Hyundai’s popular i10 gets a facelift, and Fiat’s Linea gets a new turbocharged petrol engine Srinivas Krishnan and Aneesh Shivanekar try them out
1. So what’s new about the i10?
The most obvious change to the i10 is that it’s been given a facelift. The Hyundai corporate grille seems force-fitted at the front while the tail-lamps are larger. Inside, there are a bunch of improvements, especially with regard to the instrument console, upholstery and the shade of the plastic panels. Plus, the top-end versions are comprehensively equipped with new features like heated external rear-view mirrors with turn indicators, reverse assist, Bluetooth/USB port/Aux-in, steering mounted controls, driver’s seat height adjuster, ABS/airbags/seat-belt pretensioner, keyless entry and more. The other important change is what you don’t see immediately — the two engines, the 1.1 and the 1.2 Kappa, have received a raft of improvements.
2. Why has Hyundai introduced it?
Well, the i10 has been doing quite well for Hyundai. But the car has been around since end-2007. So it was time for a mid-life revamp.
3. Are the changes significant?
Absolutely. The new external appearance may not be to everyone’s liking, but it has indeed changed significantly. Other bits, like the new instrument console which has got Hyundai’s typical blue treatment, has gone digital and features a gearshift prompter that aids in increasing fuel efficiency. Then of course the safety features are critical. As regards the engines, the 1086cc four-cylinder unit — now badged the iRDE2 — makes about 3 bhp more (68 bhp at 5500 rpm) and 10.1 kgm of torque. The valve diameter has increased and so has the lift, leading to better breathing and performance. A special coating on the pistons and piston rings help reduce friction. The output from the 1197cc DOHC 16-valve 1.2, now renamed the Kappa2, is the same, at 78.9 bhp at 6000 rpm and 11.4 kgm at 4000 revs. However, what has changed is the incorporation of variable valve timing (VTVT in Hyundai-speak), that helps in increasing the engine’s fuel efficiency while reducing emissions.
4. How is it to drive?
While we didn’t drive the iRDE2, we sampled the Kappa2 between Chennai and Pondicherry. The perky performance from the 1.2 motor is undiminished and now it feels a bit liberated. Driving the i10 on Chennai’s chaotic roads, the car’s dimensions are just perfect for the cut-and-thrust while the easy arrival of torque from the engine only aids it. The gearbox is snappy and allows for quick shifts, while the gearing is also in tune with a city commuter application. This animal thrives best in the urban jungle. On the highway of course the i10’s motor feels a bit wanting; it runs out of breath beyond 120 kph. But keep it between 80 and 100 kph and it comfortably cruises. It doesn’t like high speed directional changes, though.
5. How does it match up to the competition?
The i10 competes with the Maruti Suzuki A-Star, Estilo and the Ritz mainly. Compared to the Suzukis, the i10 is well-built and has quality components going inside. It is easily the better car compared to the A-Star and the Estilo, while the Ritz would win for its effervescent handling and a muscular 1.2-litre engine.
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6. How much does it cost?
Well, Hyundai has played it safe. The new i10 is priced between Rs 3.49 and Rs 5.91 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi), which is a wee bit more than the outgoing model.
7. Is the car worth it, then?
The i10 is a very good car, there’s no doubt about that. It is a high quality car and is brilliant for city applications — the option of an automatic gearbox makes it all the more so. Hyundai has packaged more features in it and that makes it all the more irresistible.
(Srinivas Krishnan was invited by Hyundai to drive the new i10 between Chennai and Pondicherry)
1. So what’s new about the Linea?
For starters, Fiat has plonked in a new 113 bhp turbocharged engine into the Linea T-Jet, making it the first turbo-petrol engined car in the segment. The torque has gone up to a very diesel-like 21.1 kgm, increasing driveability and cruising ability significantly. All that torque comes in low at about 2200 rpm... bless that turbo. Other than the powertrain upgrade, the T-Jet also gets a few useful feature upgrades such as disc brakes all around, leather upholstery, a better air-conditioning unit and fatter tyres wrapped on some elegant 16-inch alloys.
2. Why has Fiat introduced it?
The Fiat Linea is quite a looker and most buyers had it dead in their sights, but the earlier FIRE petrol and MultiJet engines left something to be desired for many, making them opt for alternatives. The 90 bhp engines couldn’t really make the Linea go like a good Italian car should but this new engine can. That apart, Fiat has incorporated Linea customers’ feedback to make some improvements all around.
3. Are the changes significant?
As for the powertrain, yes! No more does the Linea feel sluggish and short on power. The beauty of this turbo-petrol T-Jet unit is that it can develop dollops of diesel-like torque low-down (courtesy the turbo) and still rev all the way up to the redline, like a petrol. Efficiency doesn’t take that big a hit, with ARAI figures hovering around 14 kilometres per litre.
4. How is it to drive?
Pretty good, actually. The first thing that strikes you is the extra pep that it delivers, boosted by a nice fresh breath of turbocharger air that kicks in at 2000 rpm. It doesn’t just stop there either. Hundred comes up in a scant 11.1 seconds (claimed), and even though we didn’t performance test it, we think that’s the kind of timing this T-Jet will do. Discs on all four wheels means that the braking is better, both in terms of feel and power. One thing that did not impress us was the gearbox, the slickness of which left much to be desired. The power is nicely spread across the rev-band, which improves driveability significantly. 60 kph to top speed — all in 5th gear — is what this T-Jet can do.
5. How does it match up to the competition?
They’ve got one big fat target in their sight — the segment-leading Honda City. Yes, Volkswagen has introduced the Vento and yes, Hyundai has a facelifted Verna in the market, but the Japanese entry remains the one to beat. How does it match up? The Linea is loaded with features, looks gorgeous, will be priced competitively and now that the powertrain is sorted, it will be a good alternative to the City. That said, it still does lack some of the effortless slickness that the Honda comes with.
6. How much does it cost?
Pricing will be announced early-October and we expect Fiat to price it aggressively. Say, approximately, Rs 10 lakh on-road?
7. Is the car worth it, then?
If you are looking for some genuine bang-for-the-buck in this segment, this is your car. It’s loaded to the gills with features, has that big car feel, will have competitive pricing and the new motor really livens up the proceedings. Fiat loyalists will find it hard to turn this one down. For others looking for more value than the City, this option makes good sense.
(Aneesh Shivanekar was invited by Fiat to test-drive the Linea T-Jet near Mumbai)
