The Fiat Linea 1.3 16V Multijet (90 hp) was a compact sedan produced by the Italian manufacturer Fiat between 2007 and 2012. Positioned as an entry-level offering within the Linea range, it aimed to provide fuel-efficient and affordable transportation, particularly in European and emerging markets. The Linea itself was designed as a replacement for the Fiat Albea, offering a more modern design and improved features. This specific variant, powered by the 1.3-liter Multijet diesel engine and paired with a five-speed manual transmission, represented a significant portion of Linea sales due to its balance of economy and practicality.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Fiat |
| Model | Linea |
| Generation | Linea |
| Type (Engine) | 1.3 16V Multijet (90 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2007 |
| End of production | 2012 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 6.5 l/100 km (36.2 US mpg, 43.5 UK mpg, 15.4 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 4 l/100 km (58.8 US mpg, 70.6 UK mpg, 25 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 4.9 l/100 km (48 US mpg, 57.6 UK mpg, 20.4 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 13.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 13.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 13.1 sec |
| Maximum speed | 170 km/h (105.63 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 4 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 13.2 kg/Hp, 75.9 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.9 kg/Nm, 168.8 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 90 Hp @ 4000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 72.1 Hp/l |
| Torque | 200 Nm @ 1750 rpm (147.51 lb.-ft. @ 1750 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | 199A3000 |
| Engine displacement | 1248 cm3 (76.16 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 69.6 mm (2.74 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 82 mm (3.23 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 17.6:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | OHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 3.2 l (3.38 US qt | 2.82 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 7.1 l (7.5 US qt | 6.25 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1185 kg (2612.48 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 500 l (17.66 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 45 l (11.89 US gal | 9.9 UK gal) |
| Length | 4560 mm (179.53 in.) |
| Width | 1946 mm (76.61 in.) |
| Height | 1494 mm (58.82 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2603 mm (102.48 in.) |
| Front track | 1473 mm (57.99 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1466 mm (57.72 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 10 m (32.81 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Spring Strut |
| Rear suspension | Torsion |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Tires size | 185/65 R15 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of this Linea variant is the 1.3-liter, 16-valve Multijet diesel engine, designated with the code 199A3000. This engine is a member of Fiat’s second-generation JTD (Jet Diesel Technology) family, known for its efficiency and relatively refined operation. It features a common rail direct injection system, delivering fuel at extremely high pressure for optimized combustion. A turbocharger with an intercooler further enhances performance, boosting power and torque output. The engine utilizes an overhead camshaft (OHC) configuration and benefits from four valves per cylinder, contributing to improved breathing and power delivery. The five-speed manual transmission was the standard offering for this model, providing a direct and engaging driving experience. The gearbox ratios were tuned to maximize fuel economy and provide adequate acceleration for everyday driving.
Driving Characteristics
The 1.3 Multijet Linea, with its 90 horsepower, wasn’t designed for outright speed. Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph took around 13.1 seconds, and top speed was limited to 170 km/h (105.63 mph). However, the engine’s 200 Nm (147.51 lb-ft) of torque, available from a low 1750 rpm, provided ample pulling power for everyday driving situations. This made it particularly well-suited for navigating city streets and overtaking on highways. Compared to higher-output versions of the Linea, such as those equipped with the 1.4 T-Jet petrol engine, the 1.3 Multijet offered significantly better fuel economy but lacked the same level of responsiveness. The manual transmission allowed for precise control over gear selection, enabling drivers to optimize fuel efficiency or extract the most performance from the engine.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 1.3 Multijet typically served as the base trim level for the Linea. Standard equipment generally included power steering, central locking, electric front windows, and an audio system with MP3 compatibility. Safety features such as ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) were also standard. Interior upholstery was typically cloth, and the dashboard featured a functional, if somewhat basic, design. Optional extras included air conditioning, alloy wheels, rear electric windows, and a more advanced audio system. Higher trim levels added features like fog lights, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and automatic climate control.
Chassis & Braking
The Linea’s chassis featured a MacPherson strut suspension at the front and a torsion beam suspension at the rear. This setup provided a reasonable balance between ride comfort and handling. The front brakes were ventilated discs, offering good stopping power, while the rear brakes were drums, a cost-saving measure common in this segment. The steering was a rack and pinion system, providing precise and responsive control. The 185/65 R15 tires offered a good compromise between comfort and grip.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Fiat Linea 1.3 Multijet was generally well-received by automotive critics for its fuel efficiency and practicality. It was often praised for its spacious interior and comfortable ride. However, some reviewers noted its relatively modest performance and somewhat basic interior appointments. Compared to competitors like the Renault Megane and Peugeot 308, the Linea offered a more affordable price point but lacked the same level of refinement. Its fuel economy was a key selling point, consistently outperforming many of its rivals in real-world testing. Reliability was generally considered good, although some owners reported minor issues with the diesel particulate filter (DPF) system.
Legacy
The Fiat Linea 1.3 Multijet remains a popular choice in the used car market, particularly in regions where fuel efficiency is a priority. The 199A3000 engine is known for its durability and relatively low maintenance costs, provided it is properly serviced. While not a performance car, it offers a reliable and economical means of transportation. The Linea, as a whole, didn’t achieve the same sales success as some of its competitors, but the 1.3 Multijet variant carved out a niche for itself as a practical and affordable sedan.
