Fiat Linea 1.3 Multijet

The Linea looks and feels so much more expensive than it actually is

Published on Dec 08, 2009 08:00:00 AM

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Until now Fiats sold in India never had really attractive-looking interiors. All this changes with the Linea. There’s a beautifully crafted multi-function steering wheel, those retro chronometer dial instruments, superbly built central console and the two-tone dash with a chrome slash running through it. Fiat’s Blue and Me system, made in collaboration with Microsoft, adds something extra to the interiors and you get a full fledged trip computer as well, which is one of the most accurate ones we’ve ever tested.

The steering wheel doesn’t adjust for reach and short drivers will find it too ‘in your face.’ The seat height adjust is very basic too, so you have to work hard to find the right driving position. But once you do, the driving position is quite good and the layout of the centre console and instruments are simply spot on. The seats themselves are large and offer plenty of thigh support and the adjustable arm rest adds to the comfort. Visibility out of the cabin is great and not impeded by the severely raked A-pillar, which gives a sense of space as the windscreen falls far ahead of you.

Storage space around the cabin however isn’t too impressive. The cupholders are small, the door pockets don’t take water bottles and space in the elbow box is shallow too. And though Fiat has managed to keep that solid plastic feel for many of the interior bits, some of the plastics panels feel a bit crudely built. There are some hard plastic bits too that detract from the otherwise luxurious cabin Fiat has created.

The rear seats are incredibly comfy with a high seating position, lots of underthigh support thanks to a long squab and a perfectly angled back rest. However, in terms of space the Linea’s rear seats aren’t as generous as you would have imagined. Though seat width is pretty good, legroom isn’t that impressive with cars like the City and substantially cheaper Logan having more of it. A big disappointment is the lack of headroom and even reasonably short passengers can muss up their hairstyle on the Linea’s well finished roof liner.

The Linea, however, does have a rear air con vent and a rear sun blind on this Emotion version as well, which is great for keeping the sun out.