Although it will not come to Norway soon, there are several things that make this car interesting.
Long an unclear fate
Many people remember how Lancia wreaked havoc on the rally tracks in the 80s and 90s. The Lancia Delta Integrale was marketed under the slogan «No matter how fast you turn, it won't leave the road». Later, the brand almost completely disappeared - at least from Norwegian roads. In 2014, Fiat brought Lancia into the merger with Chrysler. Then "old" Chrysler models appeared as "new" Lancia models. Chrysler 300 got a Lancia badge in the front and overnight became the successor after Launch Thema. Lancia Grand Voyager was a reunion with Chrysler Grand Voyager. Lancia was becoming a fading car brand. When Fiat Chrysler Automobiles entered Stellantis, all exports stopped.
Lancia Ypsilon
The Ypsilon was for several years Lancia's only model in production. It was based on an extended Fiat 500 platform when it was launched in 2011. Then it got a facelift in 2015 – before 13 years later it got a sequel. The new model has nothing in common with the old model – apart from the name. Now Lancia will relaunch several new models based on previous model names. The next in line is Lancia Gamma.
Highlights Lancia's new profile
Technically, the new model is based on the exact same platform as the latest version of the Peugeot e-208 and Corsa-e. Whether you choose Peugeot or Corsa is about taste and comfort - not driving characteristics and performance. The new Lancia obviously plays on design and style. Several features in the appearance are taken from the concept car Pu + Ra ("po:pju:ra"), including the geometry in the front and the rear with the round rear lights from the legendary Lancia Stratos. Inside, the emphasis is on fabric choices and chairs that are inspired by the Italian furniture chain Cassina. The most beautiful and comfortable sofas and chairs in the world are actually made in Italy. The dashboard with two side-by-side 10,25 inch screens is a class above its sister models. The infotainment system is new, called SALA (Sound Air Light Augmentation) with voice control which should provide an improved digital user interface for everything to do with comfort. "Sala" also means "room" in Italian.
Another feature that will create a homely feeling is the small built-in table ('tavolino') where, among other things, you can place your mobile phone for charging. Perhaps a place for a small Versace handbag or photo of the children?
New profiling of electric cars?
It is interesting to see the link between the car manufacturer Lancia and the furniture house Cassina – both outstanding Italian brands. Could it be that today's - and the cars of the future - focus more on interiors, style and emotions? The same things we emphasize when furnishing a house with TV, kitchen equipment and furniture? Everything that we not see in the cars, is developed by advanced computers, materialized by 3D printers and produced by robots - of the same types that all car manufacturers use. Are detailed technical specifications becoming a subject for geeks?
Lancia Ypsilon Edizione Limitata Cassina
The first edition will be produced in a limited edition of 1906 cars - the same number as in the year Lancia was founded. Stellantis prioritizes sales to countries where the A and B segments dominate the market - which, in addition to Italy, are France, Spain, the Benelux countries and Germany. There are far too few full-fledged electric cars that fall into the B segment like the Lancia Ypsilon does. However, there is one problem that Lancia shares with its sister models from Peugeot and Opel. The prices are still far too high compared to similar petrol cars in the premium B segment. Lancia will have €39 for its well-equipped introductory model in Italy. The Peugeot e-999 GT with the same powertrain costs from €208 in France before financial support from the authorities. Correspondingly, the Opel Corsa GS 38hp costs €130 in France and from NOK 156 in Norway. It gives an indication of what price level the Lancia Ypsilon will be at if - or when - it comes to Norway.
Facts about the 2024 Lancia Ypsilon
Length, width and height: 408 x 176 x 144 cm
Net weight without driver: 1584 kg
Engine: Single engine 156 hp - front wheel drive
Consumption: 14,3 to 14,6 kWh / 100 km
Range (WLTP): 403 km
See
Cassina.com
Cassina furniture at Expo-Nova
