The Autobianchi Y10 is a supermini and economy car manufactured from 1985 to 1995 and marketed under the Lancia brand in most export markets (as Lancia Y10). The car was manufactured at Fiat's Autobianchi plant in Desio, Milan until 1992 and after that in Arese, near Alfa Romeo's plants. In addition to a relatively high level of trim for its market segment, the Y10 featured a new rear rigid axle suspension design (called Omega axle), subsequently shared with the facelifted Fiat Panda. In spite of its short overall length, the Y10 had a drag coefficient of just 0.31.
Production totaled approximately 850,000 in the first seven years, in spite of being a pricier, more niche-oriented product than its Fiat siblings. In addition to unique style and luxurious trim, the Y10's aerodynamics increased the fuel economy. Sales in the United Kingdom were never strong, and it was withdrawn in late 1991. This was more than two years before Lancia withdrew entirely from Britain and all other RHD markets. Lancia remained in the segment in left-hand drive markets with the similarly marketed Ypsilon.
The A112 remained on sale, alongside the Y10, almost to the end of 1986. The Y10 was sold under the Autobianchi marque in Italy, Portugal, France, and Japan.[7] In most other markets it was sold under the Lancia marque. In Portugal it remained an Autobianchi until 1989, and was badged Lancia thenceforth.
Rear end of Y10 with black tailgate
The Y10's most important design innovation was the vertical tail cut-off, characterized by the tailgate painted in black satin, regardless of the colour chosen for the body. The notable wedge shape of the small body is very aerodynamic ( 0.31)[5] thanks to the hood, which is inclined towards the curved windscreen, and side windows that were mounted flush with the bodywork, as well as the absence of drip rails, the recessed door handles and roof tapering slightly toward the back.
All these features were unique for a small car in 1985 and were developed by the Fiat Style Centre, at that time led by Vittorio Ghidella. The definition of the project Y10 took more than three years of study. It was necessary that this car have a very specific identity to allow it to be unequivocally placed under the Lancia brand. The appointments were originally entrusted to Pininfarina and Giorgetto Giugiaro as well as the Fiat Style Centre. Hundreds of drawings were executed with sketches and scale models starting as early as 1980. Eventually a design by the Fiat Style Centre was selected and developed that best responded to the theme of a car destined for a particular user, "select and elite", a real flagship miniature desired by women as much as a handbag and identified by men as their favorite perfume.
The car had rectangular headlights, which, together with a simple grille. The windshield, installed with silicone resin instead of a rubber gasket, was large, sloped and characterized by a single wiper. The side was characterized by a belt line from the base of the hood rising gradually as it approaches the lower edge of the tailgate, delimited by the wrap-around taillights.
The Y10 was offered only with a three-door body with relatively large doors, offering easy access even for rear passengers. The tailgate was on a nearly vertical plane, hinged to make it more practical to access the luggage compartment by shifting the point of rotation eleven centimeters towards the center of the roof. The rear lights were of a horizontal layout, similar to the A112 with a wrap around rear bumper fascia.[5]
The car shares mechanicals with the Fiat Panda and was largely conventional in its layout, with a transversely mounted engine and front- or four-wheel-drive. The fuel capacity, at 47 litres (10impgal; 12USgal), was at least fifty percent more than what was usual for the class.[8]
Interior
The interior was carpeted and featured cloth upholstery on the seats and optional Alcantara upholstery on the dashboard, seats and door panels, and options such as electric windows, central locking, split rear bench seat, rear window hinged electrically, glass sunroof and climate control system with electronic controls and LED display, similar to that already adopted on Fiat Regata.[7]
First series (1985–1988)
The attention and interest shown by the international public at the Geneva Motor Show, gave Fiat-Lancia Group hope that the new Y10 met the public's taste, but sales in the first month struggled. There were few people prepared to pay the Y10's asking price. In 1985 Autobianchi-Lancia assembled 63,495 Y10s, to be compared with 88,292 of the aging A112 having been built the year before.[9] As a response, Lancia readjusted the lineup with a lower-priced Y10 Fire entry model while adding equipment to the rest of the range.[5] Technically speaking, according to an official communique from the time of introduction, the model names were to be written in lower-caps ("Y10 fire, touring, turbo").[8]
Y10 Fire was equipped with the new four-cylinder Fire[5] (Fully Integrated Robotised Engine), with displacement of 999cc (61cuin) and maximum power of 45hp (33kW) at 5000 rpm, with low fuel consumption, low noise, low-power, allowing it to exceed 145km/h (90mph) and to accelerate from 0 to 100km/h (0 to 62mph) in 16 seconds.[10]
