2003 Lancia Granturismo Stilnovo Concept

Personally, I like the way the car goes about solving the problem of melding passion and pragmatism, or more specifically sport and practicality. Being a

Being a family guy, I can truly appreciate the way the car goes about solving the problem of melding passion and pragmatism. (Photo: Lancia)

family guy, I always have to factor in where the kids will go when considering a new vehicle. Basically, I'm left with the compromising situation of choosing from a few wagons, a bunch of minivans or a plethora of SUVs, most of which leave me feeling flat. Lancia's answer to my problem is closest to my wants and needs than many others.

It's a midsize car, measuring 4,236 mm (166.8 inches) long, 1,828 mm (72.0 inches) wide and 1,465 mm (57.7 inches) tall, and is stunningly styled with performance-oriented driving dynamics, or so Lancia says. The automaker previously dubbed the Stilnovo's type of chassis architecture HPE, for High Performance Estate (estate being a common European name for wagon).

Based off of the Stilnovo concept that debuted in Paris earlier in 2003, the Granturismo version is cleaner in design and

Fitted with Lancia's traditional bold grille, the Granturismo version of the Stilnovo looks powerful and stunning. (Photo: Lancia)

much better proportioned, and of course more sensible in application. The car was designed by Lancia's chief designer Flavio Manzoni, no novice when it comes to penning stylish sheetmetal.

Manzoni has integrated the traditional Lancia grille, which has looked a bit on the heavy side on some previous models and concepts, to suit the Granturismo Stilnovo perfectly. The multifaceted headlight clusters are big, bold and beautifully detailed, while the slender vertical taillamps bend gracefully over the rear fenders in fluid movement. The massive panoramic glass roof is a nice touch, which will hopefully make it to future production cars.