The Fiat Linea test drive thread

raamki · 10th August 2009, 22:34

yep! i saw a yellow board black emotion+ variant on commercial st a couple days ago! looked a beauty!

@ geeash, it's not going the indica way for sure!! Linea's will probably only cater to the premium taxi services market! like the chauffeur services offered by 5 star hotels! In fact, i guess it's more of a proud feeling you know! Linea's alongside the likes of the BMW's & the Teana's!!

Ravveendrra · 10th August 2009, 23:39

I do not know if it would bother me if the taxi guys would use the same model as my car as a taxi. After all a lot of taxis in the world are Mercedes, in some cities MBs are the most popular for taxis but that does not detract from the cars and one finds private MBs too in large numbers.

Taxi and fleet operators opting for Linea is a good thing. It means that the cars are sturdy and economical (these taxi guys are hard nosed businessmen and strictly VFM guys). It also means that Fiat will have sufficient numbers to make their operations viable. Last but not least, if the Fiat sales start earning them decent commission - the Concordes and other T.A.S.S. guys will take some interest in the Fiat sales.

Cheers,

opendro · 11th August 2009, 11:54

Quote:

Originally Posted by vinay.pillai

Hotel Taj Vivanta at ITPL, Bangalore is having Linea for their guest service

Ok. That sums up. Good backseat ride, good mileage, cheap price tag, cheap maintenance (compared to Toyota, Honda, Audi, Nissan, etc. which are also used by the such hotels).

In a way good. Fiat will have some more business.

VahanPujari · 11th August 2009, 12:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by raamki

yep! i saw a yellow board black emotion+ variant on commercial st a couple days ago! looked a beauty!

@ geeash, it's not going the indica way for sure!! Linea's will probably only cater to the premium taxi services market! like the chauffeur services offered by 5 star hotels! In fact, i guess it's more of a proud feeling you know! Linea's alongside the likes of the BMW's & the Teana's!!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ravveendrra

I do not know if it would bother me if the taxi guys would use the same model as my car as a taxi. After all a lot of taxis in the world are Mercedes, in some cities MBs are the most popular for taxis but that does not detract from the cars and one finds private MBs too in large numbers.

Taxi and fleet operators opting for Linea is a good thing. It means that the cars are sturdy and economical (these taxi guys are hard nosed businessmen and strictly VFM guys). It also means that Fiat will have sufficient numbers to make their operations viable. Last but not least, if the Fiat sales start earning them decent commission - the Concordes and other T.A.S.S. guys will take some interest in the Fiat sales.

Cheers,

Agreed.
Last Friday, I've seen Nisaan Tiana "taxi" with a Yellow number plate at Mumbai Airport. That was the "taxi" service offerred by Leela Kempinsky to its Guests.
Sayaji Grande at Indore has a fleet of over-20 cars with Yellow number plates, some of them are Mercs & other high-end cars too.

rupinder · 11th August 2009, 12:24

fiat is trying new incentive to market linea. today i saw an ad in our paper which say if you book a linea this august u will get a gift cheque which can be upto 31000rs. some sort of independence day offer.

Blessen · 1st December 2009, 22:03

I TD FL diesel yesterday at Concord motors Bangalore, noticed that the speedo was not working. the guy said its that way on TD vehicles. Do they sell-off these TD vehicles to customers. A disconnected speedo means no record of Km run.

razor4077 · 6th December 2009, 21:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blessen

I TD FL diesel yesterday at Concord motors Bangalore, noticed that the speedo was not working. the guy said its that way on TD vehicles. Do they sell-off these TD vehicles to customers. A disconnected speedo means no record of Km run.

Yup, that's exactly it. Fairly common practice, and not just with Fiat. They have some clearly designated TD cars with Demo Car stickering. The plain ones are usually sold off.

Fornax · 25th December 2009, 00:23

I went in looking for a petrol test-drive but since it was not available I decided to go ahead with the diesel one instead just to evaluate the overalls - interiors, comfort, styling and build. The ride, handling and engine related aspects were clearly understood to be left open for a petrol test-drive later.

As mentioned in earlier posts, the car was not a test-drive car, and all the indicators were disabled. This and moreover my experience with Indica led me to observe the following:

1. The car was found to be struggling at ~40 in 4th gear climbing a flyover. While doing so, there was a perceptible drop in cabin temperature, and the car didnt really respond to me flooring the accelerator. Not that it slowed down, but didnt really add speed in a hurry.
2. The engine noise is no more than a whisper, I really had difficulty containing my amazement at this novelty. A noiseless diesel (almost).
3. The rear seat is very comfortable, however it is not a big upgrade over my Indica. The rear seat also felt a bit claustrophobic. Its' my personal opinion, seconded by my co-evaluator - my wife.