Y10 Touring: It was powered by a Brazilian-built motor of 1,049cc (64cuin), which was also used in the Brazilian Fiat Uno.[11] This has a maximum power of 56hp (41kW) at 5850rpm and maximum torque of 81.4N⋅m (60lb⋅ft) at 3000rpm,[citation needed] and was developed from Fiat's Lampredi-designed four-cylinder that originally equipped the Fiat 127. The Touring is externally identical to the Y10 Fire, aside from the trunk badging, while on the carrier can be seen the Alcantara in place of the fabric coverings. The Touring had a maximum speed of 155km/h (96mph) and acceleration from 0 to 100km/h (0 to 62mph) in 14.5 seconds.[12]
Y10 Turbo: The turbo had the same basic Brazilian FIASA engine as the Touring.[11] However, it was equipped with an IHIturbocharger with intercooler,[13] with a maximum power of 85hp (63kW) at 5750rpm and maximum torque of 122.6N⋅m (90lb⋅ft) at 2750rpm. Compared to the naturally aspirated 1050 in the Touring, it was distinguished by sodium filled exhaust valves,[5] electric fuel pump, and a Magneti Marelli electronic ignition "Digiplex". It boasted a Turbocharging system from Formula 1 in miniature with intercooler, bypass valve, and thermostatic valve. This version had a top speed of 180km/h (112mph) and accelerated from 0 to 100km/h (0 to 62mph) in 9.5 seconds. It was externally recognizable by the presence of a red piping on the bumpers, for the adhesive band at the base of the side with the writing Turbo, larger bumpers at the front to accommodate the intercooler, and at the rear to accommodate the transversal exhaust backbox exclusive to this model with a polished tail pipe. This model was larger than the other versions and quieter on the inside. It had an unusual wheel design with some models being equipped with metric wheels size 340mm ( in between 13 and 14 inches) and sportier seats as well as different molding and wrapping, plus more analog instruments including a Turbo pressure gauge.
1986
In 1986, new versions were added and some of them were less expensive. The range included models from Fire, Fire LX, Touring and Turbo. All had the required height adjustable steering wheel. The sales finally began to grow. At the end of 1986 a 4WD version was introduced; total production of all models in 1986 was 80,403 units.
Y10 Fire: The new entry-level version, the Fire, was now standard equipment with a lower price, estimated at one million lire. This model was recognizable by the front with a frame in matte black and black grille, (in contrast to the 1985 Fire, which had a polished stainless steel frame and a grid in silver), the taillights were simplified and asymmetrical, with only a reversing light to the right and only one headlight on the left rear fog light. Inside had cloth upholstery and a new dashboard. There were no doors on compartments or drawers.
Y10 Fire LX: Between the Fire and the Touring was a new model, the Fire LX.[5] In essence, it was the 1985 version of the Fire, and differed from the new basic version. It looked richer and had self-closing drawers and compartments, was upholstered in Alcantara. Electric windows, central locking, an overhead digital clock, Borletti Veglia Flash and reading lights were all standard.
Y10 Touring: The Touring version remained unchanged in price but offered more equipment that included front electric windows, central locking and a digital clock. The engine remained the same, the naturally aspirated 1049cc four.
Y10 Turbo: The Y10 Turbo (similar to the Touring) offered standard front electric windows, central locking and an internal digital clock. It had an improved finish from previous models with better plastic assembled products. Some models offered rear electric windows, digital clima-control and Alcantara interior.
Lancia Y10 4WD
Y10 4WD: At the end of October 1986, the range was extended further. It debuted the Y10 4WD, four-wheel drive version (derived from the same traction system of Panda 4x4 and produced in joint venture with Steyr[5]), equipped with Fire from 999cc (61cuin), with power increased to reach 50hp (37kW) at 5500 rpm. It could be called a true SUV ahead of its time for its design, finishes and its mechanical contents. The all-wheel drive could be implemented by a button on the dash, and a complex and modern electro-pneumatic system allowed, four-wheel drive off, leaving firm transmission shaft and rear axle shafts, the pull was inserted by pressing the button, the engine is running and the car is stopped or at least at speeds below 55km/h (34mph), where the traction was inserted over this speed, the wheel would fit only slowing below 55km/h (34mph) and also to prevent accumulation of ice, mud or snow clogging the system actuators of the transmission control, it was automatically inserted by turning off the engine. It was easy to recognize the 4WD thanks to the large lateral fascia of plastic material, the wheel rims of a specific design without any hub caps, and the front and rear splash guard; to distinguish it further unique identification was written on the tailgate, on the side shields and the splash guard as standard. Inside was a novel covered steering wheel. The standard package included: a right external mirror, optional headlamp cleaning system, instrumentation and control system with tachometer, sunroof, electric windows, central locking, split rear seat, and a steering wheel adjustable for height. The Y10 4WD had a top speed of 145km/h (90mph) and accelerates from 0 to 100km/h (62mph) in 17.4 seconds.
