When automaker Lancia trimmed its range down to just one model – the Ypsilon supermini available domestically in Italy and nowhere else – many thought the writing was on the wall. Later on, Stellantis Group did not only save the marque from bankruptcy, but went as far as to award it a premium status. Now, an update arrived for the Ypsilon.
The tiny hatchback has received its fair share of updates throughout the past decade. Being only 3.8 meters (under 12.5 feet) long, it is second only to the Fiat Panda in terms of sales numbers, with around 43,000 units sold in 2020 despite the pandemic.
The scope of the current update is rather small: there is a radiator grille with vertical bars, LED DRLs, a different black front bumper insert, and matte details replacing chrome ones. The interior now makes use of new trimming options and materials, including recycled ones.
The entry spec still comes with a basic radio and a black-and-white display, while the top trim enjoys a 7-inch infotainment display and Android Auto / Apple CarPlay connectivity. All trims now include the EcoChic package, which contains a hypoallergenic air filter, among other things.
The engine lineup has not changed since its major update in 2020, which landed the Lancia Ypsion with a 1.0-liter FireFly three-pot assisted by a 12V starter. The Hybrid spec churns out 70 PS (69 hp / 51 kW) and uses a six-speed manual transmission to get to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 14.2 seconds.
The other two gas-powered modifications, both more popular than the hybrid among Italian clientele, continue to be available. The propane version uses a 1.2-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder, while the methane version makes do with a 0.9-liter MultiAir two-pot rated at 70 PS (69 hp / 51 kW). The same engine rises to 85 PS (84 hp / 63 kW) if you feed it with petrol instead of methane. Both go five-speed manual only.
Sales in Italy have already started from €15,100 for the bare-boned basic spec. Local media report that you can take advantage of numerous tax deductions and benefits to drop the price to around €10,000.