New Lancia Ypsilon

2012 Lancia Ypsilon

If you remember the game Gran Turismo 2 from the PSOne, chances are that you remembered Lancia's compact car known as the Y (it's full name was Ypsilon). The Lancia Y is a compact car that succeeds the Autobianchi Y10 from Italy, which the name Lancia Y10 was used in other European countries. By 2003, the Lancia Y underwent its first full model change and now adopting its full name "Ypsilon" while retaining its 3-door look and it is essentially used the Fiat Punto's platform. European women are the target customers for the Ypsilon because of its compact sizing. At the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, Lancia's gone full force and henceforth unveiled the second full model change of the Lancia Ypsilon with a twist. What's the twist happening to the new Ypsilon? It's simple, the all new Lancia Ypsilon is now a 5-door hatchback. The reason how did the all new Lancia Ypsilon became a 5-door model is because of the secret rear doors attached to it.

2012 Lancia Ypsilon

Despite the addition of two doors, the new 5-door Ypsilon is now heavily inspired from the Lancia Delta, making it the Delta's "mini me" because of the design cues and the first to come with Lancia's new trademark grille. While the previous Ypsilon is targeted for young females, today's 5-door Ypsilon is now heavily targeted to young adults at all genders. This could be a decent competitor to the Nissan March/Micra K13, third-generation Toyota Vitz/Yaris, Chevrolet Spark from GM Korea Company, Citroen C3, or the second-generation Kia Morning/Picanto. A different premium comes around and stays around on the new Lancia Ypsilon 5-door.

2012 Lancia Ypsilon interior

At the center of it all, the new Ypsilon's interior possess a top-notch balance of style and comfort. Conveniences can come at different sizes and the new Ypsilon packs the best interior design when it comes to choosing the right European compact car fit for everyone's personal preferences. Which reminds me, the new Ypsilon interior looks somewhat similar to the Alfa Romeo Giulietta but the new Ypsilon's interior is classified to be premium and it packs a premium blend of charm and wit.

At the beginning, the new Lancia Ypsilon 5-door packs three engine types such as the 0.9L Twin Air 85PS engine, 1.2L 69PS engine, and a 1.3L Multijet 95PS diesel engine. Most of these engines are equipped with the idling stop function that automatically shuts off the engine when stationary. Before you say please, it comes with a 5-speed manual transmission so don't be shocked why did this city car come equipped with a stick shift because the customers demanded it to be more fun to drive, clean, and economical. No wonder the new Ypsilon is classified as a city-class compact.

My Comment:
The Ypsilon of yesteryears was just a three-door compact but today's Lancia Ypsilon is now essentially became a 5-door compact car that rocked the world since its Geneva premiere. The reason how did the new Ypsilon started with just 5-doors remains a mystery for now but for the fun of it, this looks more like a Giulietta junior to us but ready to beat up the Chevrolet Spark for good.

Photo: LANCIA Automobiles - Fiat Group Automobiles S.p.A.