We by no means thought at the present time would ever come once more, however here’s a new Lancia. Stellantis has pledged to maintain all 14 (fourteen!) manufacturers in its huge portfolio following the FCA-PSA merger. Meaning the Italian marque is getting a brand new likelihood to restore its severely broken model picture. The 2024 Ypsilon kicks off an extended overdue rebirth.
It is usually Lancia’s first-ever EV, though mild-hybrid variations with gasoline engines will observe. The subcompact hatchback makes use of the identical CMP / eCMP bones because the Peugeot 208 / e-208 however with solely totally different styling inside and outside. A number of the design cues had been first seen final 12 months on the Pu+Ra HPE Idea that had a little bit of Stratos DNA.
Lancia tells us the headlights and taillights take after these of the enduring rally automobile however that is frankly a little bit of a stretch. The round tail lamps do remind us of the Stratos, however so do different vehicles with spherical taillights. The Stellantis model has built-in a “Y” motif into each entrance and tail lamps, whereas the separate daytime working lights undertake the same theme. To spruce issues up, the wheel arches, aspect mirrors, and the rear pillar include a shiny black end.
It is value noting the model depicted here’s a limited-run particular version co-developed with Cassina, a high-end Italian furnishings producer. Consequently, lesser variations of the brand new Ypsilon will not look as glitzy as this. In comparison with the Peugeot 208 and its common rear door handles, Lancia has opted to “conceal” them up within the C-pillar the place you will additionally discover the corporate’s up to date badge.
The inside can be an enormous departure from its French cousin. Nonetheless, since we’re in 2024, the “obligatory” dual-screen setup is there. Fortunately, there’s nonetheless a row of bodily buttons to shortly entry a number of the local weather controls. The twin shows measure 10.25 inches and Lancia has added a wi-fi charging pad, three USB-C ports, and smartphone integration with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The stylish metropolis automobile additionally has a bespoke sound system, ambient lighting, and a particular filter for the AC to eliminate 99 p.c of dangerous particles.
On the coronary heart of the 2024 Lancia Ypsilon in electrical guise is a front-mounted motor good for 154 horsepower and 260 Newton-meters (191 pound-feet) of torque to match the Peugeot e-208. It makes use of an equivalent 51-kWh battery pack that has sufficient juice for as much as 250 miles (403 kilometers) within the WLTP mixed cycle. This electrical motor and battery combo can be present in one other associated Stellantis product, the Opel e-Corsa.
At 4.08 meters (160.6 inches) lengthy and 1.76 meters (69.2 inches) extensive, the all-new Lancia Ypsilon is larger than the outdated mannequin it replaces. At 1.44 meters (56.7 inches) tall, it is barely decrease in comparison with its predecessor. Predictably, it is rather a lot heavier. The electrical mannequin suggestions the scales at 1,584 kilograms (3,492 kilos) however subsequent mild-hybrid fuel variations will trim off a number of the fats. Talking of the chunky battery, it may be recharged from 20 to 80 p.c in 24 minutes by way of a DC connection.
Whereas the previous Ypsilon was solely offered in Italy, its substitute goes to be supplied at greater than 70 sellers throughout Europe. Belgium and The Netherlands will get the ball rolling in the midst of this 12 months, with France and Spain to observe, and Germany in 2025. Lancia needs to draw a youthful clientele (individuals aged 40-45) with its “premium hatchback,” which is the final mannequin to get combustion engines.
After the Ypsilon, Lancia’s resurrection will proceed in 2026 when the “Gamma” moniker will probably be dusted off for a flagship mannequin. It may be a fastback on the Stellantis STLA Medium platform and can measure practically 4.7 meters (185 inches) lengthy. In 2028, the “Delta” will return as a compact hatchback.
Each future fashions are going to be electric-only merchandise since Lancia’s objective is to promote solely EVs from 2028. It means the yet-to-be-revealed Ypsilon with a mild-hybrid gasoline engine will probably be supplied for just a few years.