Under the shiny veneer (literally) of the new Linea, the car is packed to the rafters with a variety of technological implements, the foremost of which is the introduction of Cruise Control, which is available in the top-end Emotion model. Safety and convenience have both been addressed by the Linea as is evident by the inclusion of rain-sensing wipers, automatic headlamps and reverse parking sensors. The entertainment system has been beefed up too, as FIAT have included Microsoft’s Blue & Me with integrated voice command, steering-mounted audio controls, and USB and Aux-in as part of the built-in sound system. A digital readout flanked by the dials means there’s a lot more information available to the driver, sometimes too much in one go, as a matter of fact.
Since FIAT haven’t made any changes to the core mechanics of the car, the Linea T-Jet is still powered by the 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol mill, which boasts of an impressive power output of 114 PS and a riveting torque figure of 207 Nm. The only drawback is the turbo lag, as the Linea has to be taken up to 2,500 revs before the power well and truly kicks in. The brakes bring the yang to the power’s yin, giving you the peace of mind that allows you to really exploit the car’s power.
The Linea’s handling is quite capable, and doesn’t allow the aggressive engine to get out of hand. The feedback from the steering is good, even slightly over the top at times. Although, when the clutch is fully extended, you can feel the steering column nibbling at your foot if you’re performing lateral movements at the same time. The ride quality in the Linea is on the firmer side, and it also retains its tall stance. This translates into a car that isn’t thrown off its stride by the bumps and ruts that form an integral part of the Indian driving experience. The gear-shift knob feels a little spongy, a solitary blot in what is a decent car to drive overall.
