New Fiat Linea

SHAPE & FUNCTION

Elegance and style intelligently combined with comfort and practically
Externally, undoubtedly Italian lines. Internally, a stylish and extremely functional atmosphere. As a whole, an absolutely harmonious and original automobile. Thus Fiat Linea is.

Created by Fiat Style Center in Italy, the originality of the new automobile is evident in its clean and fluid lines, which give it a dynamic and very confident look. It is unmistakably Italian.

The generous dimensions of Fiat Linea – 4.56 meters long, 1.73 m wide, 1.50 m high – confirm the large size impression that is obtained upon seeing it for the first time.

The front is imposing and, as such, it marks the exceptional presence of the new sedan. All its stylistic elements are in equilibrium, resulting in an interesting geometric set that attracts the eyes and captivates.
Tapered, with round outlines, the front is at the same time elegant and solid. The large grille, which re-edits the new family feeling of the Fiat models, is trapezoidal, with round corners, and brings thin elements and chrome-plated frames. It marks the dividing line between the hood and the integrated bumper; stylistically, the air entrance below this represents continuity of the grille. The outline of the bumper is delimited by this entrance, through nerves and chrome-plated paneling.

On the sides of the air entrance, round recesses embed the fog lights, which complement the headlights visually. These, which are double parabola type and with three aesthetic parts, are elongated with an organic shape. They intercept the lines of the engine hood and fenders: a fold starts from its internal corner in direction towards the windshield; another leaves from the external corner of the headlights and goes until it meets with the lower border of the lateral windows.

The fold that starts at the internal corner of the headlights and ends at the end of the rear hood represents continuity with the front of Fiat Linea. It sinks down to the lower border of the windows – highlighted by a chrome-plated detail -, which travels diagonally and give the sedan an appeal of great dynamism. This same impression is reinforced by the accentuated inclination of the windshield. There is not clear break between it and the hood: one seems to flow from the other, in a profile of aerodynamic and sportive look. The upper line of the windows and roof, rounded and fluid, without a single sharp corner, reinforces this impression.
Chrome-plated paneling travel the lower portion of the doors. They represent another element of stylistic continuity, since the eyes will meet them again at the back of the sedan. Thus, these panelings are repeated all around Fiat Linea.

The muscular fenders add an element of solidness and strength to Fiat Linea. From the upper part of the front fender a fold is born that travels through the entire side, parallel to the line of the windows, and is dissolved over the rear lamps. The door knobs, with discrete, blob-shape and chrome-plated details, are laid over this fold, emphasizing the purity of the lines of the new sedan.

This slope is repeated at the back of Fiat Linea: all lines are clean and essential, with no superfluous elements, resulting in an impressive, elegant and strong profile. The beautiful trapezoidal lamps invade the side of the sedan, attracting the sight. They have a detail at the lower portion, accompanying a fold that crosses the baggage compartment door.

The door has a curved profile, delimited by the same fold that starts at the internal corner of the headlights – as if it made a curve upwards upon arriving at the end. This element works to provide visual fluidity to the sedan, endowing great harmony to its entire assembly.

Below the door and the lamps, the robust integrated bumper has a fold that is born at the acute end of the lamps and repeats the curved design seen in other parts of the automobile. It is also cut by chrome-plated panelings and by a recess that shelters the plate; two lamps to illuminate it are embedded above it.
The lamps are easily visible to other drivers. The standard brake light, introduced internally at the base of the rear window, completes the efficiency of the optical assembly.

There is no lock in the baggage compartment: it is opened by internal control or by remote control. This resource was adopted specifically for the Brazilian market, taking into account the customer’s preference. The new red Fiat logo, at the center of the door, completes the assembly, giving even more elegance to the model.

Internal style and life on board

In the same way as the exterior, Fiat Linea’s interior is a legitimate expression of Italian style. The wide internal space, the quality of finishing materials, the extreme care with comfort and great attention given to details leave this evident – as well as the clear, fresh and accommodating atmosphere, made from elements as harmonious as those that comprise the body. Really, the interior and exterior balance and complement each other, and the final product is an automobile with excellent quality of life on board, great beauty and elegance, which was born to please. And a lot.

Whoever goes into the automobile immediately perceives that the care employed in the creation of the external lines is maintained in the interior. The quality of internal finish is found in all places, like in the colors of the upholsteries, in the textures of materials, in the round outlines, in the instrument panel with excellent visualization reaching even the vast glass-covered area. Everything was thought to get the driver and the passengers to cohabit with Fiat Linea in the best way possible.

The combination of colors and materials inside varies in accordance with the version. Thus, for Fiat Linea 1.9 16V and 1.9 16V Dualogic, gray was chosen, present on the velvet seats and in details of the panel. The Absolute version received gray or beige leather – the customer chooses, and the panel accompanies the standard. And the T-Jet version comes with beige micro fiber and tear finish. The panel is bicolor, with the top part in black and the bottom part, beige, and there are various chrome-plated details. Regardless of the version, the quality of the finish is always refined and extremely pleasing to the eyes.

Fiat Linea goes way beyond the refined style, since it was born around the individual, to shelter him, protect him and please him. Resources for this reason are not lacking for him.

