Red Linea Emotion Pack MJD - 10000km Report

JRD · 25th May 2009, 11:32

Alright, after being very impatient waiting for my car to be delivered earlier in the year, here I am about 3 months later writing my initial and 5000km ownership report together.

So the story started with an aimless search for a new car, with the likes of Swifts, Dzires, Fabias then jumping to the civic and d segment gang and then coming back to some sensible c segment options.

So without any clue or logic started test driving random cars which is odd because most of the people I know consult me when they buy a new car. So technically I should have all my priorities and requirements sorted out and should already have a list of contenders to choose from. Oh well that didn’t happen and I didn’t know what I wanted.

I started my journey with the safest bet, Dzire Zdi. Unfortunately the test drive car was in such a bad shape that within 100 meters I had to get out. Being super disappointed on the way back, I took the wrong road and went pass a Ford dealership. I didn’t even consider the fiesta but somehow part of me went to TD it anyway. Surprise surprise, I think we have a winner. A Sxi TDci. I immediately organized a TD for the family. After the TD, dad’s thought was “do you really need a diesel?” He showed me some wicked calculations and turns out a petrol is a better option.

Round 2 Fiesta S vs Fiesta Sxi Duratec. This petrol was brilliant. I personally think it’s one of the most easiest and peppiest cars I have ever driven. The interiors were the only area of concern in the S and felt the Sxi was much nicer. Any who after a couple weeks of mind debates and an ANHC and SX4 TD, it was the S that was the winner.
Before order it though I had to sell my beloved esteem and I was busy doing that. Got a great deal and was set to book the new car. I got a call from the Ford Dealer that if color wasn’t a preference there was a silver S with a fat discount on it. Apparently the guy who ordered it didn’t get his loan approved.
Wow I thought and after discussing with dad, told the dealer to pick up the booking cheque that evening. Here is the twist though. It was a Saturday and the dealer couldn’t make it to pick up the cheque and he was going to pick it up on Monday. Monday morning the Linea was out, saw it, drove it and booked a Red Emotion Pack MJD. And the hunt was over.

Quick Facts D Day:
Fiat Linea Emotion Pack MJD – Flemenco Red
Date of Delivery: 5th February 2009
OTR Ahmedabad with extended warranty: Rs9,14,---(exactly the same as nehamit’s.)
Initial Impressions:
Pros: Head turning Looks, Fantastic features, Great Ride and Handling.
Cons: Felt underpowered, turning radius and Fuel pump gasket defective had to be replaced day one.

I wasn’t too impressed in the beginning being a petrol enthusiast. Felt city driving to be a bit of a yawn and the driving position and the blind spots weren’t helping at all. The looks, ride, handling were exceptional and the fuel efficiency was okay about 13kmpl in city driving.

5000km UPDATE:
Between now and 5th February here are the highlights:

Pros:
The car has started growing on me big time and the engine I think has graduated through the break-in time (all thanks to my elder bro). The engine has become sharper, more responsive and very light to drive, even sounds different. I think the MJD has decided to sign a peace treaty with me. Fuel efficiency has suddenly shot up to 15.8kmpl in City conditions. Overall I am much happier then I was a couple months back

Cons/Incidents:
Biker took off the lower front grill and tore the bumper (had to be replaced) - Bumper Rs.3000 and Grill Rs6000 + Paint.
Logo stolen – Rs 500
Fog Lamp replaced (warranty)
Rattles from glove box and creaking from driver side A-Pillar
Alignment Issue

Apart from the minor issues, Overall car is responding well and am glad I bought it. Enough of talking, enjoy the pictures.

loving_alaap · 25th May 2009, 11:49

Nice car.

Congrats dude.

FE of 15 KMPL in city is amazing.

But the small issues with a new car is bit worrisome.

Any way, you have every reason to be emotionally packed, enjoy the car!!!

VahanPujari · 25th May 2009, 12:06

JRD

The pics are stunning. Are they taken at the time of delivery or now? As the car looks straight out of the showroom.
The gloss & the shine is excellent. Have you done any Paint protection treatment?

I also have F. Red Linea petrol. there are minor small scratches already being visible, hence asking above info

geeash · 25th May 2009, 12:24

Welcome to the linea club. I have a linea emotion pack petrol flamenco red. Did ypu finish the first service?. Were not the Rattles from glove box and creaking from driver side A-Pillar and Alignment Issue issues resolved?

JRD · 25th May 2009, 12:25

Thanks a lot vahan. Yes i have a custom surface protection plan called my hands! lol. Nope no surface treatment man. I polish it myself. The pictures have been taken yesterday afternoon. Check out the last picture, it has the date.

