2024 Lancia Ypsilon electric or hybrid hatch launches in Europe
Production of the first new Lancia in 13 years, now in hybrid or EV guise, has kicked off with order books now open as the Italian brand targets Audi and Mini with three new models.
The 2024 Lancia Ypsilon is now available to order in Italy with production of the brand’s first new model since 2011 kicking off in Spain ahead of a brand expansion into Europe – and potentially elsewhere.
Unveiled in February, the new Ypsilon is a city-sized five-door hatchback using the same ‘eCMP’ underpinnings as the Peugeot 208 and Jeep Avenger SUV. Both of these are due in Australia later this year.
Offered with a choice of hybrid or battery-electric powertrains – another Lancia first – the Ypsilon replaces the previous Ypsilon launched in 2011, with sales of that car limited to Italy only since 2014.
The new Ypsilon will spearhead the 117-year-old brand’s comeback as the first of three new cars making up the ‘Lancia Renaissance Plan’ announced by its CEO, Luca Napolitano.
The other two models are expected to see the Aurelia name return, with a new flagship – possibly using the famous Delta name – also mooted.
Lancia has not been confirmed nor ruled out for a return to Australia, having last been on sale here in 1985, with the car maker’s immediate focus on expanding in Europe.
By the end of 2024, it plans to be on sale in France, Belgium, Holland and Spain and is looking to open in Germany in 2025, although it expects the majority of Ypsilon sales to still come from Italy.
Lancia is part of the Stellantis group of car brands – alongside Jeep, Chrysler, Peugeot, Citroen, Fiat and Ferrari, among others – and is targeting buyers of rival brands such as Mini and Audi.
The Ypsilon range starts at €24,900 ($AU40,645) – less than the Audi A1 Sportback’s €26,500 ($AU43,257) starting price in Italy and undercutting the Mini Cooper three-door by €3000 ($AU4897) – and reaches €39,990 ($AU64,958).
The brand aims to sell only electric cars from 2028, with every new vehicle released to be electric from 2026.
In the meantime, two powertrains – a mild-hybrid and a battery-electric option – are available on all three Ypsilon trim levels for a six-model range.
The mild-hybrid powertrain uses a 74kW/205Nm 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine and six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission – with no manual option.
Lancia claims 0-100km/h in 9.3 seconds and fuel consumption of 4.6L/100km, while its electric-only driving range – enabled by e-Start, e-Parking, e-Queuing, and e-Creeping functions – has not been specified.
The battery-electric Ypsilon uses a single 115kW front-axle mounted electric motor and a 51kWh battery pack for a WLPT (Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure) driving range of up to 403km.
Fast charging brings 100km of driving range in 24 minutes, the car maker says.
Three trim levels are available from launch, with the entry-level Ypsilon and higher-spec Ypsilon LX sold alongside the Ypsilon Edizione Cassian, limited to 1906 units as an homage to the Italian car maker’s founding year.
Standard equipment on the entry-level Ypsilon includes keyless start, parking sensors, and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone compatibility.
The Ypsilon LX brings 17-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels and gloss black exterior detailing, with velvet-trimmed seats and recycled door trim material.
The LX’s equipment upgrades include wireless smartphone charging, front and rear cameras, adaptive cruise control and a drive mode selector.
The limited-edition flagship Ypsilon Edizione Cassian is named after the esteemed home furnishing design company from Italy.
The special model is ‘inspired by iconic Italian-designed homes’ with a 10.25-inch centre display and tech including adaptive cruise and autonomous emergency braking (AEB) – the latter a mandatory standard fitment on new vehicles sold in Australia.
