Lancia Ypsilon L21

Being the first all-new Lancia model after nearly a decade and a half, the all-new Lancia Ypsilon L21 marks the beginning of the Lancia revival project spearheaded by Stellantis.

2025 Lancia Ypsilon

Starting at €19,900 plus additional costs, the all-new Lancia Ypsilon represents not only a complete model change but also the revival of an iconic Italian nameplate from scratch.

2025 Lancia Ypsilon

The exterior design speaks for itself because the Ypsilon dons the reborn Lancia design language first seen on the Pu+Ra HPE Concept. From the T-shaped front face to the new Lancia logo at the edge of the side, and the Stratos-inspired rear lamps, the design traces its roots back to Lancia's fabled history. Judging by its size, since this is Stellantis doing the talking, the all-new Ypsilon bears a similar size to today's Opel Corsa and Peugeot 208 equivalents.

2025 Lancia Ypsilon interior

The new interior is also a sign of things to come from the Lancia revival plan. Powered by the S.A.L.A. infotainment system, everything on the Ypsilon's interior, from radio, air conditioner, navigation, and other essential features, is controlled via its touch screen. Some would find it difficult to master on their first attempt, the high-tech gadgetry is one of the signs to expect for the new Lancia interior. As for space, this five-seater can accommodate up to 352 liters of boot space with the rear seats in place, which is more than the previous model.

2025 Lancia Ypsilon

The all-new Ypsilon shares its components with the current Opel Corsa and Peugeot 208, offering both hybrid and electric variants. The Ypsilon Hybrid is equipped with a 1.2L petrol engine paired with a 48V electric motor, producing a total of 110 PS. It accelerates from 0 to 100 kph in 9.3 seconds and has a top speed that is 10 kph faster than typical Japanese cars. It also boasts a fuel economy of 4.6 L/100 km. 

On the other hand, the Ypsilon Elettrica features a 156 PS electric motor connected to a lithium-ion battery, achieving a 0-100 kph time of 8.2 seconds and a maximum speed of 150 kph.

When it comes to driving, the all-new Ypsilon is an improvement over the previous model, behaving similarly to today’s Corsa and 208. Despite its larger size, it remains as playful as any other city car currently on the road, making it easy to navigate tight turns. You can truly relax while driving, and the car's dynamics make the new Ypsilon enjoyable to maneuver. 

After a long day at work, you’ll appreciate the wide range of safety technology, including Level 2 Autonomous Driving, which helps keep the new Ypsilon in check. How you feel about these features can vary; they can be either surprising or annoying, depending on who is at the wheel.

The all-new Lancia Ypsilon marks the beginning of the brand's revival project initiated by Stellantis. While it might be seen as a rebranded Opel Corsa or Peugeot 208, this model represents the first step towards restoring Lancia from the brink of extinction. With the introduction of the new Ypsilon, we can look forward to future Lancia models based on Stellantis' European offerings, including the Gamma—rumored to be a crossover—and the anticipated return of the Delta. All that is to come, but for now, please enjoy the return of Lancia with the all-new Ypsilon, whether you like it or not.

Photo: Lancia

New Lancia Ypsilon

2012 Lancia Ypsilon

If you remember the game Gran Turismo 2 from the PSOne, chances are that you remembered Lancia's compact car known as the Y (it's full name was Ypsilon). The Lancia Y is a compact car that succeeds the Autobianchi Y10 from Italy, which the name Lancia Y10 was used in other European countries. By 2003, the Lancia Y underwent its first full model change and now adopting its full name "Ypsilon" while retaining its 3-door look and it is essentially used the Fiat Punto's platform. European women are the target customers for the Ypsilon because of its compact sizing. At the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, Lancia's gone full force and henceforth unveiled the second full model change of the Lancia Ypsilon with a twist. What's the twist happening to the new Ypsilon? It's simple, the all new Lancia Ypsilon is now a 5-door hatchback. The reason how did the all new Lancia Ypsilon became a 5-door model is because of the secret rear doors attached to it.

2012 Lancia Ypsilon

Despite the addition of two doors, the new 5-door Ypsilon is now heavily inspired from the Lancia Delta, making it the Delta's "mini me" because of the design cues and the first to come with Lancia's new trademark grille. While the previous Ypsilon is targeted for young females, today's 5-door Ypsilon is now heavily targeted to young adults at all genders. This could be a decent competitor to the Nissan March/Micra K13, third-generation Toyota Vitz/Yaris, Chevrolet Spark from GM Korea Company, Citroen C3, or the second-generation Kia Morning/Picanto. A different premium comes around and stays around on the new Lancia Ypsilon 5-door.

2012 Lancia Ypsilon interior

At the center of it all, the new Ypsilon's interior possess a top-notch balance of style and comfort. Conveniences can come at different sizes and the new Ypsilon packs the best interior design when it comes to choosing the right European compact car fit for everyone's personal preferences. Which reminds me, the new Ypsilon interior looks somewhat similar to the Alfa Romeo Giulietta but the new Ypsilon's interior is classified to be premium and it packs a premium blend of charm and wit.

At the beginning, the new Lancia Ypsilon 5-door packs three engine types such as the 0.9L Twin Air 85PS engine, 1.2L 69PS engine, and a 1.3L Multijet 95PS diesel engine. Most of these engines are equipped with the idling stop function that automatically shuts off the engine when stationary. Before you say please, it comes with a 5-speed manual transmission so don't be shocked why did this city car come equipped with a stick shift because the customers demanded it to be more fun to drive, clean, and economical. No wonder the new Ypsilon is classified as a city-class compact.

My Comment:
The Ypsilon of yesteryears was just a three-door compact but today's Lancia Ypsilon is now essentially became a 5-door compact car that rocked the world since its Geneva premiere. The reason how did the new Ypsilon started with just 5-doors remains a mystery for now but for the fun of it, this looks more like a Giulietta junior to us but ready to beat up the Chevrolet Spark for good.

Photo: LANCIA Automobiles - Fiat Group Automobiles S.p.A.