In the sketches he presented, the designer tried to propose new ideas, explaining that for a car that was to be coming out in 1983 (and it was 1979) new roads had to be taken, that squared lines were now out and that future trends were moving towards flowing surface areas. But all to no avail, the determination of the Korean managers was unyielding. The car was very traditional and when presented in Europe it gave the impression of being somewhat old-fashioned. It was, however, to meet with success, above all on the North American markets where sharp forms still enjoy immense popularity.

During the research that culminated in the Gabbiano, Giugiaro emphasized the aspects of practicality aiming to create a car with four full and truly livable seats. Giugiaro decided to adopt a gullwing door that opens onto both rows of seats. While still a very compact car, the Gabbiano took on a more streamlined shape and slightly aggressive look. A distinct appearance of separation between the side glazed areas and roof marks this research in styling. This was achieved through the application of a glass strip that wraps around the entire base of the roof, hiding the pillars. The Gabbiano was a coupe with a winning shape that marked the start of a new design period for Giugiaro: glazed areas that wrap all the way around the car.

Giugiaro chose to model the surface areas laying emphasis on aerodynamic needs rather than referring to those suggestions of shape so typical of Lamborghini. Although the Emilia manufacturer has a decidedly exciting and captivating image, the designer preferred to give a less aggressive and pronounced interpretation, but one more functional and consistent to increase performance in speed with the same fuel consumption and to make the passenger compartment quieter by taking away the aerodynamic noise. The evolution in respect to the Medusa, from which the Marco Polo clearly draws its inspiration, can be found both in the dimensional and aerodynamic aspects. Constituting the most evident design difference are the four doors, substituted on the Marco Polo by two gullwing doors that open onto both the front and back seats.

An almost singular event in the history of the automobile: a three-box car derived many years later from a two-box that enjoys a fresh new start and enormous market success. Born design-wise just a few months after the Thema (that nonetheless wasn't to arrive on the market for another two years), the Prisma uses the platform, doors, hood, front fenders, roof and windshield of the Delta. The whole rear area is different. Giugiaro laid out a high and compact tail end that follows the movement of the belt-line. The overall result was a resounding success and the car managed to build itself a winning image.