Lancia, once a stalwart of automotive engineering and rally racing, has remained dormant for decades, its rich heritage overshadowed within the vast Stellantis conglomerate.
Since 2017, Lancia has confined its sales to its native Italy, relying on the aging Fiat 500-based Ypsilon, introduced in 2015, to sustain its presence. However, Stellantis has made assurances to breathe new life into Lancia, and the unveiling of the new Ypsilon marks the initial stride in this endeavor.
Sharing its foundation with the highly acclaimed Peugeot e-208 and Opel Corsa-e, both top sellers in Europe during 2023, the Ypsilon distinguishes itself with its unique design elements.
Notably, its front end features hexagonal headlights beneath a broad, gloss black trim housing LED lights forming the shape of the letter Y. In homage to the iconic Stratos sports car, the rear incorporates circular taillights, also integrating the Y motif.
Exclusively offered as an electric vehicle (EV), the Ypsilon boasts a single electric motor delivering 154 horsepower to the front wheels—approximately 20 hp more than its Peugeot and Opel counterparts.
Its powertrain comprises a 51.0-kWh battery, enabling a range of 250 miles on the WLTP test cycle in Europe. Lancia claims rapid recharging, with a 20 to 80 percent charge achievable in just 24 minutes.
The interior of the Ypsilon exudes luxury, a departure from its Peugeot and Opel counterparts. Anchored by a pair of expansive 10.3-inch screens spanning the dashboard, the cabin offers front seats with heating and massaging capabilities, upholstered in ribbed blue velvet crafted from recycled yarn.
Additional features include customizable ambient lighting, wireless connectivity via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless phone charger, and three USB-C ports.
Equipped with a virtual assistant and Level 2 driver-assistance technology, the Ypsilon integrates adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assistance to manage speed and steering, alongside traffic-jam assistance for seamless navigation in congested conditions. Lancia states that the Level 2 system operates between speeds of 19 and 93 mph.
Although slated for release later this year, the Lancia Ypsilon’s revival is unlikely to extend to the United States due to its compact size—measuring just 161 inches in length, approximately 10 inches shorter than the 2023 Kia Rio sedan, rendering it unsuitable for the American market.
Despite the Ypsilon’s promising debut, enthusiasts eagerly anticipate whether Lancia’s revival will eventually pay homage to its illustrious rallying legacy.