Electrified Lancia Ypsilon launched in Italy…

ALTHOUGH Stellantis in Australia remains tight lipped about a possible re-introduction after nearly 40 years of the Lancia nameplate Down Under – and by association the Ypsilon sub-brand – the likelihood of its availability here may have become stronger following a recent event in Italy to reboot Ypsilon and to underline its broader expansion plans.

The alien sounding Italian brand is segueing to being all electric by 2026 with incoming new models the mid-sized Gamma that year and a new compact Delta in 2028 following this month’s launch of a three model Ypsilon hatchback line up on the European market to replace the decade old gen’ two version.

GoAuto reported in February that Stellantis-owned Lancia’s gen three Ypsilon hatch uses the group’s electrified e-CMP architecture shared with the Peugeot e-208 and Opel Corsa, in delivering a more expressive design enabling it to “achieve more sales across prospective markets.”

This sentiment was reiterated at the early June advertising event in Italy.

First cab off the rank is the Edizione Limitata Cassina limited to 1906 units, the number representing the year the brand was founded (1906). It is priced from €39,500 ($A65,330) before incentives are applied. Others will follow in quick succession.

The Ypsilon is the first vehicle from Stellantis to be equipped with its new SALA (Sound Air Light Augmentation) system that utilises a customisable, widget-based infotainment array that also serves as a control panel for Sound (audio), Air (climate control) and Light (interior and exterior lighting).

The new Lancia Ypsilon hatch line-up is available with a 100 per cent electric motor or mild hybrid engine, in three different trims which the company says is a “straightforward line-up with mid-market price positioning, benefiting in full from current government (EV) incentives.”

It is a collaborative effort between Lancia and Cassina design studios and is the brand’s first new car in 13 years boasting a premium cabin and sporty sheet metal the Italian brand says “will help it to stand out in a crowded segment”.

Lancia believes the Ypsilon’s looks – and electrified driveline technology – will help push into markets outside of Italy. Currently it is only targeting the Netherlands, Belgium, France, and Spain before the end of this year then Germany in 2025.

A standout and possibly unique feature of the new hatch includes a Lancia Living Room interior replete with a multifunctional coffee table that allows occupants to charge their smartphones.

The model uses dual 10.25-inch screens for its infotainment and instrumentation displays, becoming standard fare across the segment.

The Ypsilon is 243mm longer than the current decade old model and offers Level 2 autonomous driving assistance as standard for the first time.

In battery electric form, it features a 115kW and 260Nm single electric motor and 51kWh battery that is said to deliver a driving range of up to 403km (WLTP). The battery may be charged from 20 to 80 per cent in as little as 24 minutes, with 100km of range able to be added in 10 minutes.

Energy consumption is rated as low as 14.3kWh per 100km.

Ypsilon offers 48V mild hybrid (MHEV) versions that combine a 75kW and 230Nm 1.2-litre petrol engine with a dual-clutch transmission and 21kW/55Nm electric motor and 0.9kWh battery for a combined fuel consumption figure of 4.6 litres per 100km.

They are being promoted as a “masterpiece on the move” by leveraging art from Italian masters Leonardo da Vinci and Amadeo Modigliani featured through comparative media commercials (adverts), a press campaign and a media plan on all channels in digital, print, and display formats.

Lancia says the Ypsilon reflects the utmost attention to every stylistic detail, from the selection of the materials to the choice of colours. Blue is used as the iconic hue of Lancia tradition, appearing both inside the car and out.

“With the new Lancia Ypsilon, the first car of the new era of the brand, we are relaunching, starting from Italy,” explained Lancia CEO Luca Napolitano.

“Its design is inspired by the brand’s glorious past, now interpreted in a modern way. The model represents the ultimate expression of on-board comfort and design, features category-leading technology and connectivity yet always simple and intuitive, in perfect Lancia style.”

Stellantis Australia did not respond to GoAuto’s request for comment on the likelihood of a return of the Lancia brand.

Lancia’s last model sold here was the rust prone but impressive Beta range in 1985.