They start with the generous internal space. But space, in itself alone, is not enough: it is necessary to take advantage of it with intelligence, contemplating people of most diverse physical sizes and, especially, offering the driver all the conditions so that he may drive the vehicle with safety and comfort. And in Fiat Linea, ergonomics was the center of attentions.

The new sedan complies very well with this guideline. In all positions there is excess space for the passengers. Although the drive may have large stature, whoever travels behind him is not affected – comfort at the rear seat is practically independent from the front adjustments. Besides this, the configuration of the seats was planned so as to embrace the passengers, even in more dynamic and sportive driving situations.

In all versions the rear seat is 60/40 bi-partite. It brings three three-point rear seat belts, besides three backrests that have height adjustable headrest – they are reclined when there are no passengers, so as not to interfere with the driver’s visibility. And for major comfort there is also a central armrest, which embeds glass holder and object holder.

At the front seats, the passengers feel protected and safe. The backs are sustained by a modern lumbar support system, and there are adjustments for distance, backrest inclination and headrest, which contain anti-whiplash mechanism when equipped with side bag.

For the driver, there is even height adjustment done through a level at the side of his seat. This control, allied to the height and depth adjustments of the steering wheel, always allow him to find the ideal position for driving the automobile, providing more comfort and safety.

Your driving pleasure is expanded through the instrument panel, positioned so as to facilitate viewing and reading of the exhibited information, during the day and even at night. Large clocks, logical and intuitive disposition of all spy lights and orange background lighting over black follow the new Fiat family feeling.

There are two types of instrument panels, with differentiated graphics, depending on the version. For the 1.9 16V, 1.9 16V Dualogic and Absolute we have a stylish graphic and the panel may come with a 3-line display or with the dot matrix technology (when equipped with Blue&MeTM NAV). Now the T-Jet version brings a more sportive graphics and the display is always in the dot matrix configuration.

All buttons and levers are intuitive and logically distributed around the driver and he does not need to distract the eyes from the traffic to activate them. The controls of the My Car menu and the fog lights are on the panel to the left of the steering wheel. At the center of the panel, the controls for air conditioning and radio (which, also counts on controls on the steering wheel) are located, besides the control for opening of the baggage compartment, rear defogger, blinking warning light and NAV key for vehicles equipped with the Blue&MeTM NAV.

The levers for the external lighting control and automatic pilot (when there is any) are on the left side of the steering wheel. The first has the functions of selecting the external lights, switching between high light and low light (flash of the headlights) and the signal lights. The second determines the desired speed and enables or disables the automatic pilot.

On the right side of the steering wheel the control lever of the windshield wipers was placed. The wipers are controlled by means of three-position rotating ring at its extreme, with intermittent, low speed and high speed. The window sprinkler and the anti-panic control (activates immediately the wipers) are also activated by this lever, as well as the TRIP function – which activates the on board computer, through the button located at the end of this same lever.

External visibility is assured by the wide glass area and by the large rearview mirrors. The belongings will always be well accommodated and organized in the object holders of Fiat Linea, like the one embedded in the front armrest and the eyeglass holder on the roof, on the left side. And to complete, the baggage compartment with capacity for 500 liters – with the seats in normal position and 870 liters with the rear seat folded until the line of the glass – is one of the largest of its segment. Thus, everything contributes so that the experience of driving Fiat Linea may be pleasurable both in the midst of traffic of large cities and on the highway as well on the road to leisure.

TECHNOLOGY

Cutting edge functionalities
The most advanced technology is worth nothing if it does not serve a purpose. In Fiat Linea, the most modern technologies available in the automobile industry were employed to expand comfort and safety of the passengers, making cohabitation with the new sedan extremely pleasurable and practical. Each resource was conceived and implemented with this precept in mind, thinking in the needs and desires of the driver and his passengers. Get to know the technology present in Fiat Linea.

Blue&Me™NAV

This new resource, which makes its debut in Fiat Linea, adds all Blue&Me™ functionalities (which made its debut in national market with Fiat Punto) to a modern satellite navigation system (GPS). With it, the driver will have not only voice communication, but also reliable orientation through pictograms that appear on the display of the instrument panel, indicating the direction to be taken and the name of the next street, with voice orientations. All this to cause the customer to be able to always arrive at his destination in the best possible way.

The map comes loaded in the 2 gigabyte pen drive, which comes with the on board kit. Its most recent version offers coverage of 111 cities in the entire national territory, making a total of 48 thousand kilometers of road ways. Still there are 709 more cities interconnected through highways. It also includes more than 3,800 points of interest (POIs) divided into 15 categories, well organized to make the search easier.

Once connected to the USB port of Fiat Linea, just press the “NAV” button or give the voice command “Navegação” [Navigation] to access the navigator’s menu. In it, the desired destination can be selected by introducing through keys on the steering wheel, the initial letters of the address, complementing it by voice command.

The indications on the trajectory are exhibited on the instrument panel display and also provided by voice, necessarily in advance so that driver may perform the indicated path.

During navigation you can call by telephone and listen to music stored together with the map in the pen drive.

Blue&Me™

This system changed the entertainment and communication parameters of the Brazilian automobile market: Blue&Me™ represents the complete integration between the customer and his automobile, offering an extreme degree of practicality and convenience. With it, you can execute a series of actions through voice commands, without taking your hands off the steering wheel or distract the attention from the traffic. It also allows the user to listen to music in MP3 format, whether through the CD player on the panel or through the USB port installed in the glove compartment, in which an MP3 player or pen drive can be connected.

