Fiat Linea Classic images leaked ahead of India launch

Fiat India wants to step up its game in terms of volumes and a direct result of this exercise is the Linea Classic, a cut-price, entry level version of the solitary sedan that the Italian car maker sells in the Indian market. The Linea Classic will be launched on the 25th of September and the car is likely to sit between the Punto and the regular Linea in terms of price and positioning. 

The Linea Classic represents Fiat India's maiden foray into the entry-level C-segment, a segment that does nearly two and half times the volumes when compared to the regular C-segment. While the entry level C-segment is dominated by the likes of the Maruti Suzuki Dzire and the Honda Amaze, space does exist for cut-price value offerings such as the Ford Classic and now, the Fiat Linea Classic.

These cars are decontent-ed versions of regular C-segment sedan, and serve as larger alternates at affordable prices.  Here are the few noticeable changes on the Linea Classic: 

• The car uses the Grande Punto's all-black dashboard finish
• Steering mounted audio controls are omitted
• Boot lid features Linea Classic badging
• 14 inch steel wheels with wheel caps borrowed from the Punto

Apart from these changes, chromed bits are likely to be eliminated on the Linea Classic in order to drive down the cost of the car. The Linea Classic is likely to get a detuned version of the 1.3 liter Multijet turbo diesel motor, running a fixed geometry turbocharger instead of the regular Linea's variable geometry unit. 

This change will result in the power and torque outputs reducing, from 90 Bhp-209 Nm, to 75 Bhp-190 Nm. Considering the 1,200 kilograms plus heft of the Linea, the power and torque figures are hardly inspiring. However, with a car such as the Ford Classic getting by with 68 Bhp-160 Nm, the Linea Classic Diesel's engine output seems par for the course.

The five speed manual gearbox could be carried over unchanged while the various omitted features are likely to shave off a good 30-40 kilograms from the Linea Classic, giving the car the much required, lower kerb weight. Fiat has already begun marketing the Linea Classic as the longest vehicle in its class, an approach that highlights the "luxury made affordable" marketing strategy. 

The Linea Classic's petrol variant will use the 1.4 liter, naturally aspirated FIRE (fully integrated robotized engine) motor. The regular version of the Linea will continue to sell in India for a few more months, with turbo petrol and turbo diesel engine options, until the facelifted model arrives early next year. Rumours suggest that the Linea Facelift would feature the more powerful, 1.6 liter Multijet turbo diesel engine, in addition to the 1.4 liter T-Jet turbo petrol motor.  

Spyshots courtesy MotorTrend.in