Autoesque

Although the current Ypsilon turns ten years old next month, Lancia’s sole model remains extremely popular in Italy (the only country where sales continue). Remarkably, its market share there was an impressive 13.9% in 2020.

Lancia’s sole surviving model – which is only sold in Italy – is now available as a mild hybrid. Named the Ypsilon Hybrid EcoChic, the new arrival features the same powertrain as the Fiat 500 Hybrid and Panda Hybrid .

There's not much left of once-proud Lancia. Indeed, only two models are still listed: the Voyager MPV (which is actually a rebadged Chrysler) and the Ypsilon supermini.

Many Lancia fans must be dismayed with the way in which the brand is being allowed to wither away. Nevertheless, it struggles on and this year marks 30 years since the first Y10 appeared.

Lancia has unveiled the Ypsilon Elefantino 2014 Collection in Milan. The brand’s latest ‘Special Series’ model, it has been created to appeal to a younger, more fashion-conscious clientele.

The Lancia Delta, which continues to wear Chrysler badges in the UK and Ireland, is being given a mild makeover for 2014.

Lancia is using its sponsorship of the 69th Venice International Film Festival to debut a special edition of the Flavia convertible. Named the Red Carpet, it has been created in collaboration with Italian furniture manufacturer Poltrona Frau, which has supplied the model’s signature red Pelle Frau Pieno Fiore leather. However, apart from the upholstery and contrasting white paintwork, there doesn’t seem to be much else that distinguishes the Red Carpet from regular Flavia variants. As with the rest of the range, power comes from a 172 bhp (128 kW / 175 PS) 2.4 litre petrol engine that drives the front wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission. Pricing has yet to be confirmed, but presumably customer versions won’t come with the prominent bodywork graphics applied to the courtesy cars seen in Venice. Related posts: Euro-spec Flavia Cabrio Chryslers become Lancias

Lancia has confirmed that the convertible version of its Flavia (née Chrysler 200) is to be offered in Europe. The Flavia Cabrio is being positioned firmly as an elegant and refined car, not a sporty one. Just one trim level will be available, but the specification is comprehensive and includes an automatic soft top, 18” alloy wheels, Bluetooth connectivity, climate control, cruise control and leather upholstery. Similarly, there won’t be any choice when it comes to engines, as the only option is going to be a 172 bhp (128 kW / 175 PS) 2.4 litre petrol. Reflecting the Flavia’s American roots, it’ll come connected to a six-speed automatic transmission, with no manual alternative. Buyers in the larger European markets can order the Flavia Cabrio from March onwards, although there’s no word yet on whether it’ll be sold in the UK or Ireland in Chrysler form. Related posts: Chrysler Ypsilon Black&Red Chryslers become Lancias No UK return for Lancia

An important element of the Chrysler brand’s relaunch in the UK is the introduction of the Ypsilon supermini. It doesn’t look much like a traditional Chrysler model though, which is unsurprising seeing as it’s essentially a rebadged Lancia. And that means it has the individual - some would say quirky - styling so typical of recent Lancia products. But at least the design could never be described as bland and, on that basis, the Ypsilon could end up on the shortlists of those who want something more idiosyncratic than the usual Fiesta, Corsa, Polo etc. Of particular appeal to potential buyers who really want to stand out from the crowd will be the latest addition to the Ypsilon line-up, the Black&Red. As the name implies, it features striking black and red paintwork which seems to suit the shape of the Chrysler’s five-door body very nicely.  The same palette is carried through into the interior, with the seat fabric, door linings and dashboard all being finished in a ma...

The Lancia product offensive continues. Following news of the Thema, Grand Voyager, Flavia Concept and Flavia Cabrio Concept comes a first look at the brand new Ypsilon. Although it has been around in various guises since 1996, the Ypsilon will be unfamiliar to most people in the UK and Ireland, simply because Lancia abandoned those markets years ago. However, this next generation model is going to be built in right-hand drive form too, albeit badged as a Chrysler. The Ypsilon’s thing is supermini luxury; rather a small niche, but that theme continues unchanged. Luckily, what has been altered is the awkward styling that blighted previous versions. Sure, it’s still distinctive, but it just works a lot better. And now, for the first time, the Ypsilon is a five-door. Buyers will be able to choose from three trim levels - Silver, Gold or Platinum - and four engines. The two petrol options are a 68 bhp (50 kW / 69 PS) 1.2 8V Fire unit, or an 83 bhp (62 kW / 85 PS) 0.9 litre two...

It might upset some Lancia traditionalists, but the marque’s initial Chrysler-based models have been revealed ahead of their debuts at the Geneva International Motor Show. First up is the Thema, which is a badge-engineered Chrysler 300. Resurrecting the Thema name - last used in the mid-1990s - this new edition focuses on comfort and luxury. For example, Lancia is claiming best-in-class noise levels, thanks to various acoustic panels and laminated glass all round. Recent Chrysler interiors haven’t been the brand’s strong point, but the Thema’s cabin is said to feature soft-touch materials, redesigned seats, wood trim inserts and optional leather upholstery. Available in either Gold or Platinum specifications, both come with Uconnect telematics as standard. Based around an 8.4” touch screen, the system controls climate control, telephone and audio functions, as well as the Garmin satellite navigation that is included with the Platinum version. Of course, being a reworked Chrysl...

First of all, Lancia had intended a return to the UK market in Summer 2008, spearheaded by the then new Delta. That plan was delayed for a year because the dealer network wasn’t ready, and the company recognised it also needed a second model for those dealers to sell. Then the brand’s re-launch was postponed indefinitely, a victim of the prevailing tough economic conditions. Now, following the presentation of Fiat Group Automobile’s 2010-2014 Business Plan , it seems almost certain that Lancia will never return to the UK. That’s because the Chrysler and Lancia ranges are to be fully integrated in Europe, a consequence of Fiat taking a 20% stake in Chrysler back in June 2009. It has also been decided that all of the unified range will be branded Lancia in continental Europe, while the Chrysler badge will be used for the UK and Ireland. As well as the Delta, the Lancia line-up currently consists of the Ypsilon supermini, Musa small MPV and Phedra MPV (part of the Citroen C8, Fia...

Interesting to see a couple of re-badged European cars on display at the 2010 Detroit show earlier this month. Following its takeover by Fiat, Chrysler clearly couldn’t be bothered to do too much with the Lancia Delta, not even going to the trouble of changing its model name. A minor tweak to the grille seemed to be enough. The Chrysler Delta.  Or is it? Buick meanwhile appeared to make a bit more of an effort with the Regal, its version of the Vauxhall / Opel Insignia. The GS shown featured a 252 bhp four cylinder turbo engine. Not quite the 321 bhp that the six cylinder Insignia VXR / OPC has, but it should still be rather quick, with a 0 - 60 mph time below six seconds.