The main characteristic of Blue&Me™ is its advanced voice recognition system. Through voice commands, you can, among others:
Carry out a call to a number listed in the mobile phone’s telephone directory, even though the mobile phone may not have the voice call resource. Just ask for the call and say the memorized name;
Make a telephone call saying one digit at a time;
Select the songs that you wish to hear by using diverse criteria, like artist, genus, folder or album;
Change the song (“próxima” [next] or “anterior” [previous]) in the middle of the musical reproduction, or interrupt it (“parar” [stop]);
Listen to SMS (Short Message Service) messages received,  through the automobile’s audio system.
The system can match up to five  mobile phones.
The intuitive interface of Blue&Me™ favors routine use, causing the user to barely remember the entire technology involved in the system, which integrates diverse equipment of the automobile. Everything is controlled through buttons installed on the steering wheel. The audio system reproduces information in high voice, and the instrument panel display informs the MP3 tracks and the synchronized names of the mobile phone telephone directory, besides being a call identifier, as well. The Bluetooth® hands free connection allows you to answer calls. And in the USB port, in the glove compartment, an MP3 player or pen drive can be connected or even to update the Blue&Me™ system software.
The Blue&Me™ is a standard equipment in Fiat Linea Absolute and T-Jet and optional in the 1.9 16V and 1.9 16V Dualogic (Robotized Transmission).

Automatic Dualogic® (Robotized) Transmission

Of the four versions of the new Fiat Linea, two – 1.9 16V Dualogic (Robotized Transmission) and Absolute – come with this very modern transmission that made its debut in Fiat Stilo. The transmission, developed initially for Formula 1 by Magneti Marelli and produced by FPT – Powertrain Technologies, reconciles the best of both worlds: at any time, the driver can choose between totally automatic gear shifts or he himself shifts the gears sequentially, by touches on the stick shift, in order to have a more sportive driving.
The mechanics behind the system is a traditional gearbox with an assembly controlled by an electronic central unit, instead of the manual control. The central unit controls the gear shifts and activates the clutch automatically, which are actuated through electro-hydraulic pistons. At any time the drive can alternate the transmission mode: just a touch on the lever, displacing it to the left, in the D / M position, for an interval greater than 0.7 seconds, so that it may shift the gears sequentially. This can be done with the automobile at a standstill and in movement as well.
The Dualogic® (Robotized) transmission works like a conventional automatic transmission with manual option. Startup is given with the stick shift in the N (neutral) position and the foot on the brake pedal. The automobile is then placed in motion by changing the lever to the central position, between the signs (+) and (-), with the foot still on the brake. This action engages the first gear automatically. Now just accelerate and have fun.
The instrument panel display indicates when the transmission is in automatic mode: the word “AUTO” next to the number of the engaged gear.
Besides super-quick gear shifts and the best driving pleasure, the Dualogic transmission offers other benefits:

 - Gear Shift Option. The drive can carry out gear shifts manually, even operating in automatic mode. It can, for example, reduce manually the gear close to a curve – the system understands this request and maintains this gear engaged for a few seconds and afterwards, with no action from the user, the transmission returns to automatic position.
 - Auto down function. If he wishes, the driver does not need to reduce the gears in manual mode, for example, to stop at a stoplight. In the auto down function, the electronic central unit recognizes the minimum rotation of each gear and performs the gear reductions automatically, not allowing the automobile “to die”. This means to say that, even with the transmission in manual function, your automobile is always going to stop with the first gear engaged.
 - Kick down function. When the driver steps on the accelerator pedal with the transmission in automatic function – in an overtake maneuver, for example – the Dualogic® system understands this intention and reduces automatically the gears, giving privilege to the vehicle’s performance.
 - Sportive programming. Both in automatic and in manual mode, upon activating the “S” key beside the transmission lever, the vehicle adopts a more sportive programming: the gear shifts are carried out more quickly and in a higher rotation, taking better advantage of the engine’s power and providing a more sportive performance to the vehicle.
 - Sportive startup. The Dualogic® transmission offers a function not present in other automatic transmissions: its startup is proportional to the pressure exerted on the accelerator pedal, allowing even the screeching of the tires (when the “S” key is selected). The greater the pressure is – position of the pedal and rapidness of activation -, the more the Dualogic® system allows increase of engine rotations, to transmit from there the power to the wheels.
 - Engine rotation protection. The Dualogic® system impedes the engine to go beyond the established limit of rotations, preserving its durability. Example: in case the driver, in manual mode, wants to perform a very abrupt gear reduction – as, for example, trying to select the second gear at 110 km/h -, the system does not reduce the gear and issues a sonorous warning alarm and a message, on the instrument panel display, of “maneuver not allowed”. The same will occur if the drive tries to engage a higher gear at a very low speed or rotation, for example, 4th gear at 20 km/h.
 - Form of driving. The Dualogic® system memorizes the selected form of driving (manual or automatic) when the vehicle is turned off for the last time.
 - Reduction of fuel consumption. Economy is accompanied by lesser emission of pollutants into the atmosphere.
 - Intelligent Transmission. The Dualogic® system is an intelligent system, since it interprets the user’s manner of driving and goes adapting the calibration map of the central unit in accordance with this driving. This way, the more you drive the Dualogic®, the more you will have desire of driving, since the system will be according to your way.
The versions equipped with automatic Dualogic® (Robotized) transmission and the T-Jet bring automatic pilot as standard (see as follows), making the driver’s life even more comfortable.

