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

Engine, ride & handling

Unlike the more expensive Linea models, the Classic range is powered by diesel engines with a fixed geometry turbo (petrol unit remains the same). This engine, which also powers the Grande Punto, produces 75bhp of peak power at 4000 rpm and 197 bhp of peak torque at 1750 rpm. Those figures are 17bhp down on power and 22Nm down on torque as compared with the Linea Active.

That reduction in power and torque is not too small to go unnoticed, and the Classic+ did feel slightly less punchy as compared to the VGT engine car. Having said that, the Linea Classic doesn’t feel sluggish or underpowered in any way. En route Lonavala, on the Expressway, the Linea Classic felt very reassuring in terms of acceleration and clocked a very good top speed. Even in its 75bhp version, the Classic has enough grunt to let you overtake the odd car ahead with confidence, and it wouldn’t disappoint you if you gave it the stick.

That 197NM of peak torque figure, kicking in at 1750 rpm, gives the Linea plenty of mid range punch to build speed reassuringly – even in the fast lane. Sure, it’s not as spunky as its more powerful VGT siblings, but for all practical purposes, the Linea Classic doesn’t leave you with much to complain about.

If anything, we found the engine noise a tad too much for comfort. While the 90bhp VGT Linea is also not the quietest cars around, the engine noise within the Classic’s cabin was even more pronounced. It may probably have to do something with reduced noise insulation, but the engine sound was most definitely perturbing.

Engine noise aside, we don’t have much to complain about the Classic’s down rated engine. The difference, however, is much more perceptible in terms of the car’s handling. The Linea has been known to be one of the deftest handlers in its segment. Its poise, as regards handling and ride has always hit the sweet spot for us. While the increment in ground clearance by jacking up the suspension a while back did take some magic away, the Linea was still an able handler.

With the downsized tyres on the Classic, however, the loss in poise is a bit more apparent. The Linea Classic still keeps its line very reassuringly in a straight line. However, when pushed aggressively around the bends, the thinner rubber tends to break traction a tad more early. The rock solid behind of the higher spec Linea tends to slither a bit on the Classic variant. While still very predictable and sure footed, one can feel that the Classic is a tad happier to wag its tail. It’s still much better than some other Korean and Japanese cars in its segment when it comes to displaying composure when driven at the hands of a spirited driver though.

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