New 2014 Fiat Linea review, test drive

Inside a hooded binnacle, you’ll find new dials that, although elegant looking, aren’t easy to read on the move. There’s also a big digital trip computer screen that gives you a lot of information, including distance-to-empty.

The cabin quality is a step up, with buttons and levers that feel solid and well damped in their operation; look around a bit, though, and you will find the odd rough edge. The perforated leather seats, both front and rear, offer superb support, although knee-room for rear passengers is not up to the class standard, and taller folks will find their heads brushing against the well-finished roof lining. The Fiat Linea remains a well-equipped car, and cruise control has now been added to its long list of kit, which already included things like auto headlamps and wipers, and a collapsible rear curtain.

Under the skin, the Fiat Linea sedan remains unchanged, and that means the same solid chassis with a good mix of ride and handling. The ground clearance is now up to 190mm in certain models, but this is still a car that’s comfortable taking corners enthusiastically. Fiat has stuck with hydraulic power steering, and although that means great feel and feedback, it’s still not as good as a Ford Fiesta’s. The grip from the four 205/55 R16 Goodyear tyres is great too, although interestingly, the spare is a 195/60 R15 space-saver with an 80kph restriction.