Try polishing it, it should get rid of some scratches.

prince_pervez · 25th May 2009, 12:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by JRD

Wow I thought and after discussing with dad, told the dealer to pick up the booking cheque that evening. Here is the twist though. It was a Saturday and the dealer couldn’t make it to pick up the cheque and he was going to pick it up on Monday. Monday morning the Linea was out, saw it, drove it and booked a Red Emotion Pack MJD. And the hunt was over.

What an anticlimax! Glad to know you are enjoying your car.
9.14 OTR ? Is that for a top end model ?

finneyp · 25th May 2009, 12:44

JRD, your selection process had the suspense of IPL last over

Congrats, Nice choice, enjoy the Italian beauty!

pranava999 · 25th May 2009, 13:04

congrats and welcome to the Linea club mate. nice review and 15kmpl in city is amazingly frugal.

sirajbose · 25th May 2009, 13:09

The car just looks WOW! Congratulations and enjoy the ride!

BTW - I am bit confused about why you opted out from the Ford and went it for the Linea. Some more details might help.

gemithomas · 25th May 2009, 13:14

good review. what exactly eas the problem with the fuel pump. how did the car behave/how did you identify the prblem. and how was the a.s.s in sorting out the issue.

neotraveller · 25th May 2009, 13:16

JRD,

Your car looks like a million bucks!

Even I thought that the pics were from delivery time.
You have to tell us how to do such a polishing!

I have never attempted polishing myself (I am afraid in trying to polish, I might rub too hard and end up with more scratches :( )

VahanPujari · 25th May 2009, 13:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by JRD

Thanks a lot vahan. Yes i have a custom surface protection plan called my hands! lol. Nope no surface treatment man. I polish it myself. The pictures have been taken yesterday afternoon. Check out the last picture, it has the date.

Try polishing it, it should get rid of some scratches.

JRD

I'm doing DIY waxing with Formula 1 Carnauba Wax once a month. Then yday (3 weeks after waxing), I applied some Euro Gold Spray shiner (which seems to be a detailer) & the colour was shining.

Which polish do you use? How do you do it? Can you share more details

tinnieboy · 25th May 2009, 13:30

Awesome pics. The car is indeed a beauty in all the colors. Congrats JRD

prince_pervez · 25th May 2009, 13:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by tinnieboy

The car is indeed a beauty in all the colors.

You can say that again. Very few companies can manage that.

benbsb29 · 25th May 2009, 13:46

Thats quite an honest review, shocasing your joys and the sorrows. how has the service experience been? What are the service intervals like?

25th May 2009, 11:32	#1
JRD BHPian Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Turin/Ahmedabad Posts: 372 Thanked: 16 Times View My Garage	Red Linea Emotion Pack MJD - 10000km Report Alright, after being very impatient waiting for my car to be delivered earlier in the year, here I am about 3 months later writing my initial and 5000km ownership report together. So the story started with an aimless search for a new car, with the likes of Swifts, Dzires, Fabias then jumping to the civic and d segment gang and then coming back to some sensible c segment options. So without any clue or logic started test driving random cars which is odd because most of the people I know consult me when they buy a new car. So technically I should have all my priorities and requirements sorted out and should already have a list of contenders to choose from. Oh well that didn’t happen and I didn’t know what I wanted. I started my journey with the safest bet, Dzire Zdi. Unfortunately the test drive car was in such a bad shape that within 100 meters I had to get out. Being super disappointed on the way back, I took the wrong road and went pass a Ford dealership. I didn’t even consider the fiesta but somehow part of me went to TD it anyway. Surprise surprise, I think we have a winner. A Sxi TDci. I immediately organized a TD for the family. After the TD, dad’s thought was “do you really need a diesel?” He showed me some wicked calculations and turns out a petrol is a better option. Round 2 Fiesta S vs Fiesta Sxi Duratec. This petrol was brilliant. I personally think it’s one of the most easiest and peppiest cars I have ever driven. The interiors were the only area of concern in the S and felt the Sxi was much nicer. Any who after a couple weeks of mind debates and an ANHC and SX4 TD, it was the S that was the winner. Before order it though I had to sell my beloved esteem and I was busy doing that. Got a great deal and was set to book the new car. I got a call from the Ford Dealer that if color wasn’t a preference there was a silver S with a fat discount on it. Apparently the guy who ordered it didn’t get his loan approved. Wow I thought and after discussing with dad, told the dealer to pick up the booking cheque that evening. Here is the twist though. It was a Saturday and the dealer couldn’t make it to pick up the cheque and he was going to pick it up on Monday. Monday morning the Linea was out, saw it, drove it and booked a Red Emotion Pack MJD. And the hunt was over. Quick Facts D Day: Fiat Linea Emotion Pack MJD – Flemenco Red Date of Delivery: 5th February 2009 OTR Ahmedabad with extended warranty: Rs9,14,---(exactly the same as nehamit’s.) Initial Impressions: Pros: Head turning Looks, Fantastic features, Great Ride and Handling. Cons: Felt underpowered, turning radius and Fuel pump gasket defective had to be replaced day one. I wasn’t too impressed in the beginning being a petrol enthusiast. Felt city driving to be a bit of a yawn and the driving position and the blind spots weren’t helping at all. The looks, ride, handling were exceptional and the fuel efficiency was okay about 13kmpl in city driving. 5000km UPDATE: Between now and 5th February here are the highlights: Pros: The car has started growing on me big time and the engine I think has graduated through the break-in time (all thanks to my elder bro). The engine has become sharper, more responsive and very light to drive, even sounds different. I think the MJD has decided to sign a peace treaty with me. Fuel efficiency has suddenly shot up to 15.8kmpl in City conditions. Overall I am much happier then I was a couple months back Cons/Incidents: Biker took off the lower front grill and tore the bumper (had to be replaced) - Bumper Rs.3000 and Grill Rs6000 + Paint. Logo stolen – Rs 500 Fog Lamp replaced (warranty) Rattles from glove box and creaking from driver side A-Pillar Alignment Issue Apart from the minor issues, Overall car is responding well and am glad I bought it. Enough of talking, enjoy the pictures. Attached Thumbnails
	() Thanks

