Comparison Between SX4, VW Vento and Fiat Linea, Diesel Sedan

The three diesels sedan Maruti Sx4, Volkswagen Vento and Fiat Linea falls in the bracket of Rs.10 lakh are large enough to be prestigious, powerful enough to deliver driving pleasure and comfortable enough to make you think twice before spending a fortune on them. So which car is the best? Read on....

Fiat Linea created a sensation when it was launched, its attractive line, powerful 90bhp diesel and impressive features list making it a car you just couldn’t ignore. Volkswagen’s recently launched Vento has shot up the popularity charts too. With even more cabin space, considerable more power and VW’s attention to detail, is it any wonder that this car is the best selling diesels in its class? The new kid on the block though is Maruti’s SX4 diesel, and it promises plenty. It’s no spring chicken; the petrol version has been around since 2007 and let’s not forgets how well every one of Maruti’s diesel products has fared. The fiat-sourced engines are well transplanted, performance is always strong and fuel economy is impressive too.

Interiors

The Sx4 diesel’s interiors reveal no significant changes over the petrol version. Yes, there are few changes like side vents, steering wheel, and gear level and power windows button. The plastics don’t feel very rich and some of the buttons don’t have a quality feel either.  The chrome highlights look good and the HVAC dials functions beautifully.  Also, the driving position is  slightly elevated and the front seats are extremely supportive.

Volkswagen Vento’s interior is identical to Polo’ cabin with improved textures, fabrics, colors and equipment. Overall plastics quality is very good. Plenty of chrome lighting, especially on the center console. The plenty of support for the thighs and the seat base is large, but the support for the shoulder is only average. Driving position is really comfortable.

Whereas Linea driving is not that comfortable, steering just juts out at you and pedals have a very long travel. It does take a while to get comfortable behind the wheel but once you get used to it , comfort levels are quite high. Seats are the largest and most supportive of the three saloons. The design of the dash and the instrument console is quite impressive. The retro watch face instrument panel and the soft touch buttons on the center console is quite good. There are plenty of cheap plastics though- the vents, door locks etc.

Of the three cars, the Vento has the most comfortable rear seat. Thigh support is good. The Linea has very good thigh support as well even better than the VW, but legroom is a bit tight and there is a serious shortage of headroom for tall passengers. Sitting is nice and high in SX4, and getting in and out is easy. The Vento is the most sparsely equipped.