Automatic pilot

Driving without looking constantly at the speedometer, certain that the speed is being maintained: this is the comfort offered by automatic pilot. Just determine the desired speed in the system – constituted by a lever on the left side of the steering wheel, below the light control lever – which Fiat Linea maintains constant, regardless of the variations on the road conditions.

To activate the system, the “on / off” ring is turned to the “on” position, the indication appears on the instrument panel, then the vehicle is taken to the desired speed (above 40 km/h) and the “set +” or “set –“ is activated for a few seconds. From this point forward, the foot can be removed from the accelerator, since the automobile’s speed will be maintained by the cruise control. It will not go into action only if the vehicle is at neutral point, rear drive or in the case of versions equipped with mechanical gear, in first gear.

The automatic pilot can be disabled at any time, just by stepping on the brake or clutch pedal for this purpose. If the driver wants to reactivate it, he needs only to press the button “res” (resume): the system will return to the previously established speed. To turn off the system – situation in which the programming will be cancelled -, the lever ring must turned to the “off” position.

In case the driver steps on the accelerator – to perform an overtake maneuver -, the automatic pilot is not disabled. As soon as he removes the foot from the pedal, the system will make the automobile to return to the programmed speed.

Air bags

The new Fiat Linea can rely on up to six air bags: two in front, two lateral and two window bags. All contribute, and a lot, to minimize the consequences of an accident.

The frontal air bags are called smart bags – intelligent bags, standard in all versions. They have double stage for activation: a very slow speed and another faster, depending on the information sent to the electronic central unit by the sensors located at the front seats and seat belts. In less intense frontal collisions, they activate only the first stage; in violent collisions, they activate the two stages.

It is worth to recall that the efficiency of the frontal air bags is maximized through the employment of seat belts with pretensioner and load limiter, besides this the passenger air bag can be disabled through My Car Fiat when needed.

To protect the chest and the pelvis of the passengers, often injured in lateral impacts, Fiat Linea can be equipped with side bags - air bags embedded on the side of the backrest of the seats.
And aiming at protecting the head of the passengers, the automobile can even receive window bags. It concerns curtain type inflatable bags installed on the roof, which aid whoever goes in front and whoever travels behind. They are activated together with the side air bags or in case of overturn.

Digital automatic air conditioning

All Fiat Linea comes out from the plant equipped with air conditioning – manual for the 1.9 16V versions and digital automatic for Absolute and T-Jet versions. Besides this, all Fiat Linea comes equipped with air vents for the rear seats, assuring greater thermal comfort to all passengers. The automatic acclimatization system always assures the maintenance of the desired temperature in the interior; the temperature is chosen through buttons on the equipment panel, and it is exhibited on the digital display, not needing the intervention of the user at any time.

The system works to maintain the chosen temperature regardless of the external conditions. It does not matter whether it is winter or summer, whether it is rainy or sunny, the thermal sensation in the interior will be constant. For this reason, the system regulates the temperature automatically through three mechanisms:
Heating or cooling the air
Distributing the air in the interior in different ways
Altering the speed of electro-fan
It is helped in this control by a radiation sensor that allows the electronic air conditioning central unit to adapt the internal comfort in function of the solar radiation.
However, at any time the user can alter diverse functions manually, which will prevail over the automatic parameters. They are:
Air temperature
Fan speed
Air distribution in seven positions (upper fixed diffusers, adjustable central diffusers, lateral fixed and adjustable diffusers, lower diffusers for the front and rear parts, rear central lower diffuser)
Activation and deactivation of the compressor
Defogging function
Air recirculation

Twilight sensor

It concerns an excellent item of safety and comfort: the driver does not have to turn on or off the low headlights and parking lights upon entering and leaving dark places, like tunnels, because Fiat Linea does this itself whenever necessary, as long as the system is activated.

Rain sensor

If it starts to rain, the windshield wipers of Fiat Linea go into action automatically, as long as the system is activated. When the rain stops, the wipers stop working. The rain sensor is the one responsible for this, and it is extremely practical and safe in intermittent showers, since the driver does not take away the attention from steering. And furthermore: the wiper will always work at the speed adequate to the intensity of the rain at that moment.

Parking sensor

This useful item of comfort (and maintenance of asset) helps to maneuver Fiat Linea. When the driver engages the rear drive, the system is automatically activated and informs you, through sonorous warnings (beeps) of the presence of obstacles close to the rear of the vehicle. The beeps also give a good idea of the distance from an obstacle: the more often, the closer it is. When it becomes continuous, the obstacle is approximately 30 centimeters away.

Four ultrasound sensors in the rear bumper assure the coverage of the system: the two sensors installed at the rear start to transmit information to a dedicated electronic central unit when there are obstacles at distances lesser than 1.5 meters; the two lateral sensors, at distances lesser than 0.6 meter.

