The struggling Italian brand is making a bid for revival with assistance from Stellantis’ economies of scale. Fortunately, the resurgence doesn’t solely focus on electric vehicles (EVs) but also includes sporty cars. Consequently, the ‘HF’ branding is set to make a return alongside the debut of the all-new Ypsilon HF, an all-electric supermini.
To illustrate the prolonged struggle of Lancia, the renowned Italian automaker has been marketing the third-generation Ypsilon B-segment model since 2011, often serving as the only available option in many markets.
This situation mirrors Chrysler’s predicament to some extent, albeit except the Pacifica being a large minivan. Otherwise, both brands have been associated with mundane and unreliable offerings.
However, a new strategy has been implemented. In early February 2024, Lancia took a significant step toward recovery by introducing the fourth-generation Ypsilon.
This model represents the company’s inaugural venture into the realm of all-electric vehicles and showcases the Pu+Ra Design, previously previewed with the Lancia Pu+Ra HPE Concept last year.
Despite the updated branding, the underlying architecture remains familiar, as the new Ypsilon utilizes the CMP / eCMP platform, sharing similarities with the Peugeot 208 II or Opel Corsa F.
Conceptually, if it were a crossover, its counterparts would include the Jeep Avenger, Fiat 600e, upcoming Alfa Romeo Milano, Peugeot 2008 II, Opel Mokka B, or DS 3 Crossback (E-Tense).
Regarding powertrain specifics, the Ypsilon incorporates a well-known setup: a 115 kW / 156 ps / 154 hp electric motor powered by a 51-kWh battery pack, delivering an estimated range of up to 403 km (250 miles) on a single charge according to WLTP standards. Now, Lancia aims to inject excitement into its lineup akin to Abarth’s approach with the Fiat 600e.
To achieve this, they’ve resurrected the ‘HF’ designation, albeit not for an internal combustion engine (ICE) rally beast but for the sporty, all-electric Lancia Ypsilon HF supermini. Initially, only a teaser has been unveiled, showcasing the modern HF logo alongside a playful red elephant.
Unlike Abarth’s strategy, Lancia has refrained from revealing the first image of the Ypsilon HF. Nonetheless, they’ve divulged enticing technical specifications, including an all-electric drivetrain with a 240-ps (237 hp) “engine” (technically an electric motor), capable of accelerating from zero to 100 kph (62 mph) in 5.8 seconds.
The upcoming Ypsilon HF will feature a lowered suspension and widened track, hinting at a more aggressive appearance resembling a widebody variant of the standard supermini.
