Compact vehicle Lancia Ypsilon aspires for luxury status.
Lancia is making a return in Europe. After exiting the market in 2017, the historic brand is bringing back the Ypsilon, available in both electric and mild hybrid versions.
At first glance, the new Lancia Ypsilon may not be love at first sight, but it does pique interest. The compact car with a storied past has a unique appearance, especially from the front with the new Lancia logo between a continuous light strip and prominent headlight eyes. Car enthusiasts will also appreciate the rear, thanks to the round tail lights with the lying "Y." It's definitely different, with the potential to polarize.
The Ypsilon is based on the Stellantis software architecture but stands out in terms of interior design. The combination of mostly recycled fabrics and plastic parts looks modern and stylish. Notable features include a central coffee table under the dashboard with an induction charging surface, aiming to emphasize the well-being and livable space character of the premium small car. However, it's not the most practical design, as smartphones tend to slide over the narrow edge in quick turns.
The vehicle's operation is facilitated by two 10.25-inch displays, while temperature control is adjusted via a strip below with somewhat dimly lit buttons. The Chat GPT AI hasn't been particularly captivating during test drives yet. But by mid-2025, it's expected to be able to understand.
The interior operation is straightforward and not overly complicated compared to other corporate products. The on-board computer reacts promptly to requests, and the screens deliver sharp images.
The assistance system equipment is up to date, as the Ypsilon offers lane-keeping assistance, adaptive speed control, and 360-degree cameras. The electronic warnings of the helpers are not too bothersome - although they can be deactivated.
The Stellantis platform showcases its potential in the powertrain. The electric motor and the hybrid engine are also found in other group models like the Opel Corsa and Citroen C3. Despite sharing components with other vehicles, they perform well in the Lancia Ypsilon.
The electric motor produces 115 kW/156 PS, accelerating to 100 km/h in roughly 8 seconds and reaching a top speed of 150 km/h. The Ypsilon is said to have a range of 403 kilometers according to the WLTP standard, with a consumption of around 14.5 kWh/100 km. During testing, the figure was slightly higher than the quoted range but still considerably low. Single-digit consumption values can be achieved on country roads and in the city, while normal driving, including motorway sections, results in 13 to 15 kWh/100 km. Rapid charging is possible with up to 100 kW.
The 1.2-liter three-cylinder with 48-volt hybridization and a 0.9 kWh mini-battery matches well with the new Italian model. Thanks to careful insulation measures, the engine runs quietly, even during powerful acceleration. It delivers a smooth start, with the ability to drive efficiently. During the test drives, the lower consumption value was below four liters per 100 kilometers, while the higher value was 5.1 liters - both figures without any excessive energy-saving efforts.
The driving behavior and prices: For reference, the hybrid reaches a top speed of 190 km/h and can complete the standard sprint in 9.3 seconds. The chassis of the newcomer performs well with both engine options and provides a stable, precise steering feel. Even speeding through fast corner combinations doesn't cause the Ypsilon to lose control. The powerful engine noise when driving over uneven surfaces slightly detracts from the overall experience, but the vehicle gracefully navigates bumpy roads.
The Ypsilon is expected to hit the German market next year. Lancia Germany has declined to comment on the prices of the Ypsilon, Ypsilon LX, and Ypsilon Cassina models until the official launch. In Italy, sales have already begun, with the hybrid model starting at around €24,000 and the electric model at around €35,000.
