2011 Lancia Ypsilon 0.9L Twinair 5AT FWD (85 HP)

Vehicle Overview

Despite the world financial crisis that hit the automotive industry, the Italian automaker Fiat still pushed hard on the accelerator to launch new products, including the upscale Lancia Ypsilon.

Introduced at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, the new model was known in UK as the Chrysler Ypsilon. While the previous generation of this moniker was based on the Fiat Punto’s platform, the new model shared its underpinnings with the Fiat Panda and the Ford Ka. But, unlike its brothers, this one aimed at upscale customers who needed a supermini vehicle but didn’t like what they had to offer in terms of features and amenities. The Ypsilon, on the other hand, was a premium product thanks to its unusually rich equipment, which was fitted as standard or as an option. Fiat marketed this vehicle so it could sell it at a higher price than the Panda, so even if the sales volumes were low, it still made good money out of this model.

With a bold-looking front fascia, the third generation of the Ypsilon featured a broad, crest-like grille that was adorned by chromed horizontal slats. Its new headlights followed the new-edge design trend with rounded lines and sharp angles. Lower, on the apron, the car featured a broad air intake that helped cool the engine, and, as an option, customers could get a pair of fog lamps that flanked it. Another unique feature of the vehicle in the segment was the fact that it was available in a two-tone paint scheme, including the hood.

The most significant change in the model’s history was the fact that it was the first offered exclusively in a five-door configuration instead of three like its predecessors. But still, Lancia’s styling department made it look like it didn’t have doors in the back by concealing the handles into the rear windows’ frame. In addition, the sculptured door panels made the supermini vehicle look sporty. Finally, at the back, the quarter panels featured flared wheel arches, like shoulders, where the automaker installed the curved LED taillights that flanked the tailgate’s opening. Unlike most of its competitors in the segment, the Ypsilon was available with a panoramic glass roof.

Inside, the Ypsilon boasted an elegant cabin. The dashboard still sported a center-mounted instrument cluster and a high-mounted gear stick integrated into the center stack. Above it, the automaker placed the stereo and the HVAC control panel. Customers could get the car with cloth or leather upholstery, depending on the trim level. Besides the front bucket seats, there was a split-folding (50/50) bench seat in the back that could expand the trunk.

The third generation of the Ypsilon was available with a choice of three engines: two gasoline and one turbo diesel, ranging between 69 PS (68 hp) and 95 PS (93 hp) paired as standard with five-speed manuals. The awarded two-cylinder turbocharged engine TwinAir was also available with an automated (single clutch) gearbox.