The Lancia Musa, particularly the facelifted version introduced in 2007, represented a unique offering in the compact MPV (Multi-Purpose Vehicle) segment. This iteration, produced through 2012, aimed to blend Italian styling with practicality, targeting families and individuals seeking a small, versatile vehicle. The 1.3 Multijet 95 Hp Automatic variant occupied a key position in the Musa lineup, serving as a fuel-efficient and accessible entry point for buyers prioritizing ease of use over outright performance. It was built on the Fiat/Lancia ‘B’ platform (1HX0/A3), shared with models like the Fiat Idea and the later Lancia Ypsilon.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Lancia |
| Model | Musa |
| Generation | Musa (facelift 2007) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.3 Multijet (95 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | 2007 |
| End of production | 2012 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | MPV |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 5 l/100 km (47 US mpg, 56.5 UK mpg, 20 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 3.6 l/100 km (65.3 US mpg, 78.5 UK mpg, 27.8 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 4.1 l/100 km (57.4 US mpg, 68.9 UK mpg, 24.4 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 109 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 12.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 12.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 11.9 sec |
| Maximum speed | 173 km/h (107.5 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 4 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 12.7 kg/Hp, 78.8 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 6 kg/Nm, 166 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 95 Hp @ 4000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 76.1 Hp/l |
| Torque | 200 Nm @ 1500 rpm (147.51 lb.-ft. @ 1500 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | 199 B1.000 |
| Engine displacement | 1248 cm3 (76.16 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 69.6 mm (2.74 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 82 mm (3.23 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 17.6:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 2.7 l (2.85 US qt | 2.38 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 4.5 l (4.76 US qt | 3.96 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1205 kg (2656.57 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1705 kg (3758.88 lbs.) |
| Max load | 500 kg (1102.31 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 390 l (13.77 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1488 l (52.55 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 47 l (12.42 US gal | 10.34 UK gal) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 1000 kg (2204.62 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 400 kg (881.85 lbs.) |
| Length | 4035 mm (158.86 in.) |
| Width | 1698 mm (66.85 in.) |
| Height | 1660 mm (65.35 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2508 mm (98.74 in.) |
| Front track | 1444 mm (56.85 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1431 mm (56.34 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.31 |
| Minimum turning circle | 10.4 m (34.12 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 | 5 gears, automatic transmission Dualogic |
| Front suspension | Independent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Semi-independent, coil spring |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Tires size | 195/60 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | 15 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the Musa 1.3 Multijet Automatic is the 199 B1.000 engine, a 1.3-liter inline-four cylinder diesel. This engine is a representative of Fiat’s Multijet technology, a second-generation common rail direct injection system. Multijet allows for multiple injection events per combustion cycle, improving efficiency, reducing noise, and lowering emissions. The engine utilizes a turbocharger with an intercooler to boost power output. The 16-valve DOHC (Double Overhead Camshaft) valvetrain contributes to efficient gas exchange. The engine produces 95 horsepower at 4000 rpm and 200 Nm (147.51 lb-ft) of torque at a low 1500 rpm. This torque characteristic is particularly well-suited to the automatic transmission. The transmission itself is a five-speed automatic, marketed as “Dualogic”. This is a conventional automatic, not a dual-clutch transmission despite the name.
Driving Characteristics
The 1.3 Multijet Automatic Musa prioritizes fuel economy and ease of driving over sporty performance. Acceleration from 0-60 mph takes around 11.9 seconds, and top speed is 107.5 mph. The Dualogic transmission, while convenient, isn’t known for particularly quick shifts. The engine’s strong low-end torque helps with everyday driving situations, such as merging onto highways or navigating city traffic. Compared to the manual version of the same engine, the automatic sacrifices some responsiveness. Higher-output versions of the Musa, such as those equipped with the 1.9 JTD engine, offered significantly more power and a more engaging driving experience, but at the cost of fuel efficiency.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 1.3 Multijet Automatic trim typically included standard features like air conditioning, power windows, central locking, and an audio system with CD player. Safety features included ABS brakes, driver and passenger airbags, and seatbelt pretensioners. Higher trim levels offered options such as alloy wheels, a panoramic sunroof, parking sensors, and upgraded interior upholstery. Interior materials were generally functional rather than luxurious, reflecting the Musa’s positioning as an affordable MPV. The dashboard layout was typically straightforward and user-friendly.
Chassis & Braking
The Musa’s chassis features an independent McPherson strut suspension at the front and a semi-independent coil spring suspension at the rear. This setup provides a reasonable balance between ride comfort and handling. The front brakes are ventilated discs, while the rear brakes are drums. This configuration was common for vehicles in this weight class and price range. A stabilizer bar is fitted to the front suspension to reduce body roll during cornering. The steering is power-assisted, providing light and easy maneuverability.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Lancia Musa 1.3 Multijet Automatic was generally well-received for its fuel efficiency and practicality. Critics praised its compact size, making it easy to maneuver in urban environments, and its versatile interior. However, the Dualogic transmission was sometimes criticized for its sluggishness. Compared to competitors like the Renault Scenic or Citroën C4 Picasso, the Musa offered a more distinctive Italian style but lacked some of their interior space and refinement. The 1.3 Multijet engine offered excellent fuel economy, consistently achieving around 57.4 US mpg in combined driving, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers.
Legacy
The 1.3 Multijet engine, in various iterations, proved to be a reliable and durable powerplant. The Dualogic transmission, however, has a reputation for requiring more frequent maintenance than traditional automatic transmissions. On the used car market, the Musa 1.3 Multijet Automatic represents an affordable and practical option for those seeking a small MPV. Its fuel efficiency and relatively low running costs continue to appeal to buyers. However, potential buyers should be aware of the potential maintenance requirements of the Dualogic transmission and ensure it has been properly serviced.
