The Y10's most important design innovation was the vertical tail cut-off, characterized by the tailgate painted in black satin, regardless of the colour chosen for the body.

0.31)[5] thanks to the hood, which is inclined towards the curved windscreen, and side windows that were mounted flush with the bodywork, as well as the absence of drip rails, the recessed door handles and roof tapering slightly toward the back.

All these features were unique for a small car in 1985 and were developed by the Fiat Style Centre, at that time led by Vittorio Ghidella.

The side was characterized by a belt line from the base of the hood rising gradually as it approaches the lower edge of the tailgate, delimited by the wrap-around taillights.

The tailgate was on a nearly vertical plane, hinged to make it more practical to access the luggage compartment by shifting the point of rotation eleven centimeters towards the center of the roof.

[5] The car shares mechanicals with the Fiat Panda and was largely conventional in its layout, with a transversely mounted engine and front- or four-wheel-drive.

[9] As a response, Lancia readjusted the lineup with a lower-priced Y10 Fire entry model while adding equipment to the rest of the range.

[5] Technically speaking, according to an official communique from the time of introduction, the model names were to be written in lower-caps ("Y10 fire, touring, turbo").

[5] Y10 Fire was equipped with the new four-cylinder Fire[5] (Fully Integrated Robotised Engine), with displacement of 999 cc (61 cu in) and maximum power of 45 hp (33 kW) at 5000 rpm, with low fuel consumption, low noise, low-power, allowing it to exceed 145 km/h (90 mph) and to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62 mph) in 16 seconds.

Compared to the naturally aspirated 1050 in the Touring, it was distinguished by sodium filled exhaust valves,[5] electric fuel pump, and a Magneti Marelli electronic ignition "Digiplex".

It was externally recognizable by the presence of a red piping on the bumpers, for the adhesive band at the base of the side with the writing Turbo, larger bumpers at the front to accommodate the intercooler, and at the rear to accommodate the transversal exhaust backbox exclusive to this model with a polished tail pipe.

Electric windows, central locking, an overhead digital clock, Borletti Veglia Flash and reading lights were all standard.

It debuted the Y10 4WD, four-wheel drive version (derived from the same traction system of Panda 4x4 and produced in joint venture with Steyr[5]), equipped with Fire from 999 cc (61 cu in), with power increased to reach 50 hp (37 kW) at 5500 rpm.

The all-wheel drive could be implemented by a button on the dash, and a complex and modern electro-pneumatic system allowed, four-wheel drive off, leaving firm transmission shaft and rear axle shafts, the pull was inserted by pressing the button, the engine is running and the car is stopped or at least at speeds below 55 km/h (34 mph), where the traction was inserted over this speed, the wheel would fit only slowing below 55 km/h (34 mph) and also to prevent accumulation of ice, mud or snow clogging the system actuators of the transmission control, it was automatically inserted by turning off the engine.

In the period 1987–88 the small Autobianchi became an increasingly mature product, with a precise position in the market attracting a varied clientele.

It had now achieved its expected success, and made itself noticed at automotive events with presentation of "special series" of enhanced and exclusive versions, with features and details in their own right, that were not available on other cars once again to emphasize the variety available to buyers of the Y10.

Twenty years later, special versions related to a brand, not necessarily in the automotive field, are visible to all and are now a permanent part of the vast majority of manufacturers' lists.

Mechanically derived from the Y10 Fire (range 1986),[5] which retained the standard accessories, it was very easy to recognize because they were fully painted in white: not only the body but also the tailgate, bumpers, grille front and wheel trims.

The side was covered by a strip with the colors of the Martini racing team's winning colours, which were also used for the seat fabric and door panels.

To make this version recognizable, on the back part of the side, halfway between the rib and the rear window, the Missoni mark was applied.

[7] All models now had: newly designed wheel trims (except the 4WD), white front indicators, rear lights (symmetrical and now the same for all versions) made in two colours; double reverse light-colored smoke, dual projector fog red, side lights and stop (double stranded) in red and smoked blinkers.

The Fire had a new radiator grille, the outer frame trimmed with stainless steel since 1986, but this version had a single colored grid devoid of chrome.

Inside the back seat was changed to increase the load capacity of the trunk, making the car's shape more vertical and less padded.

This engine was replaced by the Fire of 1,108 cc (67.6 cu in), which debuted in 1988 with the launch of the Fiat Tipo and, in the case of Y10, was equipped with electronic fuel injection and characterized by a maximum power of 56 hp (41 kW) at 5500 rpm and a maximum torque of 88 N⋅m (65 lb⋅ft; 9 kg⋅m) at 3000 rpm – i.e. the Fire LX, could reach 156 km/h (97 mph) and accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62 mph) in 13.9 seconds.

The new 1,301-cubic-centimetre (79 cu in) engine, made in Brazil, had fuel injection with electronic Multi Point (Bosch L3.1 Jetronic), and was derived from previous 1050.

The GT is characterized by: a red border that frames the front grill, by an adhesive strip with the mark of identification which runs through the lower edge of the side, by original hubcaps (optional alloy wheels), and chrome tailpipe.

[5] For each existing version there was a corresponding model with a catalytic converter, with the exception of Fire carburetor, which remained the top seller thanks to its lower asking price and overall economy.

The catalyzed version of the GT i.e. had a 1,297-cubic-centimetre (79 cu in) engine with a maximum power of 72 hp (53 kW), which allowed a top speed of 172 km/h (107 mph).

It was only available with a Black Mica body color (including the tailgate), was completely covered in saddle leather (Poltrona Frau) "Bulgarian Red" hue – as well as the dashboard, gear lever, door panels and steering wheel.

Now dubbed by the press as "utilitarian abduction prevention", the car had been designed to offer greater resistance to attempts of aggression, with reinforced door structure, locks and bar-proof glass.