The Lancia Ypsilon is back with a new generation that marks a radical change for the brand and the model. The 2024 Ypsilon is not only the first new Lancia in 13 years, but also the first electric Lancia ever. It is also the first step in a multi-year relaunch plan that aims to restore the glory and prestige of the historic Italian marque.
The new Ypsilon was unveiled in Milan on February 14, 2024, coinciding with the 117th anniversary of Lancia’s foundation. The event was attended by Carlos Tavares, CEO of Stellantis, the parent company of Lancia and 13 other brands, who expressed his confidence and support for the future of Lancia.
The 2024 Lancia Ypsilon is based on the same platform as the Peugeot 208 and the Opel Corsa, but it has a distinctive design and personality that reflect the heritage and values of Lancia. The car is larger than the previous generation, measuring 4.08 meters in length, 1.76 meters in width, and 1.44 meters in height, with a wheelbase of 2.54 meters. The luggage capacity ranges from 310 to 340 liters, depending on the version.
A new look inspired by the past
The exterior design of the new Ypsilon is a bold departure from the previous model, which had a more rounded and feminine shape. The new Ypsilon has a more angular and dynamic silhouette, with sharp lines and edges that give it a sporty and elegant character.
The front end features a new interpretation of the Lancia grille, which is replaced by a LED light strip that forms a goblet shape, inspired by the cocktail glasses that were popular in the 1950s and 1960s. The Lancia name is prominently displayed on the bonnet, while the shield logo is moved to the rear pillars. The headlights and the daytime running lights have a Y-shaped motif, which is also repeated in the rear lights.
The rear end is one of the most distinctive elements of the new Ypsilon, as it pays homage to the legendary Lancia Stratos, the rally car that dominated the sport in the 1970s. The circular taillights, the black roof spoiler, and the sloping tailgate create a strong visual connection with the Stratos, while also giving the Ypsilon a modern and unique identity.
The new Ypsilon is available in a range of colors, including the classic Lancia blue, as well as new shades such as coral, mint, and pearl. The car also offers various customization options, such as glossy black or chrome accents, different wheel designs, and roof stickers.
A refined and technological interior
The interior of the new Ypsilon is designed to offer a high level of comfort, quality, and functionality, as well as a touch of style and flair. The dashboard has a geometric and minimalist design, with fabric upholstery and contrasting stitching. The center console has a clean and simple layout, with physical buttons for the climate control and the driving modes.
The new Ypsilon is equipped with two 10.25-inch digital screens, one for the instrument cluster and one for the infotainment system. The latter is compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and offers various services and features, such as navigation, music, phone, and voice control. The car also has a wireless charging pad, three USB-C ports, and a bespoke sound system.
The new Ypsilon also boasts a number of advanced safety and assistance systems, such as adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, traffic sign recognition, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, and emergency braking. The car also has a special filter for the air conditioning, which can eliminate 99% of harmful particles, ensuring a healthy and pleasant environment inside the cabin.
The new Ypsilon offers four seats, with a spacious and comfortable rear bench that can accommodate two adults or three children. The seats are upholstered in high-quality materials, such as leather, Alcantara, or fabric, depending on the version. The seats also have a special design, with a Y-shaped pattern on the backrests and the headrests.
A choice of powertrains, including electric
The new Ypsilon is available with three different powertrains, including a fully electric option. The electric Ypsilon has a front-mounted electric motor that delivers 154 horsepower and 260 Newton-meters of torque, the same as the Peugeot e-208 and the Opel e-Corsa. The electric Ypsilon can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.5 seconds, and reach a top speed of 150 km/h.
The electric Ypsilon has a 51-kWh battery pack that provides a range of up to 403 kilometers in the WLTP combined cycle. The battery can be recharged using a standard or a fast charger, with the latter capable of restoring 80% of the charge in 30 minutes. The electric Ypsilon also has a regenerative braking system, which can recover energy and extend the range.
The other two powertrains are mild hybrid versions, which combine a 1.2-liter three-cylinder gasoline engine with a 12-volt electric system. The mild hybrid Ypsilon has two power outputs, 75 or 100 horsepower, and can be paired with either a manual or an automatic transmission. The mild hybrid Ypsilon can achieve lower fuel consumption and emissions than a conventional gasoline engine, thanks to the electric assistance.