The Fiat Linea 1.4 i (77 hp) was a subcompact sedan produced by the Italian manufacturer Fiat between 2007 and 2012. Positioned as the entry-level variant of the Linea range, it served as an affordable and practical option within the C-segment, primarily targeted at price-conscious buyers in markets outside of Western Europe where larger, more powerful engines were preferred. The Linea itself was designed as a modern replacement for the Siena, offering a more spacious interior and a contemporary design. This particular 1.4-liter engine and five-speed manual transmission combination represented the base model, offering a balance between fuel efficiency and basic transportation.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Fiat |
| Model | Linea |
| Generation | Linea |
| Type (Engine) | 1.4 i (77 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2007 |
| End of production | 2012 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 8.2 l/100 km (28.7 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 5.1 l/100 km (46.1 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 6.3 l/100 km (37.3 US mpg) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 14.6 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 14.6 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 13.9 sec |
| Maximum speed | 165 km/h (102.53 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 4 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 15.1 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 10.1 kg/Nm |
| Power | 77 Hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 115 Nm @ 3000 rpm (84.82 lb.-ft. @ 3000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | 350A1000 |
| Engine displacement | 1368 cm3 (83.48 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 72 mm (2.83 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 84 mm (3.31 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 11:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 2 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated |
| Valvetrain | OHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 2.6 l (2.75 US qt | 2.29 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 5.8 l (6.13 US qt | 5.1 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1160 kg (2557.36 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 | 1730 mm (68.11 in.) |
| Height | 1494 mm (58.82 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2603 mm (102.48 in.) |
| Front track | 1473 mm (57.99 in.) |
| Rear track | 1466 mm (57.72 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 10 m (32.81 ft.) |
| Drivetrain | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Gearbox type | 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 Fiat Linea 1.4 i utilized the 350A1000 engine, a naturally aspirated, four-cylinder inline engine displacing 1368 cubic centimeters (83.48 cubic inches). This engine featured a single overhead camshaft (OHC) valvetrain with two valves per cylinder. Fuel delivery was managed by a multi-point fuel injection system, a common setup for engines of this era. The engine produced 77 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 115 Nm (84.82 lb-ft) of torque at 3000 rpm. The five-speed manual transmission was the sole gearbox option for this variant, providing a relatively simple and robust drivetrain. The engine’s design prioritized fuel efficiency and affordability over outright performance.
Driving Characteristics
The 1.4-liter engine in the Linea provided adequate, but not exhilarating, performance. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) took approximately 14.6 seconds, and the top speed was limited to 165 km/h (102.53 mph). The five-speed manual transmission offered a reasonable spread of gears, but the engine felt strained when pushed hard, particularly when overtaking or climbing hills. Compared to the more powerful 1.9-liter diesel or larger gasoline engines available in the Linea range, the 1.4 i felt noticeably slower. However, its lighter weight and less stressed engine contributed to better fuel economy and a more forgiving driving experience in urban environments. The gear ratios were tuned for economy, meaning the engine didn’t rev as freely as some competitors.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 1.4 i Linea typically came with a basic level of equipment. Standard features generally included power steering, central locking, electric front windows, and an audio system with AM/FM radio. Air conditioning was often an optional extra, as were features like alloy wheels, fog lights, and a more advanced audio system. Interior upholstery was typically cloth, and the dashboard featured a functional, if somewhat basic, design. The focus was on providing essential features at an affordable price point. Trim levels were often market-specific, but the 1.4 i consistently represented the entry point to the Linea lineup.
Chassis & Braking
The Linea 1.4 i utilized a front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout. Suspension consisted of a MacPherson strut setup at the front and a torsion beam arrangement at the rear. The braking system featured ventilated discs on the front wheels and drum brakes on the rear. ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) was standard, enhancing safety. The suspension was tuned for comfort rather than sporty handling, providing a reasonably smooth ride on most road surfaces. The use of drum brakes on the rear was a cost-saving measure common in this segment.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Fiat Linea 1.4 i was generally well-received as an affordable and practical sedan, particularly in emerging markets. Critics praised its spacious interior and comfortable ride, but noted its lack of performance compared to competitors. Fuel economy was a strong point, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers. Compared to other trims in the Linea range, the 1.4 i offered the lowest purchase price but sacrificed performance and some features. Against rivals like the Renault Symbol or Skoda Fabia, the Linea 1.4 i offered a competitive package in terms of space and value, but often lagged behind in terms of engine refinement and overall driving experience.
Legacy
The Fiat Linea 1.4 i, while not a performance icon, proved to be a reliable and durable vehicle. The 350A1000 engine is known for its relative simplicity and robustness, making it relatively easy and inexpensive to maintain. In the used car market, the Linea 1.4 i remains an affordable option for those seeking a practical and economical sedan. While it may not offer the excitement of more powerful variants, its fuel efficiency and low running costs continue to appeal to a segment of the market. Parts availability can vary depending on the region, but generally, the Linea benefits from Fiat’s widespread service network.
