Now may I ask you to excuse the execution of the photography, the latest picture released by Lancia is indeed a massive faux-pas in the photographers' world... a white car against a white background? I know little about pictures and contrast but even I would have done something more impacting and balanced.
As this is now out of the way, let's dig into Lancia's new offering which will come under a Chrysler guise when it reaches the UK and Ireland in September. I cannot wait for the reviews of the unpolitically correct but hilarious crew at Top Gear; will the little Lancia rebadged Chrysler for the occasion survive the 'strenuous' tests the BBC will throw at it. It is worth of noting that Lancias are highly regarded on the programme, but when I say Lancias in Top Gear terms, I do refer to the pre-FIAT era. With that said, they seem to love the FIAT 500 and its TWIN AIR engine... so there might be hope. Ha! Somehow I don't think so!
The new Lancia is based on an extended FIAT 5OO floorpan, a return to its roots I guess as the Lancia Y10 was based on the first generation FIAT Panda floorpan. The Lancia Y and the last generation Ypsilon used the Punto as their base. It also seem to borrow from the retro car its engines and transmissions, I do hope that they will increase the offering looking at the Alfa MiTo's pool of engine parts at some point... just saying. As for the launch we will have to contend with:
- a 69 HP 1.2 8V
- a 85 HP 0.9 TwinAir, the latter also with DFN semi-automatic gearbox
- a turbodiesel: a 95 HP 1.3 MultiJet II
- a dual-fuel: 1.2 8V petrol and LPG.
I will spare you the PR spins served by Lancia about the engines. However, the 0.9 TwinAir seem to be the one earmarked to inject some fun at launch. This 85 HP Turbo delivers a significant reduction in fuel consumption and emissions, they say, up to 30% less than an engine of equal performance, though when used in the real life the puny little engine is apparently so entertaining the cost saving promises go out of the window.
The diesel offering, the enduring 1.3 MultiJet II (Euro5), with the Start&Stop system as standard, should also provide benefits in terms of consumption and emissions.
The looks
The press, bloggers and forum users have been highly divided about the subject. They all seem to conclude that the flanks and back of the car are quite accomplished, leaving the front to be the polemical one. For my part, I agree, though with all latest Lancias their lack of photogenicity has never help them. You need to see them in the flesh so I will reserve judgement when I see it. Unfortunately, unlike last year, I will not make it to the Geneva Motorshow so I wait until it hits the dealerships in Europe.
The Ypsilon does also come in an all new 5-door configuration, a first in its 25-year history. Cleverly, designers have given it a three-door appearance to mark a slight evolution from earlier models. Hidden rear handles and very high rear waistline achieve this masterfully.
The interior
The new Ypsilon continues the trend its predecessors established well before the MINI and Citroën DS3 of this world brought to the sector decades later. The city flagships by Lancia have always added a touch of luxury so lacking in this sector until now. From faux-wood inserts in the early 90s to Alcantara cladded dashboards in the turn of the century to Poltrona Frau leather in the latest offerings, the finest of leathers that would typically cover the seats of gorgeous Maseratis. The centrally located instrument panel is now an established feature of small Lancias as well as the fabric covered dashboards and the myriad of colour combination. The pattern on the seats here were described by a fellow blogger as a drape dress, indicating that the 'target audience of this hideous car' was very obvious. I would beg to differ on this one, on two accounts actually; this time Lancia has worked hard to make the Ypsilon a unisex offering and I believe they succeeded and finally I do not think it is a hideous car, just a bit too European for this blogger's American taste.
So expect contrast of elegant and luxurious materials inside combined with neat design touches.
The technology
The Ypsilon is bringing a raft of innovations and tested technology. Innovative noise-reducing roof lining for an extremely quiet running. The return of the Granluce panoramic sunroof. "Magic Parking", bringing the second generation of the parking system assisting the driver to find a suitable free parking space, measuring and controlling lateral movement of the vehicle, requiring a parking space just 80 cm longer than the vehicle itself.
Tail lights are fitted with LEDs; "Smart Fuel" system, a device making refuelling much easier; a new generation of low rolling resistance tyres developed by Goodyear. Designed to reduce CO2 emissions and fuel consumption, without affecting driving performance. The DFN (Dolce Far Niente) semi-automatic gearbox has been reworked and is on offer on the new Ypsilon.
A Start&Stop device as well as a Gear Shift Indicator (GSI) prompting drivers to change gear, leading to more efficient use of the engine and returning improved fuel consumption.
The rescue mission
This little car has a very big mission to accomplish, sell, sell, sell. It will need to sell in greater numbers than the previous generation in order to guarantee the perennity of an historic brand. The 'true' Lancisti will still long the day Lancia was an independent manufacturer. Those days are sadly over and are unlikely to come back in this day and age of global mergers and acquisitions in the automobile sector. For the current Lancia loyalist, the hybrid Italo-American offerings in store are an insult to their beloved brand. I, however, see it as a last chance saloon to maintain a brand that can still offer little gems and a real alternative to what is out there. Time will tell whether the Lancia-Chrysler tie-up was a doomed one.
Written By Mondo Lancia
