Lancia Ypsilon (Italy, 2011-present)

Marking the 25th anniversary of the Ypsilon, Lancia world premiered in 2011 at Geneva the fourth generation of the legendary model. The Ypsilon went on sale from June 2011 in key European markets and from September under the Chrysler badge in Great Britain and Ireland.

For the first time ever the Lancia Ypsilon has been fitted with a 5-door version but with just 3.84 metres of length it combines a heady mix of luxury, technology and power. Although it has received the 5 doors its body represents only two thirds of segment B in order to reach a larger target of customers, which include young men and young families.

Ypsilon offers a combination between the design which was also part of previous generations, the technology applied to engines and comfort. With the use of technologies such as TwinAir, MultiJet II and Start&Stop it delivers reduced emissions and consumption, but also on-board wellbeing was not forgotten in the new Ypsilon as it features the brand new “Blue&Me–TomTom LIVE” and the “Smart fuel” system”, in addition to the innovative Magic Parking2, Xenon headlights and LED tail lights.

It terms of body the new Ypsilon has very similar dimensions to the previous generation. It features a sleek look, with weight proportions and volumes being used in a different way.

Design differences include the windscreen coming forward while front projection has been shortened in order to increase the rear one, giving more space to the boot. The most important comes from the inclusion of five doors on all versions of the new Ypsilon. This adds almost six centimetres to the overall length and trims two centimetres off the height, achieving a sleeker look.

At the front the Yspilon gets a new grille, which is described by Lancia as a metamorphosis: “the stem of the glass moves up, embracing the logo, and leaves room for the horizontal bars, with ‘spear’ shaped tips.” It combines the genes of the Ypsilon with the past, reminding the sixties/seventies style grille. The design of the headlights made by Magneti Marelli Automotive Lighting highlights the width of the new Ypsilon

The engine range of the new Ypsilon includes two petrol engines: the 69 HP 1.2 8V and the 85 HP 0.9 TwinAir, with the latter also being fitted with a DFN semi-automatic gearbox. The 95 HP 1.3 MultiJet II turbodiesel and the dual-fuel 1.2 8V petrol and LPG will complete the range.

All petrol and diesel engines are equipped with the Start&Stop technology, which is already featuring on the Musa and Delta models. Another technology that helps drivers to have a more efficient use of the engine in terms of fuel consumption is the Gear Shift Indicator (GSI), a genuine “co-pilot” that discreetly prompts drivers to change gear. Finally a new generation of 15” low rolling resistance tyres developed by Goodyear also helps the new Ypsilon in the reduction of CO2 emissions.