1987–1988
In the period 1987–88 the small Autobianchi became an increasingly mature product, with a precise position in the market attracting a varied clientele. It had now achieved its expected success, and made itself noticed at automotive events with presentation of "special series" of enhanced and exclusive versions, with features and details in their own right, that were not available on other cars once again to emphasize the variety available to buyers of the Y10. Twenty years later, special versions related to a brand, not necessarily in the automotive field, are visible to all and are now a permanent part of the vast majority of manufacturers' lists. These were trendy vehicles that were good looking and linked to specific lifestyles and acted as "status symbols" indicative of belonging to specific a group. In 1987, 109,708 Y10s were assembled bringing the total built since 1985 to 254,000.
Alongside the classic versions of the list are also run special versions.
Autobianchi Y10 Fila
Y10 Fila: The first special version to debut in February 1987, was the Y10 Fila, a model aimed primarily at young and dynamic customers – a Biella signed homonym of sports and leisure. Mechanically derived from the Y10 Fire (range 1986),[5] which retained the standard accessories, it was very easy to recognize because they were fully painted in white: not only the body but also the tailgate, bumpers, grille front and wheel trims. To break the monotony adhesive strips in black and blue (or Black and Red), ran along the beltline, culminating towards the door, with the famous mark. The seats and door panels were covered with blue (or Red) fabric, and the Fila logo was placed on the backs of front seats. The success of this first special version, led to a second version, called Fila 2 whose body was painted black, this time excluding hubcaps, bumpers and front grille. The strip that ran along the side wall was white and red as was the interior's fabric.
Y10 Martini: The Y10 Martini released a few months following the first edition of Fila, arrived at dealerships in June 1987.[5] Made to celebrate the sporting association with Martini & Rossi, which for decades connected the Lancia successes in the racing world with his incomparable Delta, the Y10 Martini came had a Turbo and was available only in white. White was also used for wheel covers (available as optional alloy wheels) while the bumpers were, wrap around and lowered, the Turbo was unpainted. The side was covered by a strip with the colors of the Martini racing team's winning colours, which were also used for the seat fabric and door panels.
Y10 Missoni: In October 1987, the Y10 Missoni, derived from the Fire LX and signed by the famous fashion designer Ottavio Missoni (who appeared in a television spot next to his creation), was released. He chose the colour Memphis Blue for the body exclusive with black doors. The colour was used for interior fabrics, and the Alcantara dashboard and door panels were made of hazelnut. The seats had a fabric "Missonato" velvet stripe, and the carpet was coordinated with the exterior colour. To make this version recognizable, on the back part of the side, halfway between the rib and the rear window, the Missoni mark was applied.[5]
Second series (1989–1992)
In February 1989, the Autobianchi Y10 presented the second series, characterized by minor revisions in the interior and to the engine.[7]
All models now had: newly designed wheel trims (except the 4WD), white front indicators, rear lights (symmetrical and now the same for all versions) made in two colours; double reverse light-colored smoke, dual projector fog red, side lights and stop (double stranded) in red and smoked blinkers.
The Fire had a new radiator grille, the outer frame trimmed with stainless steel since 1986, but this version had a single colored grid devoid of chrome. Inside the back seat was changed to increase the load capacity of the trunk, making the car's shape more vertical and less padded. The door panels changed and now included buttons at the bottom of the front door, electric windows (optional on Fire), and speakers. The dash remained without doors or compartments. A new fabric was used for the upholstery.
All new models had instrument panels with new graphics,[7] and, except for the Fire, an adjustable steering wheel for height. Air conditioning was now standard and provided a manual internal recirculation function or, on request, a new digital climate control system, this time with electronic temperature control with display including an "auto" setting for the maintenance of constant temperature.
