New 2014 Fiat Linea review, test drive

The engine line-up is largely the same too, although the naturally aspirated 1.4-litre petrol is now the preserve of the Linea Classic. So that leaves the VGT-equipped, 1.3-litre Multijet diesel engine (which now gets a bit more grunt at 92bhp and 21.3kgm) and the 112bhp, 1.4-litre T-Jet turbo petrol. The diesel, as before, is sluggish until 2,000rpm, after which the punch really comes in strong. It gets quite noisy after 3,500rpm all the way up to its 5,200rpm redline. The T-Jet is familiar too, with its punchy mid-range that’s both useful and exciting; although the little lag until 1,500rpm is still present. The five-speed gearbox feels nice and mechanical to use, and the clutch is light, which should be helpful in traffic.

Overall, Fiat has done a great job of breathing some life and a bit of feel-good factor into its ageing mid-size sedan. Sure, the engines and mechanicals haven’t changed, but then they were quite solid to begin with, and though the competition offers better rear-seat space, the Linea is still a very supportive and comfortable place to be. The changes to the exterior and especially the interior, however, are what have really transformed this car – it definitely feels more upmarket and premium now. Most of all, now that Fiat is quickly establishing its own strong dealership network, and with an attractive price range of Rs 7.6-9.8 lakh, the Linea is well poised to claw its way back into the mid-size sedan rankings.

Kartikeya Singhee