Sep 14, 2010 12:32 AM
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Just clocked around 19, 000 kms on my FIAT Linea last week and I thought I would share some review of this 'World Car' with you all.
Linea , my first diesel sedan , Multijet Flamenco Red , has been with me for almost 18 months now and she still stands as lovely as she was first sold to me last year. I am basically very rough in driving as I had a Gypsy earlier which we sold since we were looking for a descent family sedan with good and adequate power and Linea proved to be our choice which we don't regret at all. I still offer her paint protection regularly though to ensure that she still shines to look new.
Well about the performance so far about the car , I never really had problems all this while except for power windows at the driver's seat which had alignment problems initially but was quickly sorted out by the Tata - Fiat dealer ( Wasan Motors ).
Although the service has improved , you have to ensure that you get your issues sorted out by chasing them up even to their highest levels. Do not expect any red carpet service treatment from the dealers in India and I would say that it applies to all car dealers. But I noticed that Tata - FIAT is definitely doing well.
Absolutely thrilling to drive this lovely lady specially on long drives. Mileage at around 19 KMPL on highways and 15 .5 in city which is really good for a heavy car as Linea. I am not that impressed with the CD Music system and did not expect to be of a bit low quality. But the sound through USB player is quite good in comparison. AC cooling is good atleast in Mumbai temperatures but may not be sufficient to suck in high temperatures perhaps in Delhi or Chennai . City driving is equally good with short gears. GC is a problem with this car specially while driving on potholes and I had a tough time driving around Mumbai in this rainy season.
Engine performance is excellent and I felt no turbo lag at all , as other reviews say, atleast in the diesel version. So I would advise all whoever has zeroed in for Linea should go ahead with MJD without second thoughts. Torque @203 Nm offers great pulling power and is more than adequate for city and highway drives with complete family. As the car is heavy , you feel safe while driving which is the most important aspect to be considered in Linea. Frankly speaking I did not find that convincing in Honda City
when I took its test drive. I felt HC like a Maruti 800 or an Esteem at speeds above 100 kms flying in the air loosing its oad grip which is not safe atleast in India. In India , you need sturdy cars to battle the roads and good mileage which I guess Linea tops. SX4 again is poor in mileage with its huge body and I fail to realise the reason for having such a wide and tall body. Back view is a problem I checked while driving SX4 due to its tall back portion.
I have driven Linea to a max of 140kms and was highly impressed with its performance. I guess no car in this segment can outperform Linea and that too in a price range of 8 - 9 lacs is impossible with all advanced features , glamour and more. I doubt even the new VW Vento for that matter but I would be interested to test drive the Vento for comparison sake.
I still feel proud owning her and before I forget to mention, I have seen young girls and boys taking photos of themselves posing besides my red Linea when parked with their mobile phones and I don't mind waiting till they finish their session while I watch them from far.
Feels good when you see such sights and I am sure it makes us all feel emotionally close to our cars when someone really admires it and gives us a sense of pride.
Overall I am very satisfied customer and I would say the Italians have done it again with Linea. Someone in the reviews has mentioned that you still long to admire her and in my case , after covering 19, 000 kms I could boldly say that 'Admiration Guaranteed ' is what this means.