25th May 2009, 11:49	#2
loving_alaap BHPian Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Ahmedabad Posts: 808 Thanked: 9 Times	Nice car. Congrats dude. FE of 15 KMPL in city is amazing. But the small issues with a new car is bit worrisome. Any way, you have every reason to be emotionally packed, enjoy the car!!!
	() Thanks

25th May 2009, 12:06	#3
VahanPujari BANNED Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Mumbai Posts: 1,308 Thanked: 8 Times	JRD The pics are stunning. Are they taken at the time of delivery or now? As the car looks straight out of the showroom. The gloss & the shine is excellent. Have you done any Paint protection treatment? I also have F. Red Linea petrol. there are minor small scratches already being visible, hence asking above info
	() Thanks

25th May 2009, 12:24	#4
geeash Senior - BHPian Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Chennai Posts: 1,513 Thanked: 146 Times	welcome Welcome to the linea club. I have a linea emotion pack petrol flamenco red. Did ypu finish the first service?. Were not the Rattles from glove box and creaking from driver side A-Pillar and Alignment Issue issues resolved?
	() Thanks

25th May 2009, 12:25	#5
JRD BHPian Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Turin/Ahmedabad Posts: 372 Thanked: 16 Times View My Garage	Thanks a lot vahan. Yes i have a custom surface protection plan called my hands! lol. Nope no surface treatment man. I polish it myself. The pictures have been taken yesterday afternoon. Check out the last picture, it has the date. Try polishing it, it should get rid of some scratches.
	() Thanks

25th May 2009, 12:44	#7
finneyp Senior - BHPian Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Bangalore Posts: 2,762 Thanked: 403 Times View My Garage	JRD, your selection process had the suspense of IPL last over Congrats, Nice choice, enjoy the Italian beauty!
	() Thanks

25th May 2009, 13:04	#8
pranava999 BHPian Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: BANGALORE Posts: 845 Thanked: 23 Times View My Garage	congrats and welcome to the Linea club mate. nice review and 15kmpl in city is amazingly frugal.
	() Thanks

25th May 2009, 13:09	#9
sirajbose BHPian Join Date: May 2008 Location: Mumbai Posts: 114 Thanked: Once	The car just looks WOW! Congratulations and enjoy the ride! BTW - I am bit confused about why you opted out from the Ford and went it for the Linea. Some more details might help.
	() Thanks

25th May 2009, 13:14	#10
gemithomas Senior - BHPian Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Trivandrum Posts: 2,366 Thanked: 143 Times View My Garage	good review. what exactly eas the problem with the fuel pump. how did the car behave/how did you identify the prblem. and how was the a.s.s in sorting out the issue.
	() Thanks

25th May 2009, 13:16	#11
neotraveller BHPian Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Hyderabad Posts: 739 Thanked: 0 Times	JRD, Your car looks like a million bucks! Even I thought that the pics were from delivery time. You have to tell us how to do such a polishing! I have never attempted polishing myself (I am afraid in trying to polish, I might rub too hard and end up with more scratches :( )
	() Thanks

25th May 2009, 13:30	#13
tinnieboy BHPian Join Date: May 2007 Location: Delhi Posts: 80 Thanked: 6 Times View My Garage	Awesome pics. The car is indeed a beauty in all the colors. Congrats JRD
	() Thanks

25th May 2009, 13:46	#15
benbsb29 Team-BHP Support Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Brisbane Posts: 10,101 Thanked: 14,192 Times View My Garage	Thats quite an honest review, shocasing your joys and the sorrows. how has the service experience been? What are the service intervals like?
	() Thanks

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