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| Fiat Linea 1.4 Emotion vs. Ford Fiesta 1.6S vs. Maruti Suzuki Swift Dzire ZXi | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Review
all Models of Fiat Linea Review all Models of Ford Fiesta Review all Models of Maruti Suzuki Swift Dzire |
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 That India is diesel country is hardly a secret. Things have got to such a state that, at least as far as hatches are concerned, we’ve more or less stopped caring about petrols – the only relevant questions now are if it has Fiat’s 1.3-litre multijet diesel engine and in what state of tune!This though isn’t another hatchback comparison test. In the C-segment, free from the (artificial) shackles of excise issues, petrols continue to remain relevant. No matter how efficient or powerful diesels have become, they’re no match for the immense joy to be had in thrashing a revvy and properly quick Honda VTEC or Ford Duratec engine. So rather than test the Fiat Linea 1.4 emotion in isolation, OverDrive (March ’09) this time around has compiled a unique questionnaire that you should be asking if and when you choose to buy the Linea or its rivals – the Ford Fiesta 1.6S and the Maruti Suzuki Swift Dzire ZXi. Q1. Where is the Honda City? Obvious question and its all got to do with pricing. Let us start with the Swift Dzire, the cheapest of this lot at Rs. 6.2 lakh ex-showroom for the fully loaded ZXi complete with twin front airbags, ABS, climate control, integrated stereo with audio controls on the steering wheel and alloy wheels.  On the other side of the scale is the Fiesta, the Sport version costing Rs. 7.4 lakh for the 1.6-litre Duratec petrol engine, with stiffer sports suspension, airbags, ABS, stereo, alloys and attractive body kit.The Linea 1.4 starts at Rs. 6.2 lakh for the stripped out version. The Emotion variant tested by OverDrive (March ’09), bears a Rs. 7.2 lakh tag and besides airbags, ABS, alloys and climate control, the stereo also has Bluetooth functionality. The Honda City? Starting at Rs. 8 lakh it gets ABS and airbags but no climate control or alloys. It does not even have a proper CD player and that throws the pricing equation out of the window. Q2. What’s with 1.4 litres? Isn’t 1.6 litres the bare minimum these days? Oh yes, 1.6 litres and 101PS which is what Fiesta offers and the Ford Duratec twin-cam engine is as involving an engine as any. The engine is eager to rev, has a snorty induction note and is mated to a superb gearshift that encourages sporty driving.  But while the Fiesta is a genuine enthusiast’s car, the same can’t be said for the others. The Swift Dzire, with just 87PS from its (Esteem-derived) 1.3-litre petrol isn’t what we’d call swift – taking 15 seconds to get to 100kmph.The Linea’s combination of low gearing and an inherently torque 1.4-litre engine makes this a very easy car to drive in the city. All it needs to get going is for the engine to be pulling over 1200rpm – in fifth gear that translates little over 50kmph but thereafter not much happens. She takes 14.5 seconds to get to 100kmph but that requires you to rush through the gears and stress the engine. Nevertheless, having said that, 95PS from a 1.4-litre engine is seriously impressive and this is no cheapo engine only for India – the Linea models sold around the world run the same 1.4-litre petrol. So for a 1.2-ton car, the Linea is not quick but it sure is efficient. Q3. Will it make me popular with the ladies? Desirable the Dzire is clearly not – with a front end from Mars and tail from Venus. It is like two different cars welded together and if you’re looking to pull the chicks, you’ll fare better with the Fiesta, says OverDrive (March ’09) – especially the Sports variant and particularly in electric blue. But fact is the fiesta has had to resort to all this razzle-dazzle to arouse interest. The Linea’s lines and proportions on the other hand are of classic, timeless, Italian beauty. The lovely Maserati inspired nose, sweeping lines, lovely brightwork and dashing derriere – say, what you may but Fiat sure makes sexy cars. It even has the most space which contrasts sharply with the barely adequate rear space in either the Dzire or the Fiesta. Q4. Fun Anyone?  If fun is on your agenda, ignore the Linea. Don’t get us wrong – there is nothing wrong with the Linea’s dynamics – mated to fabulous ride quality; the Fiat seems fine-tuned for Indian roads, the supple suspension enhancing handling whereby mid-corner bumps don’t upset the balance and throw it off course. But alas there isn’t enough power to exploit the limits of the chassis. To get going rapidly the engine has to be worked real hard and that can be taxing, ultimately robbing it of the fun-to-drive appeal.So you might think that the Dzire would carry over the Swift’s fun-to-drive DNA and it does but you have to look really hard. The steering remains delightful but the rest of the package isn’t game for serious thrashing and with inadequate rubber understeer sets in too soon. The Fiesta then is the car to have a blast with – thanks to its size the Fiesta was very flickable and eager around the twisties, now turn-in is crisper, body roll is better controlled and grip levels are surprisingly high. Importantly the handling improvements have not come at the expense of ride quality. The fiesta is a bit stiffer but never uncomfortable and soaks in most undulation without ruffle. If only the Fiesta had more generously proportioned and bolstered seats, it would have scored even higher. Q5. In these recessions hit times, which of the three cars will retain its value? You have to say the Dzire – it’s a Maruti and everybody trusts Maruti despite the Swift’s not so tall reputation for quality. But between the Ford and the Fiat – it’s a tough question to answer. The Fiesta is neither spacious nor fuel efficient and so is bound to depreciate more in value over a three-year span than the Linea. At Rs. 7.4 lakh it is also the priciest despite not offering the most equipment.  The million dollar question though is: is it wise to invest in a Fiat? The fact though is that Fiat has not just turned over a new leaf, it has thrown the old book out of the window. Fiat has redefined its India plan, it is building its own engines (for Tata Motors as well) and the cars are now built at a new state-of-the-art facility to ensure premium quality. In the Linea, Fiat has a fantastic car on offer. The petrol may not be very quick or refined but it is fuel efficient and that counts for a big deal with the Indian clientele. Add in juicy pricing – Rs. 7.2 lakh for everything – beautiful styling, well made, handsome interiors, brilliant ride and handling and the Linea emerges as the overwhelming winner states OverDrive (March ’09).
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| Indiacar Editorial Team on 2nd July 2009 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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