Fiat Linea Makes Debut

Fiat believes its all-new Fat Linea, just launched at the Johannesburg International Motor Show, might look like a three-box sedan but reckon it will put some bigger cars to shame. It's due for SA launch in the second half of 2009.
It has stylistic elements from Fiat's Grande Punto and Bravo hatches but, unlike many of its competitors "is a true trendsetter". The South African Linea line-up is still to be finalised, Fiat says, but "the pricing will be competitive".
Engine choice has not been settled, but by the time the cars reach SA some new units will have been introduced and, Fiat SA hopes, installed
New engines are in the pipeline and should ready when SA gets the cars.
The Linea is 4.56m long, 1.73 wide, 1.5 tall and has a 2.6m wheelbase and its cabin is high enough, Fiat says, to accommodate very tall folk  front and rear. The rear seat, hatchback style will fold for luggage.
Engines already in the cars, Fiat says, offer good performance: 165km'h top speed and good fuel consumption.
Internationally, Active, Dynamic and Emotion specs and 11 body colours are available. Top-end infotainment and aircon systems are options, along with cruise control and various ways of connecting audio equipment are on the "can do" list. Comprehensive passenger protection comes with the package.