The previous range including the Fire, the Fire LX, Touring, the Turbo and the special series. Only the Fire remained as all other versions went out of production along with the 999-cubic-centimetre (61cuin) engine. This engine was replaced by the Fire of 1,108cc (67.6cuin), which debuted in 1988 with the launch of the Fiat Tipo and, in the case of Y10, was equipped with electronic fuel injection and characterized by a maximum power of 56hp (41kW) at 5500 rpm and a maximum torque of 88N⋅m (65lb⋅ft; 9kg⋅m) at 3000 rpm – i.e. the Fire LX, could reach 156km/h (97mph) and accelerate from 0 to 100km/h (0 to 62mph) in 13.9 seconds.
The Y10 was withdrawn from sale on the British market at the end of 1991, by which time Lancia sales were in steep decline, not helped by the recession. Just over two years later Lancia withdrew from Britain completely.
1989 and introduction of electronic injection
Lancia Y10 GT in UK
Y10 GT i.e.: The 1050 turbo engine was dropped because of pollution regulations in countries like Switzerland, Austria and Germany. The new 1,301-cubic-centimetre (79cuin) engine, made in Brazil, had fuel injection with electronic Multi Point (Bosch L3.1 Jetronic), and was derived from previous 1050. It was able to pull a maximum power of 78hp (57kW) at 5750 rpm and a maximum torque of 100N⋅m (74lb⋅ft; 10kg⋅m) at 3250rpm. This equipped the new 1300 GT i.e. version with the capability to reaching 178km/h (111mph) and accelerate from 0 to 100km/h (0 to 62mph) in 11.5 seconds. It also promised more comfort and a smoother drive than the raucous turbo version. With the discontinuation of the Turbo, performance was somewhat adversely affected, but the GT was much more "usable" becoming more of an "all-rounder" GT. The GT is characterized by: a red border that frames the front grill, by an adhesive strip with the mark of identification which runs through the lower edge of the side, by original hubcaps (optional alloy wheels), and chrome tailpipe. The instrumentation as well as for the previous Turbo, is more complete and sporty.
Y10 Fire LX i.e. (and Selectronic version): The new Y10 Fire LX i.e. was recognized externally by the lower bumper painted in the body color, the adhesive strip, with the mark of identification, which runs through the lower edge of the side and the chrome tailpipe. Internally there were cloth seats or, on request, upholstery in Alcantara. The dashboard and door panels are upholstered in Alcantara as a standard.
Lancia Y10 Fire LX i.e.
In December 1989, Autobianchi, debuted the Y10 Selectronic automatic transmission version with ECVT: Electronic Continuously Variable Transmission. Moved by a Fire engine 1,100-cubic-centimetre (67cuin) Single Point Injection of LX (i.e., the Selectronic automatic transmission has a continuously variable relationships with the electromagnetic clutch – not hydraulic like the Fiat Uno Selecta), in reaches a top speed of 150km/h (93mph) and accelerates from 0 to 100km/h (0 to 62mph) in 15 seconds. The CVT transmission was produced by Japanese Fuji and was the same as that used in the Subaru Justy.[5]
Y10 4WD i.e.: The 4WD, all wheel drive can be inserted, changed its engine from 1000 to the Fire 1100 Fire electronic ignition Single Point of LX. With the new engine, the 4WD could reach 151km/h (94mph) and accelerate from 0 to 100km/h (0 to 62mph) in 15 seconds. The external appearance remained unchanged, retaining the lateral end of the previous version.
1990–1992
A few months later, in March 1990, a range of Y10 catalysed models was announced.[5] For each existing version there was a corresponding model with a catalytic converter, with the exception of Fire carburetor, which remained the top seller thanks to its lower asking price and overall economy.
The 1,108-cubic-centimetre (68cuin) engine, was called "Europa" in accordance with EU Directives, in an ecological version reached a maximum power of 50hp (37kW), sufficient to allow the LX to reach 150km/h (93mph), the Selectronic to reach 145km/h (90mph) and i 4WD to reach 142km/h (88mph). The catalyzed version of the GT i.e. had a 1,297-cubic-centimetre (79cuin) engine with a maximum power of 72hp (53kW), which allowed a top speed of 172km/h (107mph).
Y10 Mia The Y10 Mia introduced the ability to customize the colour scheme for the dashboard, door panels and upholstery with a choice of different shades of Alcantara (ice, camel beige, turquoise and red carmine). The Mia accounted for almost 40% of total production in 1991–92.
