Fiat Linea Petrol, disappointment guaranteed

Finally I took the test drive of the most awaited and admired Fiat Linea after 5 months of its launch in search of my dream car.

The one I took for Test Drive was 1368 cc, Petrol, 90bhp@6000 rpm, Manual transmission, 5 seater Dynamic pk.

First when I look at car, its a splendid Italian beauty with superb exterior fit 'n finish. Its bold grill in front add a nic

From inside too its impressive with few exception like Steering column cover plastic which have many unfinished edges and gaps, but still interiors are noticeable. But doors are to much heavy and opening closing is spring based so if you are not use to it can hurt.

Till now everything was alright and in line. But when its come to the driving I personnel thinks it's lazy. It doesn't give you a feel of sedan. Poor gear ratio's, big lever to change the gear. I drove in in the market, it required a lot of frequent gear change make ride unpleasant . 3rd gear is almost powerless under 3000rpm. But maneuverability was not any issue at point while driving, moreover it feels rock solid.

Odometer are somewhat hard in reading, fonts used are not much readable but may take some time to get used to it.

One more noticeable thing, foot rest besides clutch pedal is too close and steep, unlike Santro where its too much well positioned. Seating comfort is awesome and better then Maruti SX4, but when it come to the power, SX4 scores a ton compared to Linea. Linea is too much underpowered.

So does it worth this much of money to spend on? I personnely feel if you have extra money, go for this or the Diesel version (1.3L MJT, 85bhp@4000). But for my kind of customer who want to keep cars for 5 year or longer, really this is not the car to go for.

So I'm now a days waiting for the Launch of Grande Punto another beauty from Fiat stable and Honda Jazz, hoping for priced well in category