Jun 11, 2012 01:28 PM
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I test drove Fiat Linea T jet petrol, a car I fantasised about as a fiat lover and a person who appreciates beauty in humans and cars. The dealers were kind enough to provide me a T jet, though I didn't go to showroom with buying Linea in mind(i only had punto in my budget). The following is first impressions and driving test ride experience, not ownership experience.
Looks:
Exteriorly, this car can make one feel dizzy with its looks. I think its the only car in this segment, even in some higher segments, that has the ability to provoke young men with its looks. I didnt like a small panel gap just above the grill where the bonnet is supposed to close, making it stand out against a beautifully crafted car externally.
Inside, things are the opposite. I think Italians should be less maverick and more practical like the Germans in car making skills. I am merely 5'8" in height. In the driver's seat, I had just adequate head room. The foot pedals are a bit awkwardly placed, deep inside, so you have to push seats back a bit to straighten your legs in order to avoid your shin hitting the dash plastics. The windscreen view is not very good. In fact the whole car looks claustrophobic from onside. Its built like a tank, no doubt, but I think they took it a bit too far to make the people sitting inside feel so too.
The space inside rivals only a tank (if youve been inside one, you will know what I mean). The passenger's right knee will keep hitting the central console, making you close your legs inwards, which can be awkward in long journeys. Maybe I am a bit touchy and pampered by driving the fabia, but thats my view. Rear seat is well inclined and comfortable, but rear leg room is just adequate. However, even my head hits on the roof in back seat, I cant imagine how my six footer brother wuld fit in back seat.
Driving: This car is supposed to be a rocket on road, so I took it to a good straight road to drive. Its got a good pick-up and goes well to 100 kmph and beyond. Speed is there, but it wasnt the best driving experience. I will tell you why. I must confess I got a brand new car to test drive, done only 28 km before my drive. Maybe the new car was responsible for some of the drawbacks, but again, this isnt the first brand new car I test drove. So here goes. The gear box is rubbery and disappointing. At high speeds, I didnt get the reassuring feeling of it slotting correctly. Mind you, it didn't jar, but at that speed, you cant be thinking of gears slotting.
The steering was sufficiently weighted in the beginnig, just right, but when speed exceeded 80kmph, it became suprisingly light. In fact, there was a play of about 10 degree at high speeds. I did point it out to the test drive executive from fiat, who confirmed my findings and looked puzzled, because it was the first time someone pointed it out to him. I don't know if it was a manufacturing defect inthat particular vehicle. He drove it too, and confirmed my finding. The wind noise at high speeds was surprisingly loud, making it seem as if it was going faster than it was!!. Not very confidence inspiring.
I wasnt very impressed with the straight line braking despite ABS with EBD. The car kept veering to left. Maybe it was a problem with wheel alignment or tyre pressure(he told me he had personally checked the tyre pressures before the drive). So please check this aspect too before buying.
I think the car is not practical for someone like me. I can live with the quirkiness of italian cars, but if high speed confidence isnt there, the biggest reason for buying T Jet is nullified. That is the reason I wouldnt recommend this car.
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