Y10 Ego: Two months later, in September 1991, the Ego was introduced. The LX version was based on the Fire. It was only available with a Black Mica body color (including the tailgate), was completely covered in saddle leather (Poltrona Frau) "Bulgarian Red" hue – as well as the dashboard, gear lever, door panels and steering wheel. It had no foam, and had upholstered front headrests and improved tires.
Y10 Avenue In early 1992, as a result of the success of the special version of the Mia, the Y10 Avenue was released. It had the tailgate colour coordinated with the body. The Avenue could also be ordered with Selectronic automatic transmission.
Y10 Marazzi Certa: Derived from Avenue, the Y10 Certa was prepared by Carrozzeria Marazzi and presented at the 1992 Turin Motor Show. Now dubbed by the press as "utilitarian abduction prevention", the car had been designed to offer greater resistance to attempts of aggression, with reinforced door structure, locks and bar-proof glass. An available option included a little safe in the cockpit, for the transport of any personal objects. Designed for women, at the time of its launch it had a planned annual production limited to 300, priced at 24 million lire.[14]
Third series (1992–1995)
In 1992 the Y10 underwent a facelift, with changes to the interior and the exterior.[7] The front end received a new grille, and was more compact; but also more in keeping with the style of the latest Lancia vehicles, the headlights were smaller and longer while the front bumpers had a new design. The distinctive black rear design was now partially body coloured, and new taillights identified the new model.
From 1985 to 1992 Autobianchi-Lancia assembled over 850,000 Y10 models.[5]
Y10 facelift front
Y10 facelift rear
Related Research Articles
Autobianchi was an Italian automobile manufacturer, created jointly by Bianchi, Pirelli and Fiat in 1955. Autobianchi produced only a handful of models during its lifetime, which were almost exclusively small cars, with the biggest being the short-lived Autobianchi A111, a small family car. Autobianchis were priced higher than Fiat models of similar size and the brand was used by Fiat to test innovative concepts which later found their way into mainstream Fiat vehicles; these concepts included fibreglass bodies and front-wheel drive.
The Lancia Delta is a small family car produced by Italian automobile manufacturer Lancia in three generations. The first generation (1979–1994) debuted at the 1979 Frankfurt Motor Show, the second generation (1993-1999) debuted at the 1993 Geneva Motor Show, and the third generation (2008–2014) debuted at 2008 Geneva Motor Show.
The Fiat X1/9 is an Italian two-seater mid-engined sports car designed by Bertone and manufactured by Fiat from 1972–1982 and subsequently by Gruppo Bertone from 1982–1989.
The Renault 5 is a five-passenger, three or five-door, front-engine, front-wheel drive hatchback supermini manufactured and marketed by the French automaker Renault over two generations: 1972–1985 and 1984–1996.
The Porsche 997 is the sixth generation of the Porsche 911 sports car manufactured and sold by the German automobile manufacturer Porsche. It was sold between 2004 and 2013. Production of the Carrera and Carrera S coupé began in early 2004, and the all-wheel drive Carrera 4 and Carrera 4S began to be delivered to customers in November 2005. Deliveries of the Turbo and GT3 derivatives were carried out in late 2006, along with the GT2 in 2007. In addition to the coupé and cabriolet versions, Targa versions of the Carrera 4 and Carrera 4S were also available, which continued the trend of the "glass canopy" roof design used since its first application in the 993 until the 991 generation. This was later reverted to the classic targa top layout used in earlier models of the 911 Targa.
The Fiat Tempra is a small family car produced by the Italian automaker Fiat from 1990 to 1996 in Italy. The Tempra was intended as a replacement for the Fiat Regata. The original project was called Tipo 3, being a mid-size car between the Fiat Tipo and the bigger Fiat Croma. The Tempra shares its Type Three platform with the Lancia Dedra and Alfa Romeo 155.
The Lancia Thema is an executive car produced by the Italian automaker Lancia between 1984 and 1994, and one of four cars to share the Type Four platform alongside the Alfa Romeo 164, Fiat Croma and Saab 9000. The Thema was first shown at the Turin Motor Show in 1984. The Thema was available as a saloon and as a station wagon designed and produced by Pininfarina.
The Honda Today is a kei car produced by Japanese automaker Honda beginning in 1985. It was replaced by the Honda Life in 1998.