Electro-chromic internal mirror

It is an important safety item, since it prevents the driver from being blinded by the headlights of automobiles that comes from behind. The mirror has sensors that measure the quantity of light that coincides with the automobile, and a liquid crystal system darks it when necessary, avoiding the reflection in the driver’s eyes. It also has an on / off button, very useful for when it is necessary to use the rearview without the sensors, example, in case of maneuvers in garages with strong lighting.

Venus 35 Windows

Fiat Linea brings a new generation of Venus 35 tinted glasses, original in its segment. The Thermocontrol® Venus system expands thermal comfort even more when promoting an accentuated reduction of direct radiation from ultraviolet rays – Venus 35 allows the passage of only 4% of them – and infrared. Thus, they protect the passengers against the noxious effects of UV rays, and also the interior of the automobile, since this type of radiation is the main responsible for the degradation of finishing materials. In comparison with common green glasses, Venus 35 are five times more efficient in thermal protection.

Venus 35 glasses also have a role in personal and patrimonial security. With them, it is more difficult for others to see the passengers and the belongings inside the automobile.

The new law, in effect since November 2007, establishes minimum transparency of 28% for the glass protected areas that do not interfere in the drivability of vehicles. With its 35% transparency, Venus 35 glasses are within the legal limits. They come as standard in all versions, installed in rear doors, in rear window and in the rear spy glasses.

Glasses of the laminated doors

It concerns an important component of comfort and security. The glasses of the laminated doors are standard in all Fiat Linea versions, and expands comfort and safety of the passengers in four ways:
1. They help to isolate the passengers from noises coming from the exterior. They reduce the noise generated by the movement of the vehicle itself, most especially at higher frequencies.
2. They offer greater protection against ultraviolet rays.
3. They provide more safety to passengers. For being more resistant that tempered glasses they protect more in case of an accident. This also goes for penetration of external objects into the interior, and also for reducing the risk of the passengers from being projected outwards from the automobile.
4. They increase patrimonial security. The laminated glass is more resistant to breakages and constitutes a more efficient barrier against forced entries and attempts of aggression, common in large urban centers.
The laminated glasses are composed of two glass layers with a thin polymer sheet (resistant and elastic) between them.

My Car Fiat

A personalized automobile for the driver’s taste and needs: this is the objective of My Car Fiat. Through it, various Fiat Linea functions can be personalized, making cohabitation with it even more pleasant, practical and comfortable.

Here are the main functions of My Car Fiat:
Beep volume: adjustment for sonorous warning signal.
Units of measurement: for distance, consumption and temperature.
Clock adjustment and time format: 12 or 24 hours.
Date adjustment.
Speed Warning: the desired speed limit (starting from 30 km/h) can be adjusted in increments of 5 km/h. Once the limit is reached, a warning message will emerge on the display and the system will issue a warning beep.
Display language: Portuguese, English, Spanish, French, Italian, German, Dutch, Polish or Turkish.
Trip Computer B: enable or disable the supplementary on board computer.
Automatic locking of doors: when activated, the doors are locked when the vehicle reaches a speed greater than 20 km/h.
Twilight sensor (if any): adjustment of the level of sensitivity (3 levels).
Rain sensor: adjustment of the level of sensitivity (4 levels).
Radio information: if the information must or not be repeated on the instrument panel display.
Access to information referring to programmed maintenance (kilometers lacking) and annual change of engine oil (days lacking).
Passenger air bag: activate or deactivate (for whenever there is no passenger in the passenger seat).

On board computer

This equipment allows the driver to always be well informed about his automobile and helps him to plan stops and refuels. Through a display on the instrument panel, it can monitor diverse parameters, like average and instantaneous fuel consumptions, distance traveled in a determined trajectory, autonomy, average speed and time of travel.
Fiat Linea relies on two on board computers in one: Trip A, main, where it performs the monitoring of the above information, the entire trip and Trip Computer B (which allows the monitoring of specific sections in the same trip), this must be enabled through My Car Fiat. Trip B informs us the same as Trip A, however in a different section of the trip, which can be reset to zero, at any time, without resetting to zero Trip A.

Radio CD player with MP3 and RDS

All Fiat Linea comes equipped with radio CD player that reads MP3 files, audio controls on the steering wheel upholstered in leather and four speakers + two tweeters. The system provides excellent sound quality in front and at the back, increasing comfort and pleasure of the passengers.
Some additional resources of the system include volume adjustment in function of the vehicle’s speed, menu selection, equalization with seven predetermined bands, and temporization for radio shutdown: immediate or after 20 minutes turning off the automobile (very useful when a passenger remains in it while the driver leaves, taking the key with him). The CD player reads normal CDs, CD-R and CD-RW.
Besides all these attributes, it is totally integrated to the panel’s design and has security code that inhibits robbery.

ENGINES & MECHANICS

Two new engines and an improved mechanics

A mechanical assembly that assures performance and safety with reliability and durability: this was the differential that defined each mechanical component of Fiat Linea. Ultramodern engines, a suspension system that provides stability with comfort, efficient brakes, light and precise steering – everything developed to maximize the pleasure of driving the new sedan, with rapid responses, excellent performance and much safety.

