Fiat Linea 1.3 Multijet

The Linea looks and feels so much more expensive than it actually is

Published on Dec 08, 2009 08:00:00 AM

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Ever single passenger and driver who sat in the Linea commented on the superb ride quality that is totally unfazed by our roads. It’s the perfect balance between low and high speed ride comfort that the Linea has managed to strike that makes it special. As a result, it’s at home at any speed on just about any surface. There is a firm side to the suspension which you can feel and the odd thud, the result of short tyre sidewalls, does filter through but it’s not jarring or disturbing in any way. As a result you tend to carry much more speed over poor roads, the Linea maintaining its composure impressively.
The chassis and especially the front suspension are so well set up that the front end bite from the Linea is unreal. The front wheels have so much grip you are miles away from the limit, the first few times you push through a serries of corners. The Linea holds onto its line effortlessly at speeds you expect the front tyres to give way and scrabble for grip but instead, the grippy Goodyear GT3 195 tyres feel like they are slicks.

The increased ground clearance for India doesn’t seem to have affected the handling adversely with body roll well under control.

The brilliant hydraulic steering is responsive, accurate and bristling with feedback at all speeds and a key element in the Linea’s impeccable handling. It always allows you to be in touch with the road and gives you the confidence to push harder than you would dare in another car.
Straight line stability is ‘hands off the wheel’ good, even as high as 160kph and the ABS-equipped brakes do a very good job, even though the discs aren’t too large