My Flamenco Red Fiat Linea 1.4FIRE-1:43SM ownership review

What I like: :lol:

• Stunning design. Easily the most stylish scale model on our desks today.
• Solid build quality even in scale model.
• Superb ride dynamics. Feels like a tank on desk.
• No apprehensions regarding A.S.S.
• Front center armrest. I wish my real Punto had one too.
• Just one piece was left. I'm lucky there was no "waiting period"

What I don't:

• Doors can't be opened. Thus no satisfying Thud on closing can be experienced.
• Interior fit, finish. No Dual Tone interiors.
• Lack of mechanical motor. Can be driven with hand only. Can not be reversed and released for driving.

An honest and true review about my experience in buying a toy from a real cars' dealership. Everything written is true and happened.
Hey Guys! Today, I got myself a Linea scale model from Hind Motors, Chandigarh. :lol:

Why new scale model
I like to collect scale models. It is my old hobby that took a back seat just some days after I acquired it back in 2004. I've a 2004 Yamaha YZR-M1 scale model(1:18) driven by Carlos Checa, a Porsche Carrera 911(1:32 i guess) and a scale model of a truck(heavy hauler type).

I came across Linea and Punto scale model during the past two months of my research on Fiat cars. I had decided that i'll buy this scale model someday for sure.

Buying experience
Went to Hind Motors, Mohali in June 2010 to buy the scale model. It is 22km away from my place. Entered the dealership at 6pm (broad daylight concept). The dealership was a deserted place, i guess they were planning to wrap up for the day. went to the receptionist. She was quite beautiful so couldn't say I've come to buy a toy (looks childish to non-enthusiasts). ::V

Just said that I've come to buy Punto. She redirected me to the first floor. Met a sales manager and told him that I've come to check out Punto. Took him to the ground floor to check out a real Punto's OEM ICE and diesel's NVH inside the cabin. Idea was to talk of JVC ICE and visit accessories store on the pretext of checking alloys and "getting surprised" to see a scale model of these cars and buy one for my cousin's hypothetical son.

Unfortunately, none of it happened and came back empty handed.

Then, 30 days back, went to Joshi autozone, Chandigarh for showing real Punto and Linea to my dad and bro.
There, fortunately, a Flamenco Red Linea Scale model was lying on a decoration shelf. Pretended to have seen it just by chance and asked the sales manager "What's that?"
He said, "this is a toy for kids."
I said, "What if I want to buy it?"
His reply, "Sure! it costs around.. umm. I think Rs2000." ::OO
I said "Oh! I dont want it then".

Oh boy! This price difference is exactly like buying an Alto at the price of a Toyota Fortuner.

A few days later, went to Joshi Autozone for a Punto 1.2 and 1.3 TD. It was raining heavily so got a chance to sit inside the accessories store. I was so happy to enter that place hoping to see my beloved scale model but only a TATA Nano was available. Came back empty handed.

Now, I had decided to tell my sales manager at the time of the delivery of my Punto that I was checking Fiat website for accessories and saw a scale model and i want one. Went to the accessories section and saw one Linea scale model lying.

Wow! But couldn't buy it as my real Punto took all the attention.

Today I went to the dealership again and told them that I've to take delivery of that Linea lying in the accessories section. Also asked them to book my Punto scale model in "Exotica Red" or "Bossa Nova White" but they said that it is not possible for them to do the same even if I "book" it. So went ahead and got this Linea scale model alone.

Did PDI in 10 seconds and everything was ok.

Brought her home and did a photo session on my desk.

VIN No: 06.03.2009 (It is BS-III)
Chassis No: 5906XXXX
Car Model: Fiat Linea
Color: Flamenco Red
Variant: Emotion Pack( Can see steering controls)
Engine: 1.4FIRE (No MultiJet written on front grill)
Mods: 98PCD 16" Linea T-JET with 205/55 R16 tires- Michelin Primary LC.

Final on desk price: Rs 285/-

Here are some Pics. More pics tomorrow.

P.S.- I still don't own a digital camera in this 21st century. Somehow, never gone for vacations etc. and have thus never felt the need to clicked pics. My camera has been serving me well for routine pics. So, kindly bear with these hTC 2MP camera phone pics. :ban
Will source a digicam from some friend for one day and click some pics as I'm low on Vitamin M after my punto came home.

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Re: My Flamenco Red Fiat Linea 1.4FIRE-1:43SM ownership revi

This is the best report on any scale model.

 

Re: My Flamenco Red Fiat Linea 1.4FIRE-1:43SM ownership revi

Fiat excitement is at it's best upon me at the moment.
:dancing

 

Re: My Flamingo Red Fiat Linea 1.4FIRE-1:43SM ownership revi

@J Ravi- wow! FTA would look awesome on it. Too bad that these merchandise products are not available at dealerships here so lack of variety. ::V

@Bala- Thanks I was about to reply in the regular Linea scale model thread but then all of a sudden i thought, this is also a Fiat after all, and a scale model so why not to scale it's review based on reviews of actual Lineas and Punto.
Fiat has made me a child again. :steering
I see that you have a Fiat Linea in Flamenco Red color. Oops, I thought it was Flamingo Red.

@Mods- I've written "Flamingo Red" instead of "Flamenco Red" at three places. Could something be done about it? :anyone

 

Re: My Flamingo Red Fiat Linea 1.4FIRE-1:43SM ownership revi

Thanks Kaps, Klub Class and Arishi.
I'm planning to come up with my real ownership thread soon. This was initially a template for my Punto thread.

@Klub Class- Will try to come up with better close up pics. Just need a camera with good "macro" shooting ability.