Fiat Linea Classic Plus review India

Fiat Linea Classic Plus road test review, price, features, images and specs

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The Linea Classic is an attempt by Fiat India to offer the classic styled Italian machine to the customer on a budget. The footfall at the Fiat showrooms hasn’t been much to write home about, what with both the Linea and Punto selling in small numbers. With a face-lifted version of the Linea on the horizon in the next few months, Fiat India decided to plonk in the more basic Punto engine with fixed geometry turbo in the sedan, took some features down and put a mouth watering price tag on it to lure in some customers.

For the 1.4 liter petrol FIRE engine, the Linea Classic is available only in one variant. However, the Classic range comprises of two sub variants for the 1.3 diesel engine version – Linea Classic and Linea Classic Plus. The Linea Classic forms the most basic variant, with the Plus variant boasting a whole bunch of features over and above the vanilla Classic. We had the 1.3 Multijet Linea Classic + variant with us for a test. So while we will talk about the handling and performance of only the Classic +, we will let you know about the features and price of the rest of the variants in the Classic range as well.

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So how well has the Classic range turned out? Let’s find out!

Words: Amit Chhangani

Images: Hanoz Patel & Amit Chhangani

Visual and feature-related differences

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On the outside, both Classic and Classic + variants have been stripped of the front fog lamps. The aluminium finish slots for the fog lamps, however, have been retained and do help in retaining the visual appeal at the front end. The liberal sprinkling of chrome which the previous Linea enjoyed has been taken away as well. The chrome on the doors, the window sills and the bumpers has been removed. The Classic version gets a black radiator grille while the Classic Plus gets a chrome unit.

The wheels on the Linea Classic and Claassic+ are sized at 14 inches shod with 70 profile tyres, as against the 15 inch 60 profile tyres on the Linea Active. There are no alloys on the Classic / Classic+ and the wheel well, especially at the rear looks rather empty. This is even more prominent on Classic variants painted in lighter colours. The width of the tyres for the more basic and less powerful Linea Classic and + variants has been reduced too. The car now features 175 section tyres as against the wider 195 rubber on the Active variant.

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The Linea is an authentic Italian design, and the beauty of its well designed surfaces, neat lines and alluring curves is that even with so much ornamentation having been taken off, it still manages to look graceful from most angles. There are, however, a few angles, especially the rear three quarters (thanks to the smaller wheels and jacked up suspension) from where the car looks a little disproportionate. The Linea, however, even in its Classic avatar retains its classy charm, and manages to look like a pretty thing on wheels

On the inside, quite a few things have been taken off to make this longest sedan its class more affordable. The most basic Classic variant loses ABS, remote central locking for a key controlled operation, auto air conditioning, fabric upholstery (replaced by vinyl material), rear defogger and music system.

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The Classic + range has ABS, but without EBD. Unlike the base Classic variant it retains remote central locking, fabric upholstery and rear defogger. The Classic + variant also retains the 4 speaker audio systems, but without Bluetooth connectivity. Both Classic and Classic+ variants have been stripped of the Blue & Me communication system.

Further features on the Classic + version over and above the Classic variant include an exact door open indicator in the instrument console, Body colored ORVMs and door handles, wheel covers for steel rims, remote boot-lid opener with a boot lamp, a more advance roof light with dimming effect and a passenger side vanity mirror. The interior for both Classic and Classic + variants is all-black, unlike the black and beige scheme for the more expensive Linea variants.

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In terms of features, the Classic+ variant still manages to retain quite a few goodies. ABS, a factory fitted music system and central locking are really good features for a budget car, especially looking at its size and styling. The Classic variant, on the other hand feels a tad too stripped down, but then for those who are looking only at the sticker price, it brings further value to the table.

Next page for Engine, Ride and Handling>>>

3 thoughts on “Fiat Linea Classic Plus road test review, price, features, images and specs”

  1. I own a Linea Dynamic and I am very Satisfied with it, I have completed more than 30,000 km in 2 years with no issue……..Mileage is good, Comfort is excellent, no maintenance issue….One can go for Linea without any second thought.

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