 and on my highway trip i get an FE of 19 + again with AC on and the highway was not that great to drive. I had to constantly change gears. So given a better highway I am sure FE would increase at least by 1 kmpl.

CarsPG · 23rd March 2009, 16:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by sapre

got delivery of my linea diesel emotion pack in black colour yesterday

!!
I have to admit I am impressed

. Yes no doubt some of the plastics like the seat levers etc. feel flimsy but on road it manages to put a big smile on your face ! Audio is poor though it is by blaupunkt. The one in my siena was much better. Fiat has compromised on a lot of small items which I feel should hve been included in the top most model - like the ORVM's do not fold electronically, no parking aid inspite of the view in the mirror being poor. Will post my experience after driving a couple of days more ! Cheers !

Congrats. How long was the waiting period? I booked the same model in Pune and the dealer and Fiat have been giving me the run around for 2 months now :(!!

Thank you.

VahanPujari · 23rd March 2009, 18:04

Quote:

Originally Posted by Prash

The diesel price that you have mentioned is wrong. Its 34.45 Rs for a ltr of diesel. And if you have mentioned the price of some premium or extramile or whatever the name of the diesel be its not recommended by Fiat. Also i guess the price of the petrol that you have mentioned is of normal petrol. So your comparision calculations changes a bit.
And i drive my diesel linea in city with AC on for all run and get an FE of 15 and on my highway trip i get an FE of 19 + again with AC on and the highway was not that great to drive. I had to constantly change gears. So given a better highway I am sure FE would increase at least by 1 kmpl.

OK, Prash. Taking 34.45 per litre for diesel, it comes to Rs. 2716/month. I've taken conservative kmpl for both Petrol & Diesel considering Mumbai traffic (1 kmpl less in both cases making it even)
Petrol: 1700 km/11 FE = 154 litres * Rs. 44.55 = Rs. 6885/month
Diesel: 1700 km/14 FE = 121 litres * Rs. 34.45 = Rs. 4168/month

i.e. difference of Rs. 2716/month savings

Rs. 1.75 Lacs / Rs. 2716 = 64 months = 5 yrs 4 months....still that's too long to breakeven & by the time I would change my car

Even if we give diesel a leeway say @ 15 kmpl FE & keep Petrol FE at 11 kmpl only, it works out to 5 years...

Petrol: 1700 km/11 FE = 154 litres * Rs. 44.55 = Rs. 6885/month
Diesel: 1700 km/15 FE = 113 litres * Rs. 34.45 = Rs. 3904/month

i.e. difference of Rs. 2980/month savings

Rs. 1.75 Lacs / Rs. 2980 = 59 months = 5 yrs -- still too long

marlinspike · 23rd March 2009, 19:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by VahanPujari

OK,
Even if we give diesel a leeway say @ 15 kmpl FE & keep Petrol FE at 11 kmpl only, it works out to 5 years...

Petrol: 1700 km/11 FE = 154 litres * Rs. 44.55 = Rs. 6885/month
Diesel: 1700 km/15 FE = 113 litres * Rs. 34.45 = Rs. 3904/month

i.e. difference of Rs. 2980/month savings

Rs. 1.75 Lacs / Rs. 2980 = 59 months = 5 yrs -- still too long

I came to the same conclusion when I went for the Fiesta Sport.
If that calc had favoured Diesel. It would be the Verna CRDI that I would have picked up. Every time I see the Fuel bill it hurts a bit but then the higher EMI on the Diesel would have been a longer and constant outgo.

I had pegged a 800 KM a month calc, ended up driving 4500 KM in three months but petrol for less than 1500 KM a month argument still holds good.

vnabhi · 23rd March 2009, 21:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by marlinspike

I had pegged a 800 KM a month calc, ended up driving 4500 KM in three months but petrol for less than 1500 KM a month argument still holds good.

I guess it is the intitial enthsiasm. It will die down in a few months, and your average usage will fall. However, owning a Fiesta 1.6, I do agree that it is tough to stay away from the car and not to 'steponit'.

downsouth · 23rd March 2009, 21:36

I have seen this on a Petrol, but why diesel when they have dedicated cars for TD. Beats me, I think dealers are thinking they have won the battle, thats only half the story.

Being a Linea owner its a nightmare even to think of such propects

.

I think one of this day this whole fiasco is going to blow in Fiat exec faces or stop once there are more cars on the road(wishful thinking)

Quote:

Originally Posted by capri_cap

After a kilometer of driving I noticed that speedometer is not working, when asked the dealer representative told that they had removed the speedometer.

On further enquiring he said that would be selling this car and are currently using it as a TD car.

He stated that they would give this car to someone who wants urgent delivery and would informed the customer about the car's history.

SSN · 23rd March 2009, 22:26

Hi All,

Heard that the Linea is now available in Vocal White colour. Could somebody please confirm?

