10.02.2004 LANCIA'S NEW FIAT IDEA BASED COMPACT MPV IS SEEN IN THE FLESH FOR THE FIRST TIME

Lancia's new Fiat Idea based compact mpv is seen in the flesh for the first time ahead of its Geneva Motor Show debut due at the beginning of next month.

The new Lancia will offer enhanced levels of luxury and exclusivity over the practical and stylish Fiat Idea, which only hit production last autumn.

While the sides are pure Idea, the nose and tail receive the distinctive Lancia 'family' styling look. The front end is closely modelled on the new Ypsilon, while the tailgate has been reworked to follow the Ypsilon's classic drawn curves. The more prominent bumpers, with their thick Ypsilon-style rubbing strips, and the beefier tailgate see the new model, likely to be named the Enea, at 410cm become slightly longer than the Idea.