Indian Autos blog

Got a Punto or a Linea? Does the AC take a lot of time to cool? Its not the Indian weather, turns out it is the AC unit itself. But worry no more, Fiat has learnt that and it will be replacing Air condition kits of petrol powered Linea and Punto Fiat India spokesperson – We received complaints mostly from the north and some western parts of the country that  [ Read More ]

Fiat has given the Linea a makeover in the Argentinian market. The new updated Fiat Linea sedan gets new optional features that include 17″ wheels, beige leather interiors and trim.

The Fiat Linea sedan has been doing well in India thanks to its graceful looks, excellent equipment levels and competitive pricing. The Linea is an excellent product and can’t really dethrone the segment leader Honda City because of a two important reasons, quality issues and underwhelming petrol engines.

Fiat would soon be launching the Linea T-Jet with a turbocharged 1.4 liter petrol engine pumping out hp and 206 Nm of torque. This engine is known for its raw power delivery and this incredibly powerful motor can propel the Linea from 0 to 100kmph in just 9.2 seconds.

Fiat could be launching the Linea T-Jet by August 2010 and could offer leather interiors and bigger wheels on the new version. Fiat could also be looking to launch the updated Linea with an automatic transmission.

With the Volkswagen Vento all set to be launched by October 2010, the Fiat Linea would be seriously in trouble if Fiat can’t prep it up soon enough. The Hyundai Verna Transform has been launched and the refreshed Hyundai does look promising and could get the cash registers ringing for Hyundai again.

Fiat India was going through a rough patch due to the underperforming Palio. To Fiat, the Linea was nothing less than a saviour, a new model that promised to brighten Fiat’s image here in India.

The state of the economic conditions has left the Linea in a helpless state. It has managed to do only a portion of the rebuilding process. As things are getting back to normal, the scope for further improvement widens, and the Linea has a tough task to do.

At this crucial time, we thought it was best occasion to study the Linea and see whether it can deliver the goods. For someone who isn’t willing to buy the Honda or the Ford, will the Linea offer the relief?

We were given keys to a diesel model, which has the 1.3-liter Multijet engine that is common on everyday cars to find out.

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The Fiat Linea was, or should I say is Fiat’s trump card, life jacket and oxygen mask in India. Preceding to the launch, their pulse rate was slipping in spite of such successful products like the Palio and the Siena, they were doing wretchedly in India.

Fiat’s Indian operation was counting on the Linea for its survival. And that was an excellent idea.

Fiat’s declared 4,600 Lineas were sold in the country since the launch on the third week of January. The sedan, which is offered in petrol and diesel formats, is carrying Fiat back in terms with the competition.

Fiat will use the Ranjangaon plant built with backing from Tata Motors as an export hub. Right-hand drive markets Australia and New Zealand will be the first to host Indian Lineas on its roads.

Fiat plans to introduce the Grande Punto in India in the coming months. Apart from that, a small car and a facelifted Palio will additionally occupy Tata showrooms before the end of next year.

While strolling around at a nearby Tata dealership to have first-hand updates of the Tata Nano and the Limited edition Indica – release and the lot, my eyes inadvertently came across a rather strange looking red car, that demanded a second glimpse.

Got closer and walked around the car, I couldn’t help but notice its compact size and the nostalgic Italian roots for, its as Italian as Pasta. Side on, you just cant ignore the multi-spoke alloys and the way it blends into the entire car’s exterior appeal. Boy, the Italians always get it right! Somehow it had the charm and appeal, none of the other cars in the stable had.

Obviously, I just couldn’t keep staring at the car from outside, so i decided to hop in. Open the door and you are welcomed by the trademark ‘Fiat door opening thud’ noise. The entire six foot one inch of me could get into a car effortlessly.