New Fiat Linea launched at Rs 6.99 lakh

Fiat India has launched the facelifted version of its Linea mid-size sedan in Mumbai at a starting price of Rs 6.99 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). First shown in India at the Auto Expo in February, the 2014 Fiat Linea gets a few minor but effective exterior styling tweaks and a thoroughly revised interior.

The updated Linea gets a restyled grille and bumper, new fog lamps and lots of chrome on the front. The rear comes with a restyled bumper and the number plate has now moved up to the bootlid. There are no major changes to the side profile, except that the wing mirrors now come with turn indicators. There’s a new design for the alloy wheels too.

The Fiat Linea facelift’s interior gets major updates. The new and more upmarket-looking dash comes in a two-tone beige and black colour scheme with premium feeling soft-touch plastics and upmarket ambient cabin lighting. The centre console is all-new and gets a new glossy black integrated audio system (with aux and Bluetooth), restyled AC vents, and additional cubby holes. The instrument cluster now gets chrome-ringed dials and a big trip computer screen that can read out a variety of information.

The updated Linea will be available with the 112bhp, 1.4-litre T-Jet turbo-petrol motor and the 1.3-litre Multijet diesel – with its power bumped up slightly, to 92bhp. The 1.4-litre naturally aspirated petrol motor – shared with Linea Classic which is  the pre-facelift Linea that the company continues to sell at a lower price point, with less equipment – is only available on the base Active petrol trim.