Honda City vs Fiat Linea

Dhillon

Dhillon Sa'aB™
Staff member
So you want a reasonably big car with a boot that tells the world that your hatchback days are history, right?






Well, that means spending the additional money on 'purpose built' sedans than another hatchback with an 'add-on' boot. Well, you can now choose between a gorgeous Italian and sophisticated Japanese. The Fiat Linea has some what resurrected the Fiat brand in India and sales are robust even after an year while the Honda City is the third generation of an ultra-successful sub-brand from the big 'H'. The Fiat Linea range starts from Rs 6.3 lakh for the basic petrol variant and goes all the way to Rs 8.6 lakh for the top-end diesel model.
Honda City prices start where Fiat Linea tag ends with the entry-level model leveling out at Rs8.8 lakh while the top-end costing Rs 9.31 lakh. Of course there are no diesels available at Honda dealerships yet and if you want that brilliant automatic transmission then you pay near D-segment price at Rs 10.07 lakh (all prices ex-showroom, Mumbai). So there, even before we start we are clear that if you are looking for a modern diesel sedan then you should be marching towards a Fiat-Tata showroom. Still undecided? Let us take a closer look at the two.
 

Dhillon

Dhillon Sa'aB™
Staff member




Design
Italians are famous for making automotive sculptures and the Linea is indeed one. It is proportionally speaking a traditional sedan but the cab-forward architecture and that Maserati inspired nose are hard to resist to anyone who grew up admiring Ferraris on their walls. The Honda City, on the other hand takes the game to another level where crisp and clean lines and abrupt cuts create a form that can only be termed sophisticated. Obviously inspired by BMWs of our times, the Honda also pays tribute to eco-friendly cars such as the Toyota Prius and Honda's own Insight with its aerodynamic stance and large glass area. As far as overall fit and finish goes Honda gains advantage though.
 

Dhillon

Dhillon Sa'aB™
Staff member




Comfort
The Fiat feels robust and heavy and rides well on bad roads. The Honda has an airy cabin that gives a sense of space but feels extremely fragile when driven on anything but billiards table smooth surfaces. Both cars are built around the driver and front passenger and if you are planning to hire a chauffeur get ready to settle to slightly bumper ride quality and reduced leg/head/elbow rooms. In this regard the Honda City is slightly better - as it is easier to get in and out (to the rear seats) as the car has a taller stance. Both cars can pack five passengers at a pinch but be weary of speed-breakers with an overloaded Linea - this is a very low-slung car indeed. The Honda air-conditioning works better in most weather conditions while the Fiat Petrol offers better climate control than in the diesel version. Honda controls feels lighter compared to the Fiat and the overall ergonomics also favours the Japanese car. But when it comes to entertainment, Honda has provided a USB slot and nothing else. The Linea on the other hand features the MSN Blue and Me package as an option that allows you to take calls, receive SMSs and even play your song list from your phone - tough to beat.
 

Dhillon

Dhillon Sa'aB™
Staff member




Performance
If you are looking for some fun you should buy the i-VTEC powered Honda City that churns out close to 116 bhp. Spirited acceleration, silky smooth refinement and consistent (13-14 kpl) mileage are the rewards. We will go a little more and say that this is what you pay the premium for. The Linea, despite using the variable geometry turbocharger for the diesel variant has only 90 horses which can be termed only adequate for a heavy sedan. The turbo-jet diesel trumps when it comes to mileage though with 15-20 kpl depending on traffic conditions should appeal to a lot of people indeed. Apples to apples, you say? The 1.4 litre petrol engine that powers the Linea is oh-so-underpowered that Fiat is mulling a 1.6 as its replacement. So there - Fun to drive? Honda City. More KM for your penny? Fiat Linea Diesel.
 

Dhillon

Dhillon Sa'aB™
Staff member




Safety
Honda, after a decade of producing the City without essential safety gear resented and gave ABS and airbags for the new generation car. Fiat follows too.

MSN Auto Rating
Fiat Linea
Diesel:
4/5 Petrol: 3/5

Honda City
Petrol:
4.5/5
 

kartaroo

katty
dono car'an kaim ne veerji

vaise honda city vi vadiya hai par mera vote te apne vade cousin di linea nu hi janda hai.............


ki kariye rishte nibhaune painde ne ............
 

pps309

Prime VIP
Good one from Fiat, car's exterior is good.
Nose diping bonet and lengthy boot.

I still carve for Maruti Suzuki Baleno, my all time favourite in India.
 
Top