LANCIA

Lancia Ypsilon Ibrida Edizione Cassina Review: The Glamour of Efficiency

Lancia is back. Although the main focus of its new image is to go electric, following the prerogatives of Stellantis (the automotive group to which it belongs), it will also offer gasoline options. As is the case with the car in question: the Ypsilon Ibrida with an ECO label.

It's the Lancia variant of the Corsa, 208, or C3 from sister brands Opel, Peugeot, and Citroën. But with a differentiating point: the one that aims to distinguish the Italian brand from the rest. A touch of luxury, glamour, and originality.

A touch of exclusivity...Something that's immediately evident in its undoubtedly unique exterior design. The overall assessment depends on taste, but what's certain is that it's original... and different from the rest. Especially in the design of the front end, perhaps the most controversial area, but also the one with the most personality.

It's curious that the stylistic themes of the nose and rear are so different. It's also curious that the circular design of the rear end (with very striking three-dimensional round headlights that make this area the most characteristic of the new Ypsilon) is subsequently transferred to the interior.

Because inside, the Lancia Urbana features a striking round table in the center of the dashboard... whose shapes are replicated on the side panels of the doors. The table is undoubtedly the most characteristic element... but it remains just that, a design effect. It's not very useful, since anything you place on it flies off at the first corner, even your cell phone (which is its true purpose, since the base incorporates the inductive charging plate).

The good thing is that it doesn't get in the way, and having it doesn't mean we 'miss' anything else. In fact, underneath there's another large storage compartment (much more practical and fits keys, wallet, cell phone, etc.). Just above it, we have physical buttons for direct access to the air conditioning elements—very useful, by the way. And, in turn, above it is the main monitor, a 10.2-inch horizontal display (the same as the Corsa or Alfa Romeo Junior, but better positioned, as it's higher than in the two aforementioned models and therefore makes it easier to take our eyes off the road). This is complemented by the digital clock, which is the same size and very easy to read. In fact, one of the screen's weak points is that the menu layout is a bit bland graphically.

We were also not thrilled with the design of the main part of the dashboard, which gives too much aesthetic emphasis to the air vents, which aren't exactly very attractive and aren't easy to adjust, especially the side ones. This is a shame because the combination of colors and materials is well-chosen, making the visual impression clearly better.

Our test unit, with the Edizione Cassina limited-edition trim, was equipped with very comfortable seats with very pleasant upholstery in a velvet-like fabric. a striking blue color that gives it a very distinguished atmosphere

Design is one of the new Ypsilon's strong points. Lancia

Electric or 'hybrid' with an ECO label...The two engine options offered by the new Ypsilon are the 100% electric, with 156 hp, and the 100 hp gasoline microhybrid, which is the one we were able to test with the special limited-edition Cassina trim. The good thing about the 1.2 being available in its most power-efficient version (there is another with 136 hp) is that it offers a lower price (starting at €23,900, although our Cassina version costs €28,000), although the Ypsilon is somewhat more expensive than its Opel, Citroën, and Peugeot cousins.

In recent months, we've had the opportunity to test this engine (which replaces the Puretech) in several Stellantis models. As was the case with the Jeep Avenger, it's surprisingly capable of handling the car quite reliably, even at low revs thanks to the electric input. The Lancia has once again demonstrated its frugality in fuel consumption, with figures below six liters, even though our journeys are mostly in the city and interurban, on highways, but at lower speeds than on long trips.

It's quite smooth and quiet in virtually all circumstances, but in the Italian model, the hybrid system (consisting of a 24 hp electric motor powered by a 48v battery that can propel the vehicle in very favorable driving conditions and for a few meters) doesn't operate as smoothly as, for example, in the Corsa. The activation of the combustion engine is more clearly felt, and while it's not a major problem, it's a shame it's not as well-executed as in the German model, where it was almost imperceptible.

Dynamically, there are no major differences with the Corsa, although its focus is more on comfort than on dynamic efficiency... in case anyone expected that from a brand with Lancia's racing tradition. It is, however, a comfortable car even on uneven surfaces, with no excessive roll in turns without being harsh, and with sufficient steering precision and good steering feel.

The Ypsilon's 24 mm extra track width compared to the 208 or the Corsa gives it additional poise... although you have to be a real driver to notice this (and even more so in everyday driving). One drawback is that the transition between driving modes (there are three: Normal, Eco, and Sport) is not very pronounced.

Although this special Cassina series marks the top of the Ypsilon range and, therefore, has the highest price (28,000 euros), it's worth noting that its equipment is extremely comprehensive, with everything standard. In fact, only the navigation system can be purchased separately (750 euros). If 28,000 euros is too steep for a city car, but you like this new Ypsilon, there are two other options: the base model, for 23,000 euros, and the LX for 26,900 euros. In any case, it's still a bit more expensive than its Corsa and 208 siblings...

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