2016 Fiat Linea 125 S review, test drive

What is it?

Although the Linea has been around for a very long time, it has always remained on the sidelines of the market. This had more to do with the brand rather than the product itself. The current car is the same generation car as was launched back in 2009, but it has gone through various updates and facelifts through the years. This time round there’s a more powerful T-Jet engine and a handy touchscreen infotainment system. We wish though that Fiat had done more to differentiate the 125 S from the regular Linea, apart from just some badging at the rear and A-pillars. We can expect quite a few enthusiasts looking for some visual mods for their cars.

What is it like inside?

The Linea 125 S is very similar to its lesser-powered sibling on the inside, with the exception of a new touchscreen for the infotainment system, replete with navigation and Bluetooth connectivity.
The dashboard is attractive in design, with a large swath of soft-touch plastic sandwiched between hard, scratchy plastics. The touchscreen is quite tiny, though it is easy to use and features high-definition display. The only grouse is the positioning of the unit itself which is a bit low requiring you to take your gaze quite far off from the road.

One of the Linea’s biggest problems has not been rectified with the 125 S – the poor driver-seating position. The steering wheel juts out too much and the long-travel clutch and other pedals are located too far away, compelling you into a stretched out position. The front seats, however, are large and comfortable. The rear is not the most spacious in the segment, and headroom is particularly tight, and while the seat is generally comfortable, the seatback is a bit flat.

The equipment list is still strong, with navigation, automatic headlights, auto AC and rain-sensing wipers, to name a few. The remote-operable boot is a roomy 500 litres, though access to it is restricted by a narrow and high loading lip.