1200 kms update: a major character change in performance
I have crossed 1000 kms on my linea with my recent year end trip to Diveagar, Konkan.
I managed a decent mileage of 21 kmpl for the trip even though i could not speed due to major ghat sections and narrow roads.
i am in total shock - how can this car handle so well
but again i am shocked - how can this car scrape even shallow pot holes.
the ground clearance takes off half the fun from such a beautiful handling car.
I am skeptical how this car will perform on inclines and in city and highways as some people mentioned its sluggish and lethargic etc etc.
but i think this car is not at all sluggish. i have to literally keep braking hard in city due to the way that this car picks up speeds.
the 1st and 2nd gears are short, but this is must to move the heavy car from start. as soon as you step on the gas pedal and shift from 2nd to 3rd the car zooms crazily. the turbo picks from very low rpms and i never feel the lag as in case of punto/swift. agreed it doesnt have the swift punch. but thats the main moto of VGT - controlled turbo boost = linear power delivery = great drivability.
due to the heavy weight of the car while climbing the ghats you need to keep her above 1600-1700 rpms. in 3rd and 2nd gears climbing ghats is breeze provided you master the art of driving a linea.
on the slopes the same weight proves the other way round and the car is superfast. hitting 3 digits on the speedo is a breeze.
even if you take the foot off the gas pedal the car keeps rolling very long distances very smoothly.
The engine noise on my linea is very very less. while cruising i dont head the engine noise at all. its a super silent smooth engine.
As soon as my diveagar trip was over in which i kept engine working throughout the time - there is a major change in the character of the engine.
the engine has become butter smooth, the initial stifness has vanished and the engine has freed up a lot. the pick up has increased marginally.
the suspensions and the HPS is way better than most of the cars is have driven. the suspensions gulp the pot holes easily and the precise heave HPS gives the most accurate handling. so accurate that i can confidently negotiate even the edges in the ghats.
i had a instance in my trip where i had to pump my brakes very hard as a goat appreared right in front of me from nowhere at speeds of ~70.
i thought i will get some mutton, but suddenly the car stopped and all at rear seats were pushed in front.
i dint feel that car skidded at all but still the ABS pulse ran through my foot.
i dont know what happened for the moment but it was like khad khad khad under my shoes and car stopped so quickly.
the braking is a strong part in linea. the brakes are super-efficient and bring the heavy car to halt without any fuss.
besides the low ground clearance i have nothing to cribble about the car.
i am getting a consistent 17.5 - 18kmpl i very heavy pune traffic.
my office is 30kms one way and i am glad i made a correct decision to go for MJD than T-JET.
i was sold upon T-JET and it was a dream but sooned i came back to reality and went the practical way of fuel economy.
i know T-JET is a rocket but MJD is not a slow coach either.