Long Term Test 1
Like all car enthusiasts, I like getting the keys to a new car, but I was more than looking forward to get behind the wheel of our new Fiat Linea 125S simply because of its unique albeit questionable credentials. Simply put, the Linea has managed to carve out a niche for itself as an interesting choice among the C-segment brigade and the 125S, in particular, is aimed squarely at performance-minded buyers and scores high when it comes to fun factor.
In the last few weeks since it’s joined our fleet, the 125S has spent most of its time within the city limits. In fact, it’s been a fitting companion to my 50-odd km daily commute – the 125bhp, 1.4 turbo petrol motor is fantastic, with the kind of tractability that makes driving around town stress-free.
What’s not so fantastic, though, is the fuel efficiency; I am currently managing between 8 and 11 kmpl under varied driving conditions. That said, I am confident this figure will improve once this 6,000km-old engine has been properly run in.
In all our previous road tests of the Linea, we have highlighted the car’s odd driving position and the 125S is no different. The rather large steering wheel and the pedals are too close to the driver and even though the former can be adjusted for height, I cannot raise it as high as I would like. Other than that, my only real bugbear in the cabin is the lack of storage spaces. As with other Fiat models, there are no cup holders and a tiny cubby hole between the front seats which means there’s little space left for any storage.
This niggle aside, I’m enjoying my time with the 125S and its peppy performance. It’s got the big car looks, it drives well, the front seats are supportive while my parents have commented on how impressive the rear seat is compared to similarly priced cars. About time I took it out of the city and onto a road trip to let it stretch its legs! More on that in next month’s update.
Vehicle Stats
Variant – 125S
Odometer reading – 6,350km
Positives of the report – Smile-inducing performance, big car looks
Negatives of the report – Cabin ergonomics, fuel efficiency
Fuel Efficiency – 10.50kmpl
