Fiat India, the Indian subsidiary of Italian auto maker Fiat Group Automobiles, entered the Indian automobile industry in 1997 in a joint venture with Tata Motors. The deal happened to lapse after which Fiat started working independently and is presently located at Ranjangaon in Pune, Maharashtra with about 2600 employees. Fiat Linea underwent a facelift last year and while the global market saw the entry of new Linea, Indian showrooms still await the arrival of the same. The grapevines had reported about the Linea Classic being spotted testing on the Indian roads that had further increased the anticipation of new Fiat Linea. The major changes in the facelift version include cosmetic attributes. Analysts feel that the changes would definitely enhance the overall appearance of this car.
It must be noted that the current model has been rebadged as 'Linea Classic' with a few changes and is expected to be available next to the new Fiat Linea. The new Fiat Linea Classic is placed between Grand Punto and the standard version of Linea. The front grille and bumper have undergone modifications; however, the rear bumper retains its design except for some minor changes. An additional chrome strip has been implemented in the car with a number plate on the boot lid. The chrome addition provides a premium and appealing look and is likely to lure the price sensitive Indian buyers. In addition, new fog lamps have also been offered in the new Fiat Linea, although side appearance is similar to the existing model.
“Fiat India has exciting plans this festive season. To celebrate and share the festivities with our customers, we have launched the Linea Classic which will give them the luxuries of a sedan at the price range of a hatchback. The car will be an attractive offering for the customers at a very affordable price, price and we plan to reach customers in all the cities through our 79 exclusive dealership in the near future,” said Nagesh Basavanhalli, President and Managing Director of Fiat Chrysler Operations India during the launch of Fiat Linea Classic.
It is quite obvious that the company launched a new model around festive season so as to cash in on the sentiments of domestic customers. Interiors of new Fiat Linea have also gone through upgradation with a revised three-layered two-tone dashboard. It gets a unique integrated audio system and improved air conditioner vents. Moreover, interiors are also re-worked with chrome addition just like exteriors. The gear lever, door pads, steering wheel and climate control knobs retain their appearance; however, the instrument cluster comes with chrome-ringed recessed dials and circular centre.
The facelifted version of Linea would run on either 1.3-litre Multijet diesel, 1.4-litre Fire or 1.4-litre T-Jet petrol engine, just like the previous versions. Industry experts are of a view that the performance of this entry level sedan is not going to affect with these technical changes. The 1.4-litre T-Jet engine generating 112 bhp of peak power and 207 Nm of maximum torque would hold the position of being the most powerful powertrain in its segment. On the other hand, Linea Classic has not gone through much changes in technical specifications and would retain 1.3-litre Multijet diesel and 1.4-litre petrol engine options. The 1.3-litre Multijet diesel powertrain would be delivering 74 bhp of maximum power whereas the 1.4-litre petrol engine churns out 88 bhp of peak power output. The company claims that the Fiat Linea Classic will have the longest wheelbase when compared to other cars of the same segment.
It is being said that the entry level sedan would fight against the likes of Honda Amaze, Maruti Suzuki Swift DZire, Toyota Etios and Chevrolet Sail. It must be noted that Amaze and Swift DZire have presently occupied the top position in this segment and it would be really tough for Fiat Linea to score above these models.
