Lancia Lybra (Tipo 839). 1999–2005 (prod. 164,660). 4-door saloon, 5-door estate. F/F, 1581, 1596, 1747 cm³ (I4 DOHC), 1910 cm³ diesel (I4 OHC), 1998, 2446 cm³ (I5 DOHC), 2387 cm³ diesel (I5 OHC). Originally conceived as a mid-sizer with the same platform as the Croma, Lybra was shifted on to a smaller one in the early 1990s, with styling altered at the eleventh hour in development. Positioned as a softer, luxurious compact saloon, Lancia’s sporting heritage ignored. Very bland in styling, although decent engines, especially diesels shared with Alfa Romeo, and very good equipment levels. Priced well at the time. Limited boot volume and some ergonomic details left something to be desired.

Manufacturing locations: Rivalta di Torino, Piemonte, Italy; Mirafiori, Torino, Piemonte, Italy

Marque: Lancia | Predecessor: Lancia Dedra | Successor: Lancia Delta (844)

Off-site link

• ‘Tilting the scales’, Driven to Write, December 10, 2019