Itala Returns With the 35, a Restyled Chinese Crossover With Italian Design Work

The historic Italian name Itala is being brought back, but not with a hand-built sports car or a retro grand tourer. Its first modern model is the Itala 35, a compact crossover created for DR Automobiles Groupe with exterior design work by Italdesign.

The brand itself dates back to 1903 and disappeared before World War II. Its revival now follows a very different formula: using an existing Chinese model as the technical base, then giving it a new visual identity for the European market.

The Itala 35 is believed to be based on the GAC Trumpchi GS3. Italdesign did not describe it as a clean-sheet project, instead explaining that the work focused on redesigning the non-structural exterior components. That includes the bumpers, upper bonnet fascia, tailgate and spoiler, while some fixed elements such as the lighting units remain from the donor vehicle.

The front end has been heavily reworked with a large grille, prominent Itala lettering, sweptback headlights and a wide lower intake. The rest of the body keeps the compact crossover proportions, with flush door handles, plastic cladding and a sharply angled rear section.

Inside, the Itala 35 appears to use a modern but relatively conventional cabin layout. Images show a flat-bottom steering wheel, dual digital displays, gloss-black trim, a small gear selector, metal speaker grilles and an upholstered dashboard.

Mechanically, the 35 uses a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 170 hp and 270 Nm of torque. Power goes to the front wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. The crossover accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.5 seconds and reaches a top speed of 190 km/h.

The Itala 35 measures 4,410 mm long, 1,850 mm wide and 1,600 mm tall, with a 2,650 mm wheelbase. Cargo capacity ranges from 341 liters to 1,271 liters with the rear seats folded.

This will not be the only new Itala model. Italdesign has also been assigned work on future five- and seven-seat models called the 56 and 61, suggesting that the revived brand will focus mainly on crossovers and SUVs.

The Itala 35 is scheduled to go on sale in Italy this September, with prices expected to start around €35,000.