Best in Class. Review on Fiat Linea T Jet

I have booked my Fiat Linea T-Jet Plus today (17-10-10) from Fortune Motors, Navi Mumbai.I previously owned a Tata Indica Xeta (petrol) and was looking to upgrade for past few months. I was considering Honda city VMT, Volkswagen Vento, Maruti Suzuki SX4 ZXI.

Earlier I had taken test drives of ANHC, SX4 and Linea (Petrol) before T-Jet was launched. Believe me I was bowled over by the looks and list of features of Linea. No other car had that many features but was a bit disappointed by the power delivered by Linea. Then I came to know that Fiat is launching T-Jet in Sep-Oct 2010. I had no problems waiting as I was not in a hurry.

Finally Linea was launched last week and I took a test drive on 11 Oct 2010. I loved the power at that very instance. But Power was not everything that I wanted - I was also interested in drivability, Maneuverability, suspension and ofcourse braking. Since it was a while that I had driven the other cars, I decided that I will test drive ANHC, Vento and Linea T-Jet again but all on the same day.

Yesterday, I test drove all the 3 shortlisted cars again. Here is my feedback. Please excuse if there are any technical errors as I am not a car expert.

Vento (Top end, Petrol) – Courtesy extended by staff was minimal at the showroom. However Test drive was arranged within 10-15 minutes.

Smoothness of driving (steering, gear shift) was the best among 3. Engine was very silent. Suspension was better than ANHC but lesser than Tjet.

Features that are missing (compared to Linea) – No remote fuel-lid Opener (Fuel lid can be opened when you unlock the doors. This I felt is a security issue as you have to unlock the doors to open the fuel lid which then can be pressed and opened), No Bluetooth connectivity, Engine power and torque lesser than Linea, seats (especially rear) not as comfortable as Linea, no leather seats, no 16” alloys, Quality of interiors not as good as Linea and ofcourse acceleration was lesser than Linea.

Honda City (VMT) – Courtesy extended by staff was the best and dealer staff was well trained and made me and my family very comfortable before taking us for test drive.

Steering, gear shift was better than Linea but lesser than Vento. Seats were definitely better than Vento. Overall the interior layout is best and gives more spacious feel due to light colour and uncluttered dashboard. Suspensions were not as good as Vento or Linea.

Missing features - No remote fuel-lid Opener (same as Vento), no remote boot opener, all windows not auto down, no cd player (though USB player, FM/AM receiver are present), no leather seats (need to go for exclusive version), no 16” alloys, no Bluetooth connectivity, 160mm ground clearance, Quality of interiors not as good as Linea. Felt that accelaration was the slowest even though power is max in ANHC (expected more power). Steering too light – The salesman told me it’s hydraulic when I asked him if it was electric. I do not know if this is good or bad J

Linea T-Jet Plus– Very busy showroom (There were top Fiat (Italian & Indian)executives that day at Fortune showroom. Head of India Operation – (Rajeev, I guess, forgot his name told to me by the salesman). But the staff made sure that I was comfortable and offered very good coffee – much better than you get in premium coffee shops). Also saw Fiat Bravo to be launched next year - Very classy appearance and if it has t-jet engine it can rule the hatchback segment.

There is no such feature that is offered by the other 3 but missing in Linea. My wife thought that the interior layout is bit cluttered as the dashboard is too big and central instrument cluster is also very big and does not give a very spacious feel but I liked it as it gave a feeling of seating in a cockpit. Though I think a little more knee space (in front seats) would have been good. But overall the seats are the best. Quality of material is also the best. I felt Linea seats were most comfortable (Front & Rear). Power, acceleration of Linea is TOOOOO GOOD. Overtaking in city and highway is like a breeze. In top gear it is not so good (possibly not required) but when in 3rd, 4th gear you can accelerate very very quickly. Safety features, suspensions are also the best in T-Jet, When driving on roads it gives a secured feel because of the build quality.

Overall I liked the Linea T-jet plus best of the lot. And SX4 least (SX4 offers most features after Linea but build quality & interior feel is least compared to other 3)

My overall rating is in this order – Linea T-Jet, Honda City VMT, Vento, SX4.

I am told that I would get the delivery in 1st week of November. Would post my experience after initial driving.