April 7, 2009

Gentlemen,

I learnt driving on a Fiat 1100D (1980 Premier Padmini) - Still owned and maintained in showroom condition.
I graduated to a Fiat 124 (1997 Premier 118NE) - Still owned and maintained in showroom condition.
Being an ardent fan of Fiats and a car enthusiast (Own 7 cars) I convinced my wife to purchase a Fiat Linea in April 2009 as against a Honda Civic or Toyota Corolla. I had been following the Linea video of the car being tested in Sweden and the video of the car almost from its launch in Turkey and other promotional literature. My expectations from this car far exceeded what we have got.
We are much disappointed in the performance of this car since our purchase. The engine is underpowered for the size and weight of the vehicle it has to pull even with one person and no luggage. The drive through the city is laborious on the engine – Even smaller hatchbacks at half the price are offering similar horsepower in their cars. The fuel consumption is not good either. The front seats are not comfortable as well even compared to my 2007 Maruti Suzuki Swift which again uses the gem of a Fiat MultiJet engine.
The car is not responsive at all and I feel let down by Fiat in its judgement in providing this underpowered engine in a larger car like the Linea. The old 1.6 Liter from the Petra would have been much better. Why has Fiat presumed that a customer will not spend 10 lakhs plus on a car of this size. We were prepared for more expensive cars in the 10 Lakh – 12 Lakh range.
Fiat could have introduced the T-Jet engine as an option in the beginning itself. Now my car is lying in my garage not used as we do not feel happy about our decision to purchase a Fiat.
My wife is sorry that she cannot drive her new car to work and since she is a Senior Software Professional in a U.S Multinational company the purchase of the Fiat Linea is getting highlighted every day as she continues to use her 9 year old Maruti Wagon R instead of the Fiat Linea.

I cannot use the car either as the car is underpowered and not suitable for my interstate travels as well.
We expect Fiat to respond and help us with this brand new burden. We expect you to provide us an upgrade to the Fiat T-Jet.
Thanks & Best Regards,
Sateesh S. Magal
1-2-319 Street # 7
Gagan Mahal
Hyderabad 500029
India
Ph:09849042329/040-27632789, 27626790