Engines

Two new engines make their debut in the range of Fiat Automóveis with Fiat Linea. One, the 1.9 16V Flex, it was created by the Engineering Center of FPT Powertrain Technologies do Brasil, in Betim, MG, and is manufactured in the company’s unit in Cordoba, Argentina, and the other, 1.4 16V Turbo, it is imported from Italy.
The 1.9 16V Flex brings together the most current that there is in engine technology, resulting in a cutting edge engine with better performance, greater fuel economy and lesser emission of pollutants. It is the engine with the greatest cubic capacity of FPT produced in Latin America, and was developed from scratch to equip the new Fiat model, employing the most modern virtual simulation technologies available in the world. This work used up 350 thousand project hours, plus one hundred prototypes and more than 1.6 million kilometers traveled.
The result is a motor that produces power of 130 hp and torque of 18.1 kgm at 4,500 rpm operating only with gasoline and power of 132 hp and torque of 18.6 kgm at 4,500 rpm operating solely with alcohol.
One of the greatest innovations of this engine is the cold start system, patented by FPT. It has a dedicated injector (besides those that feed each of the four cylinders) that is located in the admission collector. With its own small gasoline tank, the system is much more precise, since it injects the correct quantity of fuel only when necessary, with better sprinkling, resulting in better cold drivability, more efficient startups and smoother and regular functioning, and reducing emission of t pollutants.
Among the constructive novelties of the 1.9 16V Flex engine are: 

 - Engine block. Developed especially for this engine, it brings new external design and new interface with the cylinder head. The lubrication with jet-cooling system (injectors spray oil in the pistons to cool them), the new blow-by system (which eliminates the pressure caused by vaporization of oil during engine operation, like a vent), the new water jacket and the stainless steel block covers are also specific for it.
 - Mahle Ecoform Pistons. They have differentiated design to maximize structural resistance and minimize weight and friction. They have asymmetric skirts, improving their support where it is needed and reducing friction where contact is not necessary. Lesser friction means more efficient functioning.
 - Bearing shells. Redesigned, they have greater resistance and durability.
 - Aspiration collector. With cast aluminum body, the dimensioning of its ducts, distribution axles and spacing collector – was optimized, assuring 94% of maximum torque at 2,500 rpm.
 - Electronic accelerator: The drive-by-wire system coupled to the collector provide better drivability and lesser consumption.
 - Tubular discharge collector. With new design, including a catalyst with large transversal section, it has optimized fluid dynamics for performance. It assures lesser loss of charge in the ducts, rapid catalyst heating, lesser restriction to passage of gases in the catalyst’s ceramic and lesser loss of charge at the catalyst’s output.
 - Seal joints. Made of Viton®, a fluoroelastomer renowned for its great resistance to heat and to effects of chemical products and fuels, assure greater reliability.
This new construction represents great solidness and durability, and also performance with economy, The new 1.9 16V engine causes Fiat Linea to reach the maximum speed of 186 km/h (gasoline) and 188 km/h (alcohol). In the city, it circulates 11.5 km for every liter of gasoline and 8.1 km for every liter of alcohol; in the highway, it makes 15.3 km/l (gasoline) and 10.7 km/l (alcohol).
Now, the 1.4 16V Turbo, or T-Jet engine, is the exponent of a new European trend: downsizing, in which more compact engines, with smaller cubic capacity, achieve high performances – worthy of larger engines – with more fuel economy. This trend is a response to current circumstances worldwide, in which reduction in emissions of pollutants and low gasoline consumption are essential. And this new engine, which from now on, equips Fiat Linea, does this very well.
With 152 horsepower and torque of 21.2 kgm in a range from 2,250 to 4,500 rotations per minute, it takes the vehicle at the maximum speed of 203 km and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.5 seconds. And it does this with a lot of economy: 12.0 km with one liter of gasoline in the city, and 16.0 km/l in the highway.
For us to have a better idea of how the downsizing concept is translated in practice, let us compare the T-Jet engine to aspirated European competitors, with gasoline, with total cubic capacity between 1,600 and 2,000 cm³, the conclusions will be:
The power of the T-Jet is equivalent or superior.
Its torque is at least 23% greater than those of 1.6 and 8% higher than those of 2.0.
The torque of the T-Jet available at low rotations becomes 50% greater.
Consumption is lesser, as well as the emissions of carbon dioxide.
The ones responsible are the turbo compressor especially developed for this type of application and an engine with low friction levels – which improves its efficiency – and that consumes little fuel when not required.
Evidently, the great highlight is the turbo compressor IHI RFH3, with overfeeding of up to 1 bar. Its main characteristics are:
Shell made of a new material, the cast iron “NI-resist”. The high nickel content in the alloy endows great resistance to the component
Water cooling
Optimized lubrication system of the turbo
Incorporated oil cooling system (water / oil heat exchanger)
Low inertia for rapid responses
The turbo that equips Fiat Linea uses one part of the energy of the discharge gases to compress the air aspired by the engine – the same functioning principle of any turbo. The kinetic and thermal energy from the gases makes the turbine to turn at very high speeds, around 200,000 rpm. The compressor receives this energy and transmits to the aspirated air in form of speed, pressure and heat. The harmful heat is rejected in an intercooler and the air, now pressurized and cooled, goes into the engine in large quantity. The power of the engine is proportional to the quantity of air that goes in it.
It is clear that together with this efficient turbo compressor there is a modern engine: the 1.4 16V DOHC FIRE with lighter valve train and hydraulic tracks, a low friction engine, little noise and that needs little maintenance.
The T-Jet engine presents diverse aspects that make it extremely efficient, economical, durable and reliable.
 Compact combustion chamber. With Pentroof type design, it assures rapid combustion and better efficiency.
Joint of the multilayer metallic cylinder head. Instead of a single layer, there are several that, as a whole, work to provide better sealing, which is very important in function of high combustion pressures.
Nimonic discharge valves and anti-wear out valve seat. Nimonic is a nickel and chrome ally known for its resistance to heat and pressure, ideal for supporting high temperatures generated by the turbo.
Aluminum sub-block with integrated cast iron bearings. This disposition assures greater rigidity to the engine block, reducing vibrations.
Light steel crankshaft, fractured steel connecting rods, light and coated pistons, floating pin and optimized ring loads. Such constructive aspects provide fuel economy, reduced noise and vibration levels and greater resistance to work with the turbo compressor.
Cooling system with “U” circulation and greater flow. The cooling system is optimized to deal with high temperatures generated by the turbo.
4 – 2 – 1 Discharge collector. This configuration reduces the return of burned gases to the combustion chamber, resulting in better efficiency.
Steering wheel of the double mass engine. The steering wheel at the end of the crankshaft serves to balance the pistons, helping to conserve energy and reducing the vibrations transmitted to the transmission.
Structural aluminum carter. It endows greater rigidity to the motor propulsion assembly, decreasing vibrations.
Integrated module of blow-by recirculation, internal pressure control of the engine and blow-by liquid oil separation. Such construction consumes less oil and increases reliability, since the internal pressure control contributes to the elimination of oil leaks.
Baricentric support of the engine. This type of support transmits fewer vibrations.
Optimized close-coupled catalyst. It contributes to low emissions and high efficiency.