20th March 2009, 12:56	#646
eternalck BHPian Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: New Delhi Posts: 175 Thanked: 94 Times	Finally....(a big finally at that)... saw the first linea at kapasheda border (delhi-haryana border)... but the poor thing was all covered up in mud... so not a very good sight. :(
	() Thanks

20th March 2009, 18:29	#649
hirajan BHPian Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Chennai Posts: 39 Thanked: Once	Linea Petrol TD Friends, I currently own a swift Zxi and TD Linea petrol this thursday. I spent lot of time going through this thread and i had my own apprehension towards the car pickup. 1) Though it doesnt match with the instant response compared to my Swift, I must say that pickup is not that bad. If you are 'no rush' driver who drives with cool head .., then you will not have any problem with Linea's performance. 2) A Pillar is thick and block your vision to a greater extent. You typically have to leab to your right and check before taking a right turn. 3) Though it is not Amearian, I dont understand why they changed the turn indicator swith position. 4) Height adjustment and recline lever platics are of poor quality. You can feel it when you hold the lever. 5) i must admit that i was impressed with the noise level inside. When i say noise level i meant the rattling noises, its absolutely calm inside. Not sure if that is because the car has run only 1400 Kms. 6) Engine noise penetrates through the cabin.. but with AC&Music on you will not feel the engine noise. 7) Not all teh doors are closing with the good thud sound. Some doors make tin sheet noise when closed. 8) Middle seats position back support in the back seat is very hard and i think you will not have a pleasant ride if you are pushing your Linea for a long drive. 9) Steering doesnt give me that butter feel i get out of my Swift. I need to use both the hands when i take a U Turn. 10) One thing that i noticed when i remove my feet off the accelarator the speed dips fast. The engive rev is not maintained. Not all cars available in the market are perfect. We do make some compromise and live with our car. I feel that Linea is a good car in terms of build quality and drive dynamics. The only thing that concerns me if the engine power and TATA.
	() Thanks

22nd March 2009, 13:56	#650
sapre Newbie Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Mumbai Posts: 3 Thanked: 0 Times	got delivery of my linea diesel emotion pack in black colour yesterday !! I have to admit I am impressed . Yes no doubt some of the plastics like the seat levers etc. feel flimsy but on road it manages to put a big smile on your face ! Audio is poor though it is by blaupunkt. The one in my siena was much better. Fiat has compromised on a lot of small items which I feel should hve been included in the top most model - like the ORVM's do not fold electronically, no parking aid inspite of the view in the mirror being poor. Will post my experience after driving a couple of days more ! Cheers !
	() Thanks

22nd March 2009, 14:39	#651
VahanPujari BANNED Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Mumbai Posts: 1,308 Thanked: 8 Times	First of all thanks to all t-bhpians who indirectly helped me (in last 2 months) reaching decision on the new sedan I’m buying. My TD experience on SX4, Verna, ANHC & Linea are as below SX4 - Maruti tag, network, service, features, Resale are strong points. However, during the drive, I did not found ride quality or drive a pleasure. Somehow It feels heavy as compared to others & does not give a feel of finness of verna/city/linea. A-pillar is an obstacle while turning the car. Only 2 persons can sit on rear seat as the middle portion is popped up & does not have headrest. It has almost all features as other cars have (& some more also) except Linea. Verna - The best ride quality among these 4 cars. Power is very good. Even in 5th gear, it climbs mumbai’s overbridge easily without giving any feel of engine underpower. However, the design/ looks does not excite me. Neither it has airbags which are common now in all such cars ANHC - Good, Reliabile, Good Resale are strong points. However, its kinda monotonous & does not give excite Fiat Linea - Engine though some reviews suggest as underpowered, I did not feel it & it looks alright though not as powerful as verna during ride. Features are mindblowing, Blue n me, Rear AC Vents, “my car” are exclusive to this car only. Nicely styled with a very good shape in the front with grill. I had almost made up my mind when I first saw her. Was held back only because of concerns on Fiat reputation in India, After-sales service, dealer network etc. Did extensive digging – explored thro’ t-bhp threads for 2 months, spoke to people, visited dealership & service station, wrote to Rajiv Kapoor - & then finally booked Linea Emotion Pack Petrol Flamenco Red. Shall get the delivery in Apr first week & shall post ownership experience then.
	() Thanks

23rd March 2009, 12:07	#653
capri_cap Posts: n/a	Speedometer removed from test drive linea I just test drove the linea diesel at this dealer: The Fortune Cars Wagle Estate, Thane Maharashtra After a kilometer of driving I noticed that speedometer is not working, when asked the dealer representative told that they had removed the speedometer. On further enquiring he said that would be selling this car and are currently using it as a TD car. He stated that they would give this car to someone who wants urgent delivery and would informed the customer about the car's history. When I told the represntative that , you could sell it to anyone, even me, how do I trust them. He just said that I am TD the emotion, but I would going for emotion pack so atleast I would not be getting it. This was not something expected and it is comletely unethical. Imagine the plight of the custmer who lands up with this car. What should be done in this case? This is enough to spoil fiat's leftover reputation if any.
	() Thanks

23rd March 2009, 22:26	#660
SSN BHPian Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Mumbai Posts: 44 Thanked: 0 Times	White Linea Hi All, Heard that the Linea is now available in Vocal White colour. Could somebody please confirm?
	() Thanks