Lancia is preparing to introduce a facelifted version of the Musa small people carrier at the Frankfurt IAA this September which will build on the strength of this niche model in its market segment. This is an early part of a planned strategy outlined last November by Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne which will see the Lancia brand's sales climbing to a target of 300,000 units per year by 2010.

The Musa 'monovolume' was first shown at the Geneva Motor Show in 2004 and introduced later that year. It was based very closely on the Fiat Idea, which in turn was developed from the Punto platform; it sought differentiation by offering a much more upmarket approach, with a luxurious driver-orientated interior cabin being the main change. Able to seat five adults in comfort it set new standards for ergonomics and use of quality materials in the segment.

Externally it drew closely on the much-loved Ypsilon's family styling to give it a very distinct appeal. The Musa offered a choice of 1.2- and 1.4-litre 16v petrol engines as well as the popular 1.3- and 1.9-litre 16v 'Multijet' turbodiesel units. It also is available with the DFN (Dolce Far Niete) transmission which combines automatic and sequential operating modes by having a manual gearbox with a hydraulic actuation system. The Musa has proved to be a very useful 'niche' model for Lancia, regularly outselling the Fiat Idea in Italy - despite its price premium - and being ordered in higher specification - and thus more profitable - options.
 

Lancia will now update the model after almost three years on sale, revealing the revised version at the prestigious bi-annual German motor show this autumn. Externally a mildly revised front grille will see the new 'family' style vertical 'bars' incorporated, while other cosmetic changes will seek to mirror the revisions made to the facelifted Ypsilon model, which was introduced last September. Under the grille the new Musa will now incorporate the four horizontal cut outs that are a family feature of the Ypsilon, while a more bulbous, smoother (without the rubbing strips and deeper moulded front bumper/spoiler will give the car a more distinct appearance.

The change continue at the rear where the tailgate will be revised, while Ypsilon-style LED rear light clusters (now with a greater use of clear plastic lens) and a bigger, more moulded bumper will complete the rear-end changes. Mechanically the Musa is expected to be very little changed, with the emphasis being on making available very high specification equipment, such as flat plasma screens fitted in the back of the front seat headrests, and a sophisticated infotelematic package. New, improved materials will feature in the cabin.