This is the new Lancia Ypsilon

Lancia is coming back: this is good news for car enthusiasts looking for an alternative to the usual premium brands, some of whose image has suffered considerably as part of the hastily introduced transition to electromobility. The first model of the new Lancia era is a small car called the Ypsilon, which shares its architecture with the more mundane Peugeot 208 and Opel Corsa, but has a much more individual and elegant appearance. The illustration by Larson Design shows what the car will look like.

The front and rear have a distinctive and unmistakable look with clear, horizontally emphasized lines, round lighting elements and elegant metal trim. The side elevation is more similar to the Corsa than the 208, although the rear door handles are hidden in the C-pillar on the Lancia. This gives the Ypsilon a more elegant appearance than its brothers in the group, but above all it looks more imposing than its predecessor, which is now 13 years old and has only been sold on the Italian home market for seven years. However, it continues to enjoy great popularity there: last year, the aging small car still ranked third in the registration statistics, even increasing by 10 percent compared to the previous year.

Precise technical data will not be available until February 14, but it can be assumed that the same 1.2-liter petrol engines will be installed under the body of the stylish front-wheel-drive model as in its sister models - namely with 100 and 130 hp, possibly also as a naturally aspirated version with 75 hp. There will also be a fully electric version. Lancia has declared its intention to become an electric brand, even though Stellantis Group boss Carlos Tavares is known for his now unusually pragmatic attitude: he builds what the market demands.

The new Ypsilon is likely to be accompanied by a certain change in image, as it had developed into a model with a feminine touch in its last model generations, which was characterized above all by pretty colors and fabrics. This will remain the case in the future, but the new model has a more serious appearance overall. However, the distinctly sporty genes of the model series, which manifested themselves in the A112 Abarth and Y10 Turbo variants, are now only known to insiders - and it is doubtful whether a 130 hp variant will be enough to uncover them again.

"Distance to the masses" - this official sticker was emblazoned on many models of the Italian luxury brand in the 1980s. The new Ypsilon will also appeal primarily to individualists. Although this segment is not large, there are not many alternatives: The direct competition is limited to the Audi A1 and the Mini. (aum/jm)