Launched in September 2008 in Brazil, the Linea was available there with a 1.9 L 16v "Torque" engine with 132 PS (97 kW; 130 hp), to make it flexible for the Brazilian market (capable of using petrol or ethanol).

[7] Another variant of the Fiat Linea, which includes the much acclaimed 1.4L T-JET Engine providing 114 PS (84 kW; 112 hp), was released on 8 October 2010 in India.

Car performance did not change significantly; using only E-Torq engines in Latin America was largely a strategic decision for Fiat.

It is positioned in the upper B segment and goes against cars like the Honda City, Toyota Yaris sedan, Citroen C-Elysee, Ford Fiesta, Hyundai Accent/Verna.

[citation needed] This positioning has been done to gain a foothold in the Indian market and to achieve the reduced price several features such as the TS and ESC (which are optional).

The destination address, as well as other instructions, can be entered by voice, just like the regular Blue&Me system, or by using the controls on the steering wheel.

In Brazil, Fiat aimed the Linea to compete with Japanese cars, such as Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla, the market leaders for its class.

[11] The Fiat Linea competes with subcompact saloons like the Honda City, Ford Fiesta 1.6S, Hyundai Verna and the Maruti Suzuki SX4.

[citation needed] Fiat boasts of an extensive and growing sales network in India with its partnership with TATA Motors.

The showrooms will be set up in around 20 major metro cities like Chennai, Bengaluru, Mumbai and New Delhi by late 2012 or early 2013.