Introduction
Fiat Linea Classic 1.3 Diesel - I would call it a super sedan.
FIAT has been since 1899. The company sells four-wheelers of all categories ranging from 1000CC all the way up to 2000cc plus. Linea Classic 1.3 Diesel is an entry-level sedan which is not only fun to commute but is also supremely comfortable on on-road. I own (equity) the Linea Classic 1.3 Diesel since last 4 years and my experience with it has been fabulously comfy. I think it is one of the best 1248cc segment sedans even after years of its launch.
Since my latest trip to Pokhara on Fiat Linea, I am much more attracted to it. Love the way it handles the twisties and turns on the on-roading when it hit 100 above. Smooth-very smooth. And in this review, I will be explaining why I love this sedan so much.
Model: Fiat Linea Classic 1.3 Diesel
Purchase Price: Rs. 35,79,000/- (2013)
Purchase Location: Life Automobiles Pvt. Ltd. Gairidhara, Kathmandu
Looks
Linea Classic 1.3 Diesel has an intense classy sporty look which feels cool on travelling. Linea comes with 9 light colour-design. Let's not talk about all but nevertheless, the one I own is of Sunbeam Beige colour.
More about Fiat Linea Classic 1.3 here
Engine
Linea Classic 1.3 Diesel has a 1248cc one-cylinder Multijet Diesel Engine. It is mated to a 5-speed manual transmission gearbox. The engine churns out an output of 75 BHP at 4000rpm. The gear changing is smooth with no sound. The engine gets hot while commuting around the Kathmandu city on the slow phase which is a bummer. But on the highway, it's normal as it should be.
Thanks to the Spider Cooling System Bleeding. Bleeding the cooling system involves getting rid of all air bubbles after refilling the cooling system which keeps the engine cool in all condition to make it deliver consistently high-performance efficiency.
Fuel Tank Capacity and Mileage
Comparing most of the 1248cc sedan, I think Fiat Linea has an above normal fuel tank with the capacity of 45 litres. And talking about mileage, Classic gives a mileage of 19.5km/Lt on on-roading. Since I bought it varies with the traffic.
Handling, Suspension & Braking
The Linea Classic 1.3 Diesel has a weight of 1210kgs which is very stable at high speeds and with wide tubeless tire providing plenty of grips which helps perform well around the tight bends on highways. But what's more impressive is the brake and its suspension setup. I believe that the brakes are best than the Scorpio or Honda City Sedan.
- Suspension: Front- Independent Wheel, Helical Coil Springs, Double acting Telescopic Dampers And Stabiliser Bar; Rear- Torsion Beam, Helical Coil Springs, Doubleacting Telescopic Dampers And Stabiliser Bar.
- Brake: Front- Ventilated Disc; Rear- Drum.
The Good
- Looks classy and attractive. Only for Luxury seekers.
- The average range of price for the starter.
- Powerful Engine
- Huge trunk space
- Tubeless tire with the good grip on on-road
- Average Mileage and matches the claimed figured by the company
- Comfy Seats and riding nevertheless great value of money
The Bad
- Only for on-roading.
- Manual Gear
- Only 4-seaters excluding the driver.
- Offroading is not comfortable with low ground clearance and on-road suspension.
- Long is size, so overtaking is a little hard.
- Not for the joint family. For joint, you need to buy something like Scorpio.
Also Read: Scorpio Long Term Review
The Competition
Linea Classic fall in the category of Average Sedan. So the competitors for this sedan would be VW Vento, Verna and the new Honda City.
Conclusion
This is a family car and needs to drive with love and care. I really enjoyed it on long drives and had good driving experience. In highway it responds very good but accelerating beyond 110kmph you feel a little effort which car make.
Also, I felt tyre size should be 185 75 R15 instead of 175 70 R14. In the city, you need to shift gears for accelerating. As my driving style is smooth and slow (haha) in the city and only in the highway, I enjoyed driving at max 80KMPH this is a sheer joy of pleasure in driving.
Maintainance has never been a problem it almost been more than 4 years with 57000Km but only changed alternator belt costing Nrs. 2000, brake shoes worth NRs. 2400 and one left side strut Nrs. 3600 service cost is normal at all. This sedan is not for cruising at 140-150 kmph but to drive with love and pleasure and it will respond great.
Overall I am very happy with this Fiat Baby. GO FIAT TODAY. haha
