The Linea is one of the more accomplished cars in the C segment. The ride, handling and performance (1.3 diesel and 1.4 Turbo petrol) of the car, along with its stunning Italian design make it one of the most desirable pieces of machinery in its segment. What shame that owing to their apprehensions about the Fiat badge, people refrain from buying this beauty. Fiat India, however, is gearing up to introduce new engines and transmissions in the new car to make it more appealing. Very recently, one of the 1.6-liter turbo diesel MJD was spied somewhere near Mysore Road in Bangalore. The new engine will enhance the Linea’s appeal for the diesel lovers. The 1.6 MJD is capable of producing around 105bhp of power and 300Nm of torque. The engine is also known for its fuel efficiency.
Apart from the bigger diesel engine, an automatic transmission version of the Linea was also reportedly spotted. The auto transmission was fitted onto the 1.3 diesel, but as you would make out, when it comes to the market, it would be available on the new 1.6 diesel variant as well.
The DuaLogic gearbox is a sequential manual gearbox, with a small, light actuator (unlike the power hungry torque converters) unit automatically operate the clutch and move the gears. The whole process is overlooked by a full fuzzy logic, so it can adapt to the driver’s style. The DuaLogic can also assess vehicle deceleration and adjust downshifts.
The new engine and transmission will be launched on the Linea by the end of May or early June. The price for the top end 1.6 diesel automatic can be expected to be in the region of 10 lakh+ ex-showroom.
