The Lancia Trevi (828) 1.6 (100 hp) Automatic, produced between 1983 and 1984, represented an entry-level offering within the Trevi range. The Trevi itself, Lancia’s final large, rear-wheel drive sedan, was intended as a successor to the Flavia and 2000 models. Positioned below the more powerful 2.0-liter and later the Volumex supercharged versions, the 1.6 Automatic aimed to provide a more economical and accessible option for buyers in a market increasingly focused on fuel efficiency. It was built on the Tipo 828 platform, sharing components with other Lancia and Fiat models of the era, but distinguished itself with its unique styling and relatively luxurious appointments for its price point.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Lancia |
| Model | Trevi |
| Generation | Trevi (828) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.6 (100 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | 1983 |
| End of production | 1984 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 11.2 l/100 km (21 US mpg, 25.2 UK mpg, 8.9 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 7.6 l/100 km (30.9 US mpg, 37.2 UK mpg, 13.2 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 12.1 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 12.1 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 11.5 sec |
| Maximum speed | 165 km/h (102.53 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 11.5 kg/Hp, 87.3 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 8.5 kg/Nm, 117 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 100 Hp @ 5800 rpm |
| Power per litre | 62.8 Hp/l |
| Torque | 134 Nm @ 3000 rpm (98.83 lb.-ft. @ 3000 rpm) |
| Maximum engine speed | 6400 rpm |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | 828 B.000 |
| Engine displacement | 1592 cm3 (97.15 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 80 mm (3.15 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 79.2 mm (3.12 in.) |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 2 |
| Fuel injection system | Carburettor |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.2 l (4.44 US qt | 3.7 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 7.5 l (7.93 US qt | 6.6 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1145 kg (2524.29 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1645 kg (3626.6 lbs.) |
| Max load | 500 kg (1102.31 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 440 l (15.54 cu. ft.) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 1215 kg (2678.62 lbs.) |
| Length | 4355 mm (171.46 in.) |
| Width | 1706 mm (67.17 in.) |
| Height | 1400 mm (55.12 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2540 mm (100 in.) |
| Front track | 1406 mm (55.35 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1392 mm (54.8 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 10.9 m (35.76 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 3 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | McPherson, Transverse stabilizer |
| Front brakes | Disc |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Tires size | 175/70 R14 |
| Wheel rims size | 5.5J x 14 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The 1.6-liter engine, designated 828 B.000, was a naturally aspirated, inline-four cylinder unit. It featured a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain operating two valves per cylinder. Unlike the later, more sophisticated fuel injection systems found on other Lancia models, the 1.6 utilized a carburetor for fuel delivery. This was a cost-saving measure intended to make the variant more affordable. The engine produced 100 horsepower at 5800 rpm and 134 Nm (98.83 lb-ft) of torque at 3000 rpm. The engine was transversely mounted in the front of the vehicle, driving the front wheels. Paired with the 1.6 was a three-speed automatic transmission, a common choice for buyers prioritizing ease of use over performance. This transmission was sourced from Fiat, reflecting the close relationship between the two manufacturers at the time.
Driving Characteristics
The Trevi 1.6 Automatic offered a comfortable, but not particularly sporty, driving experience. The 100 hp engine and three-speed automatic resulted in a 0-60 mph time of around 11.5 seconds and a top speed of 165 km/h (102.53 mph). Compared to the 2.0-liter versions, the 1.6 felt noticeably slower, particularly during acceleration. The automatic transmission, while smooth, lacked the responsiveness of a manual gearbox and contributed to a less engaging driving experience. Gear ratios were optimized for fuel economy and cruising comfort rather than outright performance. The front-wheel drive configuration provided predictable handling, but the car wasn’t known for its cornering prowess. The suspension, while comfortable, could feel somewhat soft and wallowy in spirited driving.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 1.6 Automatic Trevi typically came equipped with a reasonable level of standard features for its era. These included cloth upholstery, power steering, and central locking. Air conditioning was often an optional extra, as were electric windows. The interior design was typically Italian, with a focus on style and comfort. Dashboard layouts were relatively straightforward, with clearly marked gauges and controls. The Trevi’s interior, even in the base 1.6 trim, was considered more upscale than many of its contemporary rivals. Optional extras could include a sunroof, upgraded audio systems, and metallic paint finishes.
Chassis & Braking
The Trevi utilized an independent McPherson strut suspension setup at the front, with a transverse stabilizer bar to reduce body roll. The rear suspension also employed a McPherson strut design, again with a stabilizer bar. Braking duties were handled by disc brakes on all four wheels, providing adequate stopping power for the car’s weight and performance. Steering was via a rack and pinion system, offering reasonably precise control. The 1.6 Automatic model typically rode on 175/70 R14 tires mounted on 5.5J x 14 inch steel wheels, although alloy wheels were available as an option.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Trevi 1.6 Automatic was generally viewed as a sensible, if somewhat uninspiring, option within the Trevi lineup. Critics acknowledged its comfortable ride and relatively affordable price, but often lamented its lack of performance compared to the more powerful variants. Fuel economy was considered reasonable for the time, but not exceptional. Compared to the 2.0-liter Trevi, the 1.6 offered a lower purchase price but sacrificed significant performance. The 1.6 was aimed at buyers who prioritized comfort and economy over driving excitement, and it found a niche among those seeking a stylish and well-equipped sedan without the expense of the higher-spec models.
Legacy
The Lancia Trevi 1.6 Automatic, while not the most sought-after version of the Trevi, remains a relatively rare and interesting classic car. The 828 B.000 engine, while simple, proved to be reasonably reliable if properly maintained. However, like many Italian cars of the era, the Trevi is susceptible to rust, and finding well-preserved examples can be challenging. In the used car market today, the 1.6 Automatic typically commands a lower price than the 2.0-liter or Volumex models. Its appeal lies in its affordability, relative simplicity, and the unique styling of the Trevi itself. It represents a final chapter in Lancia’s history of producing large, rear-wheel drive sedans, and a testament to Italian automotive design.
