Lancia Ypsilon test – this should make you see Lancia again

We give you the challenge: putting a modern car on the road with so many famous models in its wake. We initially take the Italian promises with a grain of salt. But when expectations are not that high, the chance that you will still be surprised increases. That new Lancia Ypsilon is actually quite cool.

Let’s start with the exterior. The futuristic front of the Lancia Ypsilon seems to have been designed by a different designer than the rear, which winks at the past. We think the new Lancia Ypsilon looks best from the rear. The rear lights form perfect circles that refer to the rear lights of the Stratos. The brake lights light up in three stripes within the circles. A stylish black band has been placed between the rear lights in which the letters LANCIA are beautifully inlaid.

We find the same kind of black band at the front, again with brand name. Also nice how the hood rests somewhat raised on the front of the car. The light stripe and the low-placed headlights resemble the design language that Hyundai and Kia also use, but that does not break with the rest.

Comfort and sportiness

The new Lancia Ypsilon drives as you would expect from a modern car. Both the fully electric version and the hybrid Ypsilon offer sufficient power, are economical with energy and nicely balance between comfort and sportiness. With the electric motor, Lancia promises a range of just over 400 kilometers (WLTP) and with ten minutes of charging you can go another 100 kilometers.

Those who are not yet used to electric driving will have to make a switch. Accelerating and braking are somewhat less sensitive than in the hybrid version, where the technology needs a bit more time to come to life. That makes for more peace, the electric version is somewhat more nervous.

You can choose between two modes for regenerating braking energy. In the heavier mode, more energy is regenerated, but the system also reacts much more violently to the release of the throttle.

“The hybrid version will be most popular with most Dutch people.”

Steering is okay in both versions. Not very sporty, but with enough feeling, even around the middle position. The hybrid version will be most popular with most Dutch people. Not only because of the lower price, but also because of the driving experience. The three-cylinder turbo engine and the compact electric motor work together flawlessly thanks to the six-speed automatic transmission. Especially when you don’t try to drive too sporty. A consumption of 5 liters per 100 kilometers is achievable in the most optimal conditions.

Price EV even a bit cheaper

The Lancia does not stand out with its prices compared to its own competitors: the Peugeot 208 and the Opel Corsa. The hybrid version of the Lancia Ypsilon is slightly more expensive than the alternatives at 29,548 euros, the electric version with a starting price of 35,400 even slightly cheaper. The price is therefore less premium than you would expect.

Lancia Ypsilon (2024) test conclusion

The new start of Lancia tastes like more. With extra attention to design and proven technology, the Italians have created a very nice car with the Lancia Ypsilon. We would certainly not ignore the Lancia dealer.

Text: Arjan Kropman