1969 Autobianchi A 112 Dimensions, Size & Specs

Production
Model Year:1969
Production Years:1969 - 1985 discontinued in 1985
Useful Information

About 1969 Autobianchi A 112

The Autobianchi A112 is a classic compact hatchback that was produced between 1969 and 1985. As an Italian city car, the A112 was designed to offer practicality and easy maneuverability in urban environments, making it a beloved choice in European markets during its production run. Its compact size allowed it to navigate narrow streets and tight parking spots typical of Italian cities. The A112 featured a small hatchback body style, which combined a compact footprint with configurable cargo space, a practical layout for daily driving and short trips.

Measuring approximately in the compact car segment, the A112 showcased dimensions that underline its urban focus. While exact length, width, and height dimensions can vary slightly depending on the model year and variant, the car generally featured a length around the lower end of the small hatchback category, coupled with a narrow width to accommodate congested city roads. The lightweight nature of the A112 contributed to its fuel efficiency and responsive handling, important traits for a city commuter car.

Throughout its 16-year production span, the Autobianchi A112 remained a symbol of functional design and efficient engineering. It featured relatively simple mechanical components, which made maintenance easier and more affordable compared to larger vehicles. Given its size and type, the A112 commonly housed small-displacement engines optimized for urban driving rather than high-speed performance. Overall, the Autobianchi A112 is remembered as an accessible, compact hatchback that captured the essence of Italian automotive design in the late 20th century, balancing size, style, and practicality both in metric and imperial dimensions.

Exceptional Features

1969 Autobianchi A 112 Highlights

Discover the standout features that make the 1969 Autobianchi A 112 a leader in its class

Compact City Car Design

The 1969 Autobianchi A112 is designed as a small, maneuverable city car perfect for urban environments, featuring a compact three-door hatchback body style.

Rear-Wheel Drive Layout

Unlike many modern front-wheel-drive hatchbacks, the A112 features a rear-wheel drive configuration, providing a distinctive driving experience for its class.

Efficient Engine Options

The car typically came equipped with small displacement inline-four engines ranging from around 903cc to 1,050cc, balancing power and fuel efficiency for city driving.

Distinctive Italian Styling

Designed by the Italian firm Autobianchi, the A112 showcases stylish and practical European compact car aesthetics, with clean lines and a charming presence.

Lightweight Construction

The vehicle boasts a lightweight build that enhances fuel economy and agility, making it economical to run and easy to park in tight city spaces.
Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

Have a question? Please check our knowledgebase first.

The Autobianchi A 112 hatchback, produced from 1969 to 1985, is a compact vehicle known for its small footprint ideal for city driving. Its approximate overall length measures around 3,510 mm (138.2 inches), width about 1,480 mm (58.3 inches), and height approximately 1,360 mm (53.5 inches). These dimensions make the A 112 notably compact compared to many hatchbacks, providing agility in tight urban environments while still offering practical space for passengers and cargo.

The wheelbase of the Autobianchi A 112 measures approximately 2,155 mm (84.8 inches). A wheelbase of this length supports a relatively balanced ride and contributes to the modest interior space. While the A 112 is a small hatchback, its wheelbase allows for reasonably comfortable seating for four passengers in a tight urban car package. The shorter wheelbase enhances maneuverability, making it well-suited for city roads, but it might result in a slightly firmer ride compared to cars with longer wheelbases.

The Autobianchi A 112 weighs around 700 to 780 kilograms (1,543 to 1,720 pounds) depending on the specific model variant and equipment levels. This lightweight construction contributes positively to the car’s nimble performance and fuel efficiency. The low weight helps the A 112 accelerate responsively with its modest engines and contributes to its economical fuel consumption, making it a practical choice for city commuting and light driving needs during its production years.

Yes, the Autobianchi A 112 easily fits into a standard residential garage. Given its compact dimensions—approximately 3.51 meters (11.5 feet) in length and 1.48 meters (4.85 feet) in width—it is smaller than most modern hatchbacks and sedans. Standard garages, which typically accommodate vehicles around 4.8 to 5.0 meters (16 to 16.5 feet) in length and 2.4 meters (8 feet) in width, have ample space for parking the A 112 comfortably. This makes it very convenient for owners who have limited parking space at home.

The Autobianchi A 112 offers a modest interior and cargo capacity reflective of its supermini class. It comfortably seats four passengers with relatively limited rear legroom typical for compact hatchbacks from 1969 to 1985. The rear seats fold down to expand cargo space, but overall cargo capacity is modest—designed more for urban commuting than heavy hauling. Compared to similar hatchbacks from the 1970s and early 1980s, the A 112’s space is competitive for its size, emphasizing efficiency and maneuverability over spaciousness.

The Autobianchi A 112 was a pioneering supermini that did not have a direct predecessor within the Autobianchi line but was heavily influenced by smaller Fiat models such as the Fiat 850. Compared to the Fiat 850, the A 112 is more compact and has a hatchback body style rather than a coupe or sedan, measuring roughly 3.51 meters in length compared to the Fiat 850’s longer dimensions of around 3.7 meters. This made the A 112 more maneuverable and better suited for urban use, showcasing evolution from earlier models with a distinct shift toward compact hatchback design.

The Autobianchi A 112 fits well within the small hatchback segment of the late 1960s to mid-1980s, competing with cars like the Mini, Renault 5, and Fiat 127. Its compact dimensions—about 3.51 meters long and 1.48 meters wide—place it as one of the smaller or similarly sized vehicles in this category. The A 112 stands out with its efficient use of space, nimble handling, and classic Italian styling. Compared with the Renault 5 for instance, which is slightly larger, or the original Mini which is somewhat smaller, the A 112 balances urban practicality with driving dynamics favored by enthusiasts of the time.

The height of the Autobianchi A 112 is approximately 1,360 mm (53.5 inches), making it relatively low-profile among hatchbacks, which contributes to lower aerodynamic drag and a sportier stance. Ground clearance typically ranges around 140 mm (5.5 inches), which is adequate for paved urban roads and mild rural conditions but might be less suitable for rough, unpaved terrains. The relatively low height aids in stability during cornering and easier access for passengers, while the moderate ground clearance balances practicality with everyday drivability.

Extremely suitable. The Autobianchi A 112’s compact dimensions, with a length of about 3.51 meters (138 inches) and narrow width, make it one of the most maneuverable cars of its time. Its lightweight and short wheelbase allow for tight cornering and easy navigation through congested urban streets. Additionally, its size simplifies parking in tight city spaces, and its hatchback design helps with loading cargo in limited space urban settings. The combination of these features makes the A 112 an excellent city car during its production era.

The Autobianchi A 112 holds historical significance as one of the pioneers in the supermini hatchback segment, produced from 1969 until 1985. It was among the first compact hatchbacks designed for urban mobility at a time when cars were typically larger and less adaptable to city environments. The A 112 established Autobianchi's reputation for small, stylish, and practical cars, influencing later supermini designs. Its market success demonstrated consumer demand for small, efficient cars and helped pave the way for the widespread popularity of the hatchback layout in Europe.