It was a fairly short drive and handicapped by the lack of information, I couldnt deduce enough to make a decision, will test drive the petrol version and would hopefully have better content to share.

recshenoy · 25th December 2009, 15:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fornax

I went in looking for a petrol test-drive but since it was not available I decided to go ahead with the diesel one instead just to evaluate the overalls -
......

It was a fairly short drive and handicapped by the lack of information, I couldnt deduce enough to make a decision, will test drive the petrol version and would hopefully have better content to share.

Fornax,

According to reports FIAT is planning to introduce FIAT Linea petrol with 1.4 T-JET engine during Delhi Auto expo. May be you can wait till Delhi Auto expo (first week of Jan 2010) to check out the new Linea!

Fornax · 28th December 2009, 22:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by recshenoy

Fornax,

...May be you can wait till Delhi Auto expo (first week of Jan 2010) to check out the new Linea!

Well the december package by both Maruti & Fiat were far-too-enticing to be ignored. Hence decided to go with SX4. Besides this, a cursory glance at various Fiat websites for EU countries, where Linea TJet 1.4 is currently sold, pointed to two significant points:

1. The current petrol version 1.4 is only available as Active variant.
2. The top-end 1.4 TJet is priced within -5% to +5% range of the top-end MJD. Hence similiar pricing in India would mean a significant stretch of my budget. So chose the safer bet of Maruti's proven platform of SX4.

Thanks

Prosun · 1st February 2010, 13:38

Hello,
I have been driving a Fiat Line purchased 7 months back. I have already accosted the dealer in Kolkata to top-up 2 lts of mobile when the car did 8000kms (6 months) and again the gauge shows to be half empty again when the car is 9200kms now. Please advise! when i start the car in the morning, it emits a smell of mobile buring; please advise

Prosun

recshenoy · 6th February 2010, 23:34

i was searching for Linea EVO on google and found below image.

Looks very impressive. For me, the full chrome on the window looks very cool
Hope they will give this full chrome window in T-JET!

asr245 · 3rd March 2010, 18:22

Test drove the Fiat Linea 1.4 Emotion+ (petrol) on Saturday. TD vehicle was probably from last year so finishing wasn't that great but no complaints about plastic quality. Got into the car, noticed the cramped foot-well. Would have been better if there was no foot-rest and more space. Adjusted the seat to a comfortable position, set the mirrors and started. The steering itself is chunky and well molded to give a good grip. The car was standing out in the sun so was hot inside. Set the AC to max and set off for the drive. Took-off (stepped hard on the gas) when the traffic lights turned green. 1st gear was too short and had to change soon between 35-40kmph. 2nd gear isn't that great either - maxed out at 80. Another thing - though you can rev the engine till 7k rpm (and it doesn't complain), power drops considerably after 6500rpm and it's no fun after that. With 3 persons in the car and with AC on, I never felt that it was under-powered but the short gearing was a disappointment. On the ride quality and noise insulation front, no complaints at all. Clearly a level or two better than what ANHC was to offer (TDed that today).

Verdict: For me beats ANHC on many fronts (A.S.S. not considered) and would have taken it but for power/pick-up - the most important one for me. Requires the 1.4T-Jet asap. Not sure I can wait more for that to happen.

arun1100 · 25th March 2010, 10:16

Pics of my Sister's Linea... Enjoy!

sharma_sanjeevi · 29th March 2010, 12:26

Fiat has quietly upped the power and torque in the Linea!

Power is now rated at 93.7ps@4000rpm and torque at 209Nm@2000rpm.

In comparision, eariler the power was 86ps and Torque was
203Nm@2500rpm.

Is this right?

This info is from Fiat India's website!

10th August 2009, 22:34	#871
raamki BHPian Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Bangalore Posts: 395 Thanked: 97 Times View My Garage	yep! i saw a yellow board black emotion+ variant on commercial st a couple days ago! looked a beauty! @ geeash, it's not going the indica way for sure!! Linea's will probably only cater to the premium taxi services market! like the chauffeur services offered by 5 star hotels! In fact, i guess it's more of a proud feeling you know! Linea's alongside the likes of the BMW's & the Teana's!! Last edited by raamki : 10th August 2009 at 22:43.
	() Thanks

10th August 2009, 23:39	#872
Ravveendrra Senior - BHPian Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Hyderabad Posts: 1,391 Thanked: 446 Times View My Garage	I do not know if it would bother me if the taxi guys would use the same model as my car as a taxi. After all a lot of taxis in the world are Mercedes, in some cities MBs are the most popular for taxis but that does not detract from the cars and one finds private MBs too in large numbers. Taxi and fleet operators opting for Linea is a good thing. It means that the cars are sturdy and economical (these taxi guys are hard nosed businessmen and strictly VFM guys). It also means that Fiat will have sufficient numbers to make their operations viable. Last but not least, if the Fiat sales start earning them decent commission - the Concordes and other T.A.S.S. guys will take some interest in the Fiat sales. Cheers,
	() Thanks

