ON THE ROAD- IAN LYNAS PREVIEWS A STYLISH NEW MODEL FROM LANCIA

The first motoring press event I attended was by invitation from Lancia and the car was the Integrale. Wow was  my immediate thought as I held my breath, this could be a good career after all! I will never forget the opportunity to drive such a car that found fame not only as a road goer but as a conquering rally car. From that day I was immediately in the Lancia fan club and to this day it remains one of my favourite brands. When news breaks of a new model from this famous Italian carmaker a lot of people take notice, yours truly included.

The new Ypsilon makes its debut with the Edizione Limitata Cassina edition; it is an EV available with a mere 1,906 units, numbered and certified for the Italian market. The number 1906 is important as in that year the company was founded. This new model recognises the bond between Lancia and interior design. This is a very stylish newcomer make no mistake and I have been fortunate to visit Italy on a number of occasions where style is almost in every walk of life; it really shines through and this really did stand out on my one and only visit to the fashion capital that is Milan. This newcomer from Lancia is the first of the new era of the brand and its design is inspired by the brand’s glorious past, now reinterpreted in a modern way. With it comes the ultimate expression of on board comfort and design, featured by category-leading technology and connectivity yet always simple and intuitive, in perfect Lancia style.

Power is by courtesy of a 100% electric motor and Lancia claim a range of just over 400 km (248 m); with fast charging to increase the car’s battery level from 20 to 80% in just 24 minutes, or enough for 100km (62m) in 10 minutes. However as I found with all of the EVs I have tested the range is never quite as good as claimed by the manufacturer and so many factors influence what range you can achieve, weather conditions, temperature etc. I suspect that this newcomer to bear the Lancia name has quite a lot in common with the Peugeot 208, which in its own right is a very pleasing set of wheels. Lancia say that their new Ypsilon is a city car and it reinterprets with a modern twist the historic front grille, now revisited using three rays of light and it also highlights the Lancia lettering on all future models, the iconic round LED tail lights, inspired by the legendary Stratos. The innovative Sound Air Light Augmentation infotainment system, a pillar of Lancia’s effortless technology, together with Level 2 autonomous driving, to travel out of town more safely and with a simplified in-car experience. Those lucky enough to get their driving hands on the new model will very much appreciate the parking assistance system which makes the car easier to drive and handle in city or town, courtesy of cameras and front and rear sensors that facilitate parking. The two 10.25 inch screens (instrument cluster and digital radio) clearly display driver information and can be customised in terms of both layout and colours. The technical speciation is completed by the keyless entry and start system and for those who are not able to tear themselves away from their personal device, a wireless phone charger and Bluetooth Android Auto/Apple CarPlay; all part of the package.

Lancia is making it quite clear that with the new Ypsilon it is the first step in the renaissance of the brand. No definite news if this new model will ever reach our market, however it is highly likely that combustion engines will be offered in the future. Clearly the very special launch editions are aimed at creating a buzz.

Ian Lynas