I became the proud owner of F. Red Fiat Linea MJD E-Pack on 10-01-2010.
Sorry for the late post, thanks to an urgent business visit out of country.
Booking and Delivery:
I started my search for a new car in October. I was almost sure of buying a Punto or a Linea, but family members wanted to consider available options before a final decision. So we started doing TDs. The requirement was a sedan/SUV/MUV under 9L.
Xylo: TD experience was good. Spacious and VFM vehicle. Safety, FE and city driving were concerns.
Scorpio: I did Xylo and Scorpio TDs back-to-back. Wasn't I taken over Scorpio mania after TD? I had almost thought this is going to be my next vehicle. But the top end was going way over budget 10>. Also FE was a concern.
Punto: We did a couple of Punto TDs. The HM wasn't impressed with the interiors and space. HM gave a verdict that our next car has to be a sedan.
Verna: We went to Modi Hyundai show room in Thane. Both myself and wife were bold over by a Golder color verna on display. The exterior and interiors was simply marvelous. Next day the guy got home a CRDi for a TD. The drive and acceleration was like rocket. I was bold over. But the moment we reached 90-100 I was feeling unsafe and as if I am floating. We took all TD cars thru a series of humps at a good speed. With Verna HM got a shaky feeling. Wasn't impressed with suspension. Also the sudden acceleration brought by Turbo was giving nausiatic feeling in rear. Price was on higher side compared to the features.
Linea: Asked Balaji Cars for Linea TD. They promptly came home. We took all TD cars thru a series of humps at a good speed. With Linea, wife didn't notice the humps. After we went past she was asking if the humps had gone by. The boot space was superb. Rear seat comfort and driving pleasure were unmatched. Features at the price were unmatched. So final verdict Linea MJD.
We did all TDs at Thane, but we belong to Nagpur hence vehicle delivery was going to happen in Nagpur. In December Fiat Launched exchange offer for Linea. I had a M-800 which I was trying to dispose and this offer couldn't have come at a better time. On 15-Dec we booked MJD E-Pack FTA color. Then the wait started. On 22-Dec the sales guy tells me that Fiat has stopped production and FTA color is not available in E-Pack. Its available in Dyn,Emotion. Again discussion and HM doesn't want to compromise on variant. So we decide with our next choice F. Red. Vehicle arrived on 3-Jan. Went to Nagpur on 8-Jan. All delivery fomalities completed and took delivery on 10-Jan.
With family and parents drove the beauty to Thane. Nagpur-thane 850Kms drive game me 19+ FE which is simply amazing.
+ve:
- Excellent suspension and handling
- Blue&Me is real boon. During Nagpur-Thane drive we were receiving calls from family members and all of us were enjoying the conversations.
- Boot Space
- Looks its sure is a looker.
-ve:
- Low GC
The fuel line plastic cover came off just after leaving Jalna. Came back to Tata Dealer in Jalna and after inspection found that the plastic locks that hold the cover had broken. The Jalna one was a TASS not a TAFE. He removed the cover and asked me to proceed with journey. Its not a big deal and it can be replaced after going to Thane or during 1st service.
- Rear space
Accesories:
I have done seat covers and customized interior painting to match the seat covers. Haven't taken the pics yet. Will post them soon.
In 3 weeks the vehicle has done 1800 Kms. Doing a daily 2-way office commute of 50KMs and I am getting 18+ FE.
More later.