ಫಿಯಟ್ ಲೈನ್ 1.3 Multijet Active

Fiat India has officially rolled out the facelifted version of its flagship sedan Fiat Linea in India. The company is offering this latest version in a total of three trim levels each with both petrol and diesel engine options. The Fiat Linea 1.3 Multijet Active is the entry level diesel variant that comes fitted with the same old 1.3-litre advanced Multijet engine under the hood. The company has not done any updates to the technicalities of this facelifted version. However, it has modified the interiors and exteriors to give it a refreshing new look. Inside this sedan, is a dual color dashboard with restructured instrumental panel and central console. As far as exteriors are concerned, this base trim comes with a revamped radiator grille, elegantly designed front and rear bumpers and a re-treated taillight cluster. Despite being the entry level variant, it comes with many advanced features such as double crank prevention system, fire prevention system, automatic on/off headlamps, rain sensing wipers and quite a number of other sophisticated aspects.

Exteriors:

The manufacturer has has retained the body structure of the outgoing trim and updated its front and rear profile. On its front facade, the design of the radiator grille has been revamped and it is treated with a lot of chrome. At the same time, the car maker has fitted a trendy looking new bumper under it that has a wider air dam and stylishly designed fog lights. This front bumper is elegantly decorated with two expressively designed chrome strips that gives a catchy look to the front. The side profile of this sedan remains to be the same as the outgoing model, but the structure of the ORVM cap gets a minor tweak. The wheel arches of this base level trim comes fitted with 15-inch steel wheels with full covers. The rear end of this sedan gets a stylish new look, thanks to the restructured taillight cluster, bumper and the boot lid. There is an extensive usage of chrome on the rear profile, especially on the two tone bumper and on the boot lid.

Interiors:

The manufacturer has updated the interiors of this 2014 Fiat Linea with quite an attractive design. Its interiors have been done up with a beige and black color scheme, which is complimented by the chrome and gloss black inserts. Its cockpit gets an trendy looking dashboard with elegantly crafted central console and instrumentation panel. These are further equipped with several advanced equipments and functions including HVAC unit , an integrated MP3/CD player, real time mileage indicator, trip calculator, programmed service reminder, external temperature display and a digital clock. The steering wheel comes with three spokes and it is beautifully decorated with the company logo. This sedan comes with five-seater capacity, wherein the seats are well cushioned and have been covered with good quality fabric upholstery. The space inside its cabin is good and it comes with a huge boot capacity of about 500 litres.

Engine and Performance:

The Fiat Linea 1.3 Multijet Active is the base diesel variant and it comes equipped with a DOHC based 1.3-litre, advanced Multijet motor with a displacement capacity of 1248cc . This engine comprises of 4-cylinders, 12-valves and comes incorporated with a direct injection system. It has the ability to churn out a maximum power output of 91.7Bhp at 4000rpm, while yielding 209Nm of commanding torque at 2000rpm. This torque output is transmitted to the front wheels of the sedan through the 5-speed manual transmission gearbox. The manufacturer claims that the engine comes with Bharat Stage IV emission compliance and has the ability to give away 20.4 Kmpl.

Braking and Handling:

Coming to the braking aspects, this base diesel trim comes with a proficient disc and drum braking mechanism. The company equipped the front wheels with ventilated disc brakes, while assembling the rear wheels with drum brakes, which works fine on all road conditions. This variant comes with a highly responsive power steering system with tilt function that gives instantaneous response and reduces the efforts of driver. On the other hand, its robust suspension system enhances the stability of the vehicle and offers wonderful driving dynamics. The company has assembled the front axle of this sedan with an Independent Wheel type of system, while equipping the axle with torsion beam type of system. This suspension mechanism is further loaded with helical springs, double acting telescopic dampers and stabilizer bars .

Comfort Features:

The Fiat Linea 1.3 Multijet Active trim is the base diesel trim in its series, but it still comes with decent comfort features in comparison to other sedans of its class. This variant comes equipped with a manual HVAC system with rear foot level AC vents that keeps the ambiance cool. Also, this trim comes with all four power windows with 'delay' and 'auto down' function. Apart from this, the company is also offering Desmodronic foldable key, electrically adjustable outside rear view mirror, internal roof lining with dimming effect, rear armrest, rear defogger with timer and so on. In addition to these, it also comes equipped with bottle holder in the front seat armrest, front door panel with side pocket and bottle holder, remote key less entry and remote tailgate opening button.

Safety Features:

This base level trim comes with very standard set of safety features that provides proper protection to the car and to the passengers as well. It comes with front and rear fog lamps that enhances the visibility ahead in the foggy conditions. Inside the cabin, the company has installed 3-point seat belts with pretensioner and load limiter that keeps the passengers firmly in position. Apart from these, the company is also offering an engine immobilizer system with rolling code that restricts unauthorized access to the vehicle. In addition to all these, this variant comes with central door locking, automatic door lock , double crank prevention system, exact door opening indicator, fire prevention system and other advanced features.

Pros: Impressive new design, reasonable price tag.

Cons: Fuel efficiency can be improved, more protective features can be added.