Suspension

The purpose of the assembly is to allow the automobile to face any type of terrain without transmitting to the interior the vibrations coming from irregularities of the ground or lateral and longitudinal oscillations. That is, drive with comfort, but maintaining always adherence of the wheels, stability and drivability.
For this reason, the front suspension is independent, MacPherson type, with inferior triangular-rectangular arms. The oscillating arms are made of stamped plate, with patented butterfly constructive layout, which results in significant weight reduction with compromising resistance. The especial rubber cushions have larger volume, to absorb more the roughness and, therefore, improve comfort. The aluminum suspension crossbeam has high structural rigidity. The frame is reinforced to assure an excellent drivability in curves and greater vibrational acoustic comfort. And the stabilizer bar has small connecting rod for anchorage of the dampers, assuring greater stability and faster dynamic response in curves.
The springs are built with side-load technique, helping to neutralize also the lateral forces. They reduce the tangential forces in the stem of the damper and also the internal frictions. The result is better absorption of the terrain’s roughness.
Double effect telescopic hydraulic dampers complete the front assembly. They offer elevated lateral rigidity, favoring drivability in curves.
At the back Fiat Linea has suspension with semi-independent wheels, interconnected by a torsion bridge. The assembly assures rigidity and stability with excellent drivability. The bridge structure is composed of stamped lateral arms in two welded semi-axles with a lateral transversal torsion profile.
The vertical disposition of the dampers, with fixing to the body through the internal side of the wheel passage (border of the fender), allows a higher filtering level of the irregularities of the ground, giving privilege to acoustic comfort of the interior.

Brakes

The most modern currently available, the anti-locking system ABS is standard in all versions. It comes with EBD – electronic braking distribution, which automatically regulates the quantity of force distributed to each of the brakes in accordance with the road conditions.
The brake system adopted in Fiat Linea is servo-guided hydraulic type. It is composed of two independent “X” circuits: each circuit acts over a front wheel and over its rear diagonal. Its construction assures stable brakes with no trajectory deviations even though one of the circuits suffers a breakdown.
All versions of the sedan have ventilated brake discs in front and solid discs at the rear, with floating calipers. And 10 inch servo-brake, with aluminum pump and elongated course, assuring good course reserve on the pedal even if the system is very heated due to its intense use.

Steering

The steering control of Fiat Linea was designed to make the maneuvers light and comfortable at any situation, of parking beacons at high speeds. All versions of the new sedan have precise and smooth hydraulic steering, expanding safety and driving pleasure, and the steering wheel always offers height and depth adjustments.

A COMPLETE RANGE

The range of the new Fiat Linea was conceived to offer maximum flexibility of choice, to meet the unfulfilled desires of Fiat customers. There are four versions, with two new motorizations, two types of transmission and three levels of finish. And even the entry version – 1.9 16V – already comes out from the plant with a large variety of items of comfort, safety and convenience. Thus, regardless of the version, the owner of a Fiat Linea will always know that he has an elegant, modern, safe and very well equipped automobile. Get to know the versions:

 

Fiat Linea 1.9 16V. The entry version, with mechanical transmission, comes with standard equipment like HSD (High Safety Drive) composed of brakes with ABS and double air bag, CD player with MP3, electric windows with one-touch system and anti-crash on four doors, manual air conditioning with air discharge for the rear seat, hydraulic steering, external rearview mirrors with electric controls, remote control for opening and closing of doors, glasses and baggage compartment, driver’s seat with height adjustment, bi-partite (60/40) rear seat with central armrest + object holder and glass holder, 15” light alloy wheels, chrome-plated external details, laminated glasses of doors, Venus 35 tinted rear lateral glasses, steering wheel with height and depth adjustment, upholstered in leather and with radio controls, electric internal opening of baggage compartment and mechanical of the fuel tank, on board computer A and B, My Car Fiat, fog lights, brake light, eyeglass holder, headlights with Follow Me Home function, digital clock and external thermometer on the panel, Fiat Code 2 and velvet upholstered seats, among others.