11th August 2009, 12:24	#875
rupinder BHPian Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: ludhiana Posts: 197 Thanked: 5 Times	fiat is trying new incentive to market linea. today i saw an ad in our paper which say if you book a linea this august u will get a gift cheque which can be upto 31000rs. some sort of independence day offer.
	() Thanks

1st December 2009, 22:03	#876
Blessen Newbie Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Bangalore Posts: 1 Thanked: 0 Times	I TD FL diesel yesterday at Concord motors Bangalore, noticed that the speedo was not working. the guy said its that way on TD vehicles. Do they sell-off these TD vehicles to customers. A disconnected speedo means no record of Km run.
	() Thanks

25th December 2009, 00:23	#878
Fornax BHPian Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Bombay Posts: 293 Thanked: 91 Times View My Garage	My Test Drive Report: MJD Emotion Pack I went in looking for a petrol test-drive but since it was not available I decided to go ahead with the diesel one instead just to evaluate the overalls - interiors, comfort, styling and build. The ride, handling and engine related aspects were clearly understood to be left open for a petrol test-drive later. As mentioned in earlier posts, the car was not a test-drive car, and all the indicators were disabled. This and moreover my experience with Indica led me to observe the following: 1. The car was found to be struggling at ~40 in 4th gear climbing a flyover. While doing so, there was a perceptible drop in cabin temperature, and the car didnt really respond to me flooring the accelerator. Not that it slowed down, but didnt really add speed in a hurry. 2. The engine noise is no more than a whisper, I really had difficulty containing my amazement at this novelty. A noiseless diesel (almost). 3. The rear seat is very comfortable, however it is not a big upgrade over my Indica. The rear seat also felt a bit claustrophobic. Its' my personal opinion, seconded by my co-evaluator - my wife. It was a fairly short drive and handicapped by the lack of information, I couldnt deduce enough to make a decision, will test drive the petrol version and would hopefully have better content to share.
	() Thanks

1st February 2010, 13:38	#881
Prosun Newbie Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Kolkata Posts: 3 Thanked: 0 Times	help.. Hello, I have been driving a Fiat Line purchased 7 months back. I have already accosted the dealer in Kolkata to top-up 2 lts of mobile when the car did 8000kms (6 months) and again the gauge shows to be half empty again when the car is 9200kms now. Please advise! when i start the car in the morning, it emits a smell of mobile buring; please advise Prosun
	() Thanks

6th February 2010, 23:34	#882
recshenoy Senior - BHPian Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Mangalore / Bangalore Posts: 1,128 Thanked: 254 Times	i was searching for Linea EVO on google and found below image. Looks very impressive. For me, the full chrome on the window looks very cool Hope they will give this full chrome window in T-JET! Attached Thumbnails
	() Thanks

3rd March 2010, 18:22	#883
asr245 Senior - BHPian Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Gurgaon Posts: 1,162 Thanked: 389 Times	Test drove the Fiat Linea 1.4 Emotion+ (petrol) on Saturday. TD vehicle was probably from last year so finishing wasn't that great but no complaints about plastic quality. Got into the car, noticed the cramped foot-well. Would have been better if there was no foot-rest and more space. Adjusted the seat to a comfortable position, set the mirrors and started. The steering itself is chunky and well molded to give a good grip. The car was standing out in the sun so was hot inside. Set the AC to max and set off for the drive. Took-off (stepped hard on the gas) when the traffic lights turned green. 1st gear was too short and had to change soon between 35-40kmph. 2nd gear isn't that great either - maxed out at 80. Another thing - though you can rev the engine till 7k rpm (and it doesn't complain), power drops considerably after 6500rpm and it's no fun after that. With 3 persons in the car and with AC on, I never felt that it was under-powered but the short gearing was a disappointment. On the ride quality and noise insulation front, no complaints at all. Clearly a level or two better than what ANHC was to offer (TDed that today). Verdict: For me beats ANHC on many fronts (A.S.S. not considered) and would have taken it but for power/pick-up - the most important one for me. Requires the 1.4T-Jet asap. Not sure I can wait more for that to happen. Last edited by asr245 : 3rd March 2010 at 18:34.
	() Thanks

25th March 2010, 10:16	#884
arun1100 Senior - BHPian Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Bangalore Posts: 2,087 Thanked: 5,577 Times View My Garage	Pics of my Sister's Linea... Enjoy! Attached Thumbnails
	() Thanks

29th March 2010, 12:26	#885
sharma_sanjeevi BHPian Join Date: May 2008 Location: Mumbai Posts: 598 Thanked: 113 Times	Fiat has quietly upped the power and torque in the Linea! Power is now rated at 93.7ps@4000rpm and torque at 209Nm@2000rpm. In comparision, eariler the power was 86ps and Torque was 203Nm@2500rpm. Is this right? This info is from Fiat India's website!
	() Thanks