The Grande Punto also comes fitted with a high quality anti lock brake system (ABS) supported by the electronic brakeforce distribution system (EBD), the active electronic stability program (ESP), hill brake assist (HBA) and anti slip regulation (ASR).  The level of kit obviously depends on model, but the fact remains that Fiat has gone the whole hog in making sure that this car sticks to the road.  Further to this, the chassis is also new, designed specifically to absorb impact more efficiently. The bodywork, the bonnet, the doors and the facia crossbeam all play their part in protecting occupants.

Overall, the Grande Punto is an extremely enjoyable car to drive and there is something in it for everyone, be it the daily commuter or the motoring enthusiast, the Punto has been built to feed that desire. Aspects like the dual drive electronic power steering (which has settings for either city or highway driving) and other such knick knacks make the Punto what it is.

The Fiat Linea on the other hand is a larger car that is positioned to take on the C segment contenders. It was first presented at Istanbul last year and is now making its market debut.  Incidentally it belongs to the new feel family of Fiat and it shares the same platform of the Grande Punto.

Designed by the Fiat Style Centre, the design can be summed up as elegant, distinctive styling, with captivatingly smooth, simple, uncluttered lines that give the car a dynamic, harmonious look. Like the Punto, the design cues are distinctively Italian, and there is no mistaking this thoroughbred sedan.  The drop shaped headlights, the large grille and forward sloping windscreen are all complimented by the new Fiat logo that is the new interpretation of the famous Italian GT tradition.

The Linea is clearly an international car. It's uncluttered look further accentuated by its generous dimensions make it a stylish yet affordable piece of machinery that is bound to get noticed, even at standstill! The interiors are also done in a classy style that mimics larger saloons and the overall fit and finish is top notch thanks to the generous use of quality materials. Topping it off is the voluminous 500 liter boot that adds to the car's 'family' appeal. Special care has been given to comfort and ride quality as the Linea will compete against some established names in the international market. The reliable suspension layout offers precise steering; excellent road holding and great handling, without letting any feedback creep in to fluster the passenger.

Like the Grande Punto, the Linea also comes loaded with safety measures. Six Airbags, seatbelt pretensioners, head restraints, ABS, EBD, ASR, ESP, and HBA can also be found on the Linea. Overall, the Linea is a fine piece of reliable engineering that comes with a plethora of goodies that make it even more appealing. Its safe, an able performer and it to a certain extent it does ooze attitude.

Complimenting the design architecture of the two vehicles is a full range of engine choices.

There are two petrol engines, namely the 1.2 liter 8V motor that develops 65 BHP and the 1.4 liter 8V engine that pumps out 77 BHP. The four turbo diesels that do duty under the hood of the Grande Punto list as follows; 1.3litre 16V Multijet engine that churns out 75 BHP, 1.3 litre 16V Multijet engine that produces 90BHP thanks to a variable geometry turbo, and then there is the 1.9 litre multijet that is capable of producing 120 BHP or 130 BHP depending on the state of tune.  Incidentally, the 1.3 Multijet that is mentioned here is the same engine that does duty under the Suzuki Swift Diesel's hood.  Rebadged as the DDiS, this amazing engine is capable of being tuned to cater to a variety of performance needs.

The Linea range is initially being offered only with two engine choices, namely the 1.4 liter four pot petrol engine that generates 77 BHP @ 6000 rpm and 115 Nm of torque at 3000 rpm., and the 1.3 Multijet diesel that generates a healthy 90 BHP @ 4000 rpm and offers a tugging force of 200Nm@ 1750 rpm. After the global launch, Fiat plans on introducing another engine in the Linea. This 1.4 liter petrol engine is a technological leap forward and is labelled the T-jet. The 1.4 16v turbocharged engine delivers 120 BHP at 5000 rpm and peak torque of 194 Nm at 1750 rpm. The Linea might get the 1.9 Multijet as well, but there has been no final confirmation on that front. In China however, the Linea is set to get a different engine. This 1.6 liter engine manufactured by Cherry offers a healthy 105 BHP but will most probably be available only in the Chinese market.