To leave your automobile even more complete, the owner of a Fiat Linea 1.9 16V can equip it with several contents like Blue&MeTM, Blue&MeTM NAV, upholstery in gray leather, front side bags + window bags and automatic pilot and twilight and rain sensors.

Fiat Linea 1.9 16V Dualogic. Its standard equipment and optional accessories are identical to those of the mechanical version, but it comes out from the plant with automatic Dualogic® (robotized) transmission and automatic pilot.

Fiat Linea Absolute. Besides the standard items present in the 1.9 16V Dualogic version, the sedan luxurious version brings, furthermore, digital automatic air conditioning, Blue&MeTM, parking sensor, sun protector curtain on the rear window, gray or beige leather interior, 16” light alloy wheels + tires 205/55 (including spare wheel) and gray or beige rug.

It lacks a few things to leave the version very much complete: only Blue&MeTM NAV, twilight and rain sensors, electro-chromic internal rearview mirror, front side bags + window bags.

Fiat Linea T-Jet. The version, equipped with 1.4 16V gasoline turbo engine and mechanical transmission, is top in performance. It has all the standard items of the Absolute version (except the automatic Dualogic transmission) and even 17” light alloy wheels with tires 205/50 (including spare wheel), rain and twilight sensors, electro-chromic internal rearview mirror, subwoofer + amplifier + four speakers + four tweeters, instrument panel with differentiated graphics and dot matrix display, exclusive rug and internal upholstery in microfiber + beige tear.

If the idea is to equip the automobile even more, the customer still has the option of installing Blue&MeTM NAV, front side bags + window bags and beige leather upholstery.

POST-SALES
An exclusive club for the owners of the new sedan

The owner of a Fiat Linea receives much more than an automobile: his new automobile comes with a generous guarantee, an exclusive relations program, the Clube L’Único, and an extensive list of personalized accessories available at the Fiat dealers.

The contractual guarantee is for three years and comes with the guarantee against perforating corrosion, valid for five years. The periodic checkups are done every 15 thousand kilometer or every year (whichever comes first), and the first has free manpower cost. All this assures the Linea customer a lot of tranquility with its acquisition.

With Fiat Linea the customer also gains a permanently open communication and relations line, with exclusive benefits: it is the Clube L’Único, which adds unique and differentiated sales and post-sales services.
Upon closing the deal, the buyer receives the welcoming kit, composed of DVD and L’Único manual. When he withdraws his new Fiat Linea at the dealer, the owner’s manual is given to him in a differentiated folder that also contains a CD with useful information about the automobile and for the vehicle that has the Blue&MeTM Nav, a 2 gigabyte pen drive, which contains the navigation map, where the user can record his favorite songs to listen to them in his Linea.

The owner of a Fiat Linea avails of an exclusive call center, with differentiated attention. And the same professional will follow-up the call from the start to finish, preventing eventual frustration of having to tell the same history or make the same questions several times to different people.

The owner of a Fiat Linea also relies on a special Confiat version, valid while the three-year guarantee is in effect: a specialized professional will look for and take the vehicle (at home or owner’s office) for execution of maintenances and checkups.

As member of a special club, the Linea customer receives, furthermore, exclusive invitations to shows and events, and has an exclusive area at the model’s hot site, in which he will find specific contents with focus on automobiles, business, quality of life and consumption – always with a sophisticated and intelligent approach.
To personalize the Fiat Linea, a wide line of exclusive accessories is available, available at the brand’s dealers. The accessories were created in a manner integrated to the development of the new model. The master line was to elaborate products coherent with the automobile’s identity, conceptually and stylistically as well, and at the same time to offer the customer even more options to individualize his automobile. With the accessories, he can increment sportiveness, safety, leisure and entertainment and connectivity of his automobile.

In order to give your Fiat Linea a more sportive look, Fiat offers accessories like side skirts, spoilers (front and rear), airfoil for the rear door, chrome-plated covers for external rearview mirrors, aluminum sportive pedals, sill protector with exclusive design and chrome-plated light alloy wheels.

Whoever intends to use his Fiat Linea for leisure activities will certainly like the rack (carry all) or the bicycle rack on the roof, the hook for towing and object fixing nets in the baggage compartment.

A hands free device with Bluetooth is available to reinforce connectivity of the new Fiat Linea, and a DVD with eight inch monitor on the roof (to serve the rear seat) is especially desired when there are passengers – most especially children – in very long trajectories.

All these items serve to leave the new Fiat Linea even more to the customer’s taste, besides offering additional functionality and style.