2012 Fiat Linea Petrol Vs Maruti Suzuki SX4 Petrol– Which Sedan Is Better And Why?

We are working really hard on delivering the best possible car comparisons and the next post to enter the Car Comparison Series on Car Blog India features the petrol versions of the 2012 Fiat Linea and 2011 Maruti Suzuki SX4 sedans. We have also shared comparison of 2012 Fiat Linea Diesel Vs Maruti Suzuki SX4 Diesel here.

2012 Fiat Linea Exteriors Vs 2011 Maruti Suzuki SX4 Exteriors

Though Fiat has just one offering in the sedan segment, the Fiat Linea, it has managed to bring smile on many faces. Whether you thank the robust built of the car or the beautifully carved features on the exteriors, the car looks very upmarket and impressive. The design has been kept quite simple with minimal body lines but pronounced features like large headlamps, chrome grille, fog lamps etc..

image – 2012 Fiat Linea(Left) and 2011 Maruti SX4(right)

SX4 is Maruti Suzuki’s most brutal looking product. It has that aggressive stance and face one would like. The exterior is sporty at the same time and it differs a lot from Linea in terms of character.

Fiat Linea Exterior Dimensions

length: 4560 mm
width: 1730 mm
height: 1487 mm
wheelbase: 2603 mm

Maruti SX4 Petrol Dimension

Length = 4490 mm
Width = 1735mm
Height = 1550 mm
Wheelbase = 2500mm

The Linea is significantly longer while the width of the car is very close to that of SX4. Linea is marginally shorter than SX4 meaning the amount of headroom in the latter is more. Evaluating the exteriors of both the models, the Linea is somewhat better so we will go with it

For detailed exterior comparison click here.

2012 Fiat Linea Interiors Vs 2011 Maruti Suzuki SX4 Interiors

image- Fiat Linea Interiors

Unlike the previous model, the 2012 model is good in features and offers Integrated Audio System in all variants, Airbags, and BlueMe feature in mid variants, Automatic Climate Control System, ABS and EBD, New Design alloy Wheels, Rain Sensing Wipers, Auto On/Off Headlamps, New Leather seats in top end variants, New Chrome Interiors and 16 inch alloys in top of the line diesel variants etc. For complete details click here.

image – 2011 Maruti SX4 Interiors

The SX4 already comes with plenty of features and more room. The feature list includes single zone climate control, rear centre arm rest, dual airbags, 3 point ELR seat belts and force limiters, height adjustable rear seat belts, iCATS, ABS EBD with brake assist, stereo remote, audio system with with 4 speakers and USB port, steering mounted audio controls and many more.

Considering the fit, finish, upholstery and features the Linea is definitely a better choice. For detailed interior comparison click here.

2012 Fiat Linea Petrol Engine Vs 2011 Maruti Suzuki SX4 Petrol Engine

2012 Fiat Linea Petrol Engine Specifications

Type: 1.4 Fire Petrol,DOHC 16 Valves
Displacement: 1368 CC
Maximum Power: 90 BHP @ 6000 RPM
Maximum Torque:115 Nm @ 4500 RPM
Transmission: 5 Speed manual
ARAI Certified Mileage: 14.6 KMPL
Power to weight ratio: 76 BHP/1000Kg

Maruti SX4 Petrol Engine Specifications

Engine Type- 1.6 Litre
4 Cylinder DOHC Petrol Engine VVTI Technology
Max Power- 103.3 BHP @ 5600 RPM
Max Torque – 145 Nm @ 4100 RPM
Transmission Options – 5 Speed Manual Transmission Or 4 Speed Automatic Transmission
ARAI Certified Mileage of 15.50 KMPL
Kerb Weight = 1170 Kg to 1200 Kg (MT) and 1210 Kg (AT)
Power to weight ratio of 87.2 BHP / 1000 Kg

The SX4 carries a significantly bigger engine which is not only good in power and torque figures but also offers slightly better fuel efficiency in spite of its size. It delivers 103 BHP of power and 145 Nm of torque against Linea’s 90 BHP and 115 Nm. In fact the power to weight ration of SX4 is better meaning it performs better on road.

2012 Fiat Linea Petrol Performance & Handling Vs 2011 Maruti Suzuki SX4 Petrol Performance & Handling

Performance and handling is an important aspect and both the cars do well, though the Linea is a bit better on the comfort front. Handling is also not much of an issue with both the models but SX4 is the better car to own as it is a pleasure sitting at the back and not feeling any bumps at all.

2012 Fiat Linea Petrol Price Vs 2011 Maruti Suzuki SX4 Petrol Price

Fiat Linea 2012 Petrol Price Ex-showroom Delhi is as follows:

Fiat Linea 1.4 Petrol Active 2012 is priced at Rs. 6.84 Lakhs
Fiat Linea 1.4 Petrol Dynamic 2012 is priced at Rs. 7.81 Lakhs

2011 Maruti Suzuki SX4 Petrol Price(ex-showroom Delhi)

Maruti SX4 VXi Petrol is priced at Rs. 7.02 Lakhs
Maruti SX4 ZXi Petrol Manual is priced at Rs. 7.77 Lakhs
Maruti SX4 ZXi Petrol Manual transmission(Leather) is priced at Rs. 8.11 Lakhs
Maruti SX4 ZXi Petrol with Automatic transmission is priced at Rs. 8.5 Lakhs
Maruti SX4 ZXi Petrol with Automatic transmission(Leather) is priced at Rs. 8.84 Lakhs

Unlike Linea which comes only in two variants, the SX4 is offered in a number of variants which is really good from the customer’s point of view as he or she will get more options to choose from. In fact Maruti also offers automatic variants of SX4 while Linea still lacks the automatic gearbox.

2012 Fiat Linea Active Vs Maruti SX4 VXi

Interestingly Fiat has priced the Linea Active base variant below SX4 VXi base. There is difference of approximately Rs.15,000 which is considerable. Here we would consider what the buyer will not get and for Linea the list starts with no ABS, no EBD, no dual airbags, no 3 point ELR seat belts, no chrome accents on the exteriors, no alloys, no climate control, no steering mounted control etc.

The SX4 VXi does not offer auto AC, driver seat height adjustment, airbags, 3 point ELR seat belts, ABS, EBD, fog lamps, alloys, steering mounted audio controls etc. So in short both these variants are at par and it would a choice for you to make which car you wish to take home. If you ask me I would go with Linea for sure.

2012 Fiat Linea Dynamic Vs Maruti SX4 ZXi

Both the variants offer all the features and there is a price difference of just Rs.4,000. Undoubtedly one must take the SX4 ZXi home as against the Linea just because the SX4 is better in all senses.

The other ZXi Leather variant offers leather upholstery on the inside so if one wishes to pay extra for that upmarket feel he or she can go ahead. As far as automatic variant is concerned we are not considering it as Linea does not come in an automatic avatar.

Car Blog India Verdict – 2012 Fiat Linea Petrol Vs 2011 Maruti Suzuki SX4 Petrol

First of all CarblogIndia advices you to go and take a test drive of both the cars if you are considering buying one of these. Verdict wise we definitely feel that although Fiat has done a brilliant job, the Maruti’s still rule the roads. The SX4 is better in engine, performance, mileage, handling, space and all the rest you can think of. Even the pricing is extremely competitive and therefore SX4 is the winner.

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