Greek To Us: Next-Gen Lancia Ypsilon Caught Testing

Lancia’s smallest offering, the subcompact Ypsilon hatchback, is nearing the end of its second generation, but the model line doesn’t stop there. Motor Trend’s spy photographers recently caught Fiat engineers exercising the next-gen Ypsilon ahead of its public debut.
Although the test car is heavily camouflaged, it’s hard to hide the Ypsilon’s new form. The car continues to sport a tall greenhouse, much like previous models, but the new hatchback does break from tradition. For starters, it now appears to be offered in five-door form (previously, the car was only sold as a three-door hatch), and the sloping roofline appears similar to that used on the larger Delta.
We imagine the Delta’s influence will also be felt at the front of the car — we can’t help but notice Lancia’s typical split grille lurking out from the disguise, flanked by upswept headlamps on each side.


The Ypsilon is expected to remain Lancia’s entry-level model, albeit it will differentiate itself from other small Fiat vehicles sharing the platform by packing luxurious amenities within. It’s a safe bet the new car will likely offer a number of Fiat’s small four-cylinder gasoline and diesel four-cylinder engines, including the 1.4-liter MultiAir.


It’s all but confirmed that the Ypsilon — like other Lancias — will be sold as a Chrysler in some parts of Europe, but it’s still unknown if product planners believe the premium brand can sell something so small here in North America without stepping on the toes of forthcoming subcompacts slated for the Dodge and Fiat brands.


Source: Motor Trend