The Lancia Delta S4 is a Group B rally car manufactured by the Italian car company Lancia. The Delta S4 competed in the World Rally Championship in 1985 and 1986, until Group B class was disbanded and the cars were eventually banned from competition completely by European sanctioning body FIA. The car replaced, and was an evolution of, the 037. The S4 took full advantage of the Group B regulations, and featured a midship-mounted engine and all-wheel drive for superior traction on loose surfaces.
The Lancia Montecarlo is a Pininfarina-designed two-seater, mid-engined sports car manufactured and marketed by Lancia in Italy for model years 1975-1981, across two series.
The Lancia Flavia is an executive car produced by Italian automaker Lancia from 1961 to 1971.
The Lancia Rally was a mid-engine sports car and rally car built by Lancia in the early 1980s to compete in the FIA Group B World Rally Championship. Driven by Markku Alén, Attilio Bettega, and Walter Röhrl, the car won Lancia the manufacturers' world championship in the 1983 season. It was the last rear-wheel drive car to win the WRC.
The FSO Polonez is a motor vehicle that was developed in Poland in collaboration with Fiat and produced by Fabryka Samochodów Osobowych from 1978 to 2002. It was based on the Polski Fiat 125p platform with a new hatchback design by Zbigniew Watson, Walter de Silva and Giorgetto Giugiaro. It was available in body styles that included two- and four-door compact-sized cars, station wagons, as well as commercial versions as pickup truck, cargo van, and ambulance. Production totaled more than one million units, excluding the pickup truck and van variants. The Polonez was marketed in other nations and was popular in its domestic market until Poland joined the European Union in 2004.
The Autobianchi A112 is a supermini produced by the Italian automaker Autobianchi. It was developed using a shrunken version of the contemporary Fiat 128's platform. The mechanicals of the A112 subsequently underpinned the Fiat 127. It was introduced in November 1969, as a replacement for the Bianchina and Primula, and was built until 1986, when it made way for the more modern Autobianchi Y10. Over 1.2 million A112s were produced in Autobianchi's Milan factory.
The Lancia Ypsilon is a supermini (B-segment) manufactured and marketed by Lancia, currently in its fourth generation and as of 2024, the marque's only model. The Ypsilon was released in 1995, as a larger and more expensive replacement to the Y10. Between 1995 and 2005, Lancia produced more than 870,000 Ypsilons in the Melfi plant in the Potenza region.
The Lancia Dedra is a compact executive car produced by the Italian automaker Lancia from 1989 to 1999. It was initially designed to support, and went on to replace, the Prisma which, six years after its launch, was having difficulty remaining competitive in the market. It was based on a stretched version of the platform underpinning the second generation of the Delta and is often considered a saloon variant of the Delta.
The Lancia Prisma is a small family car built by Italian car manufacturer Lancia between 1982 and 1989. It was a saloon version of the first generation Lancia Delta hatchback, and like the Delta it was designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro. Like the Delta it was also available as a 4x4 integrale version, although with a non-turbocharged engine and an air-locking rear differential.
The Autobianchi A111 is a 4-door saloon family car produced from 1969 to 1972 by Italian car manufacturer Autobianchi, a subsidiary of the Fiat group. Despite rather modest dimensions, at roughly 4 metres long, it was the largest Autobianchi ever made, as the brand specialized in small cars. A modern front-wheel drive construction like the Fiat 128 launched concurrently, it was based on the revolutionary Autobianchi Primula, Fiat's first "experiment" with the transverse engine front-wheel-drive setup.
The first generation Subaru Legacy is a mid-size family car / wagon developed by Fuji Heavy Industries. The Legacy was an all new model, and was considered a notable departure from Subaru products in the past.
The third generation Honda CR-V was launched for the 2007 model year. It went on sale in the U.S. during late September 2006. Unlike preceding models, it features a rear liftgate rather than a side-opening rear door and no longer has the spare tire mounted on the rear door. The new CR-V is lower, wider and shorter than the previous models; the length decrease is attributed mostly to the fact that the spare wheel no longer adds length to the back of the vehicle. A lowering of the centre of gravity is another benefit of the spare wheel being located underneath the rear cargo area. The centre rear seat pass-through was also introduced as a new feature on the third generation.
1 2 Bouchez, Daniel (7 February 1985). "Nieuwigheden: Klasse in zakformaat" [News: Pocket-sized class]. De AutoGids (in Flemish). Vol.6, no.140. Brussels, Belgium: Uitgeverij Auto-Magazine. p.137.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply. Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.
Y10 facelift front
Y10 facelift rear
