Lancia Musa was a badge-engineered car, based on the Fiat Idea small-segment MPV. It had the same platform as the Fiat Punto. It was unveiled at the 2004 Geneva Motor Show.
Once, the Lancia brand was associated with luxury and performance vehicles. Its famous model Delta dominated the Group A in the World Rally Championship. But the street vehicles started to fade in front of the German car-makers. In its struggle to gain back its Premium status, Lancia introduced a small MPV based on the Fiat Idea, a budget MPV.
The Musa featured a specifically designed Lancia grille, with the headlights carried-over from the Lancia Ypsilon which looked almost the same as in the Fiat Grande Punto. The raked A-pillars looked like they were an extension for the hood. The greenhouse was extended to the rear and abruptly descended in the back. Its tailgate was wide and allowed good access to the trunk.
Inside, the Musa was available as a luxury small-class MPV. It was fitted with a panoramic glass roof, Alcantara leather seats, and climate control. The dashboard featured a center-mounted instrument cluster, slightly tilted toward the driver.
For the powertrain, the Musa was not available with the base units offered to Fiat Idea. It started with a 1.4-liter with 2 valves/cylinder that was mated to a standard manual transmission. All the other versions, 1.4-liter 16 valves, 1.3-liter and 1.6-liter turbodiesel units, were fitted as standard with a 6-speed manual transmission. An option for a 6-speed automated unit was on the options list.