Autobianchi Y10

De Autobianchi Y10 is a small family car that was built between 1985 and 1995 and was the successor of the A112. Autobianchi and marketed as the Lancia Y10 in most export markets. The car was produced until 1992 at Fiat's Autobianchi factory in Desio, Milan, and subsequently in Arese, near the Alfa Romeo factory.

The model had a very high level of finish for the market segment it occupied. The model sold quite well due to its distinctive design, luxurious upholstery, and the continuously variable transmission featured in certain versions. The excellent aerodynamics, characterized by very sleek lines, also made the car particularly fuel-efficient.

Autbianchi Y10

The A112 remained available alongside the Y10, but the models were reduced to a single version. The Y10 was sold as an Autobianchi model only in Italy, France, and Japan; in the rest of the world, it was a Lancia. The most significant design innovation of the Y10 was the sleek, 'cut-off' rear end with a striking black painted tailgate, regardless of the chosen body color. The car's design had a long gestation period, involving a three-year study. The car featured rectangular headlights, which, together with the simple and elegant grille, defined the shape of the hood. The windshield had a single wiper.

The Y10 was only available as a three-door model but had a fairly large entry, making it easy for rear passengers to get in as well. The interior featured standard floor coverings and fabric seat upholstery on all versions, while the top-range versions received Alcantara trim on the dashboard, seats, and door panels. Additionally, options were available such as electric windows, central locking, a split rear seat, an electrically hinged rear window, a glass sunroof, and a climate control system with electronic controls and an LED display.

First series Y10 1985-1988

At the presentation to the international public at the Geneva Motor Show, the Fiat-Lancia Group lacked no attention or interest, but sales were slow to get going in the first few months. People proved reluctant to pay more for a small compact car, despite its distinctive design. In 1985, 63,495 Y10 units were built, and a substantial marketing campaign was launched to emphasize the philosophy behind the model and its unique technology. This was visualized in the city of the future with the 'Donna robot'.

Autobianchi Y10 Fila

In the period 1987-1988, the small Autobianchi increasingly matured into a model, establishing a clear position in the market and coveted by a diverse clientele. The model was a success, and special editions were released featuring options unavailable on the standard models. These models included the Fire, Turbo, Touring, 4WD, Fila, Martini, and Missoni. In 1987, 109,708 units were built, which was nearly half of the total of 254.000 vehicles produced since 1985.

Interior of an Autobianchi Fire

Second series 1989-1992

In February 1989, the second series of the Autobianchi Y10 came onto the market, characterized by slight but significant aesthetic changes to the exterior and interior, and important changes to the engines. All models received
New hubcaps (except dev4WD), white front turn signals, new taillights, and instruments with new graphics. New models were the Mia, the Ego, the Avenue, and the Marrazzi Certa. Of the old special models, only the Fire was continued.

Interior of a 1992 Y10 Avenue

Third series 1992-1995

In 1992, the Y10 received a facelift with changes to both the interior and exterior. The front received a new, more compact grille that was more in line with the latest Lancia vehicles. The headlights became smaller and longer, and the front bumpers were redesigned. The distinctive black rear end was partially painted in the body color, and the new taillights were a striking feature of the new model. In total, more than 850.000 Y10s were built between 1985 and 1992.

Latest generation with partially body-colored tailgate