Lancia Ypsilon (2012)

Lancia Ypsilon

The 2011 Geneva Motor Show was the setting of the world premiere of the new Lancia Ypsilon, a "small flagship" that in just 3.84 metres packs the best of Italian style, innovation and eco-friendliness. For the first time it is proposed in a 5-door version designed to offer even greater convenience and comfort to devotees of Lancia charm, technological excellence and unique style.

At the heart of the Lancia Ypsilon's design is an original approach to the "premium" car concept that redefines the meaning of the word "luxury", fascinating those who seek originality and character, those who love technology and elegance, and those who admire quality and innovation. With Lancia Ypsilon, luxury becomes something unique that triggers an emotion, the pleasure of "owning" but without pretentious display, the search for uniqueness in any area, the statement of one's true personality without allowing himself to be swayed by the judgements of others.

The new Lancia Ypsilon, which will be on the market from June across key European markets and from September in Great Britain and Ireland with the Chrysler brand, is the fourth series of the successful model - over one and a half million vehicles currently on the road - born in 1985 when the Y10 debuted at the Geneva Motor Show. It was a miniature flagship with style and content features never seen before on an economy car of the day, marking that forerunner spirit that was to accompany the model until today. It was the Lancia Y's turn in 1996: elegant, elite, with a strong personality that reinforced the concept of "customized luxury". Hence we arrived in 2003 when the third generation, the Lancia Ypsilon, brought to the world of city-cars the technology and "class" till then exclusively reserved for models in higher segments.

Now the baton is taken up by the new Ypsilon, which confirms it is the "Fashion City-Car" par excellence that continues to charm with its personality, sophisticated style and unconventional class, but it has become more grown up and mature, with a wider appeal. And below this polished exterior bearing the prestigious "Made in Italy" label lies all the substance of a car that boasts cutting-edge technology as recently pointed out by the four awards given in occasion of the "International Engine of the Year" competition.

The innovative engine excelled over the competitors' engines in all categories in which it competed and it has been appointed as the "International Engine of the Year 2011". Together with the Twin Air, the motoring excellence of the new Lancia Ypsilon follows with the eco-friendly systems Multijet II e Start&Stop, and unique features in this category such as the brand new "Blue&Me-TomTom LIVE" and the "Smart fuel" system", in addition to the innovative second generation Magic Parking, Bi-Xenon headlights and LED tail lights.

A refined and innovative Italian "5-door" with the look typical of a "3-door", the new Ypsilon is a very compact car, so much so that it remains in segment "B" but with high standards of roominess and comfort: although just 384 cm long, 167 cm wide and 152 cm high, with a wheelbase of 239 cm, the new Lancia Ypsilon can accommodate up to five people and in relation to its size, has one of the most spacious boots in its segment and is one of the best in class in terms of passenger room. Without increasing the size of the rear passenger area, excellent accessibility and comfort have been achieved with the use of "slim seats", a technology used here for the first time by Fiat Group Automobiles.

In this way the New Ypsilon continues its domination of the key city-car category in response both to recent market trends where the "5-door" market represents two-thirds of segment B, and to the needs of a broader target than that reached until now, including young men and young families. It is precisely regarding the quality, comfort and usability of the interiors that the new car is determined to make all the difference. Hop inside and you become aware of the refined materials and colour combinations, the attention to detail and the numerous options for customization.

At the time of the launch, the range offered over 600 possible customisations created by cross-matching 3 interior trim specifications (Silver, Gold and Platinum), all designed to offer the customer high product value, 16 Elegant liveries of which 4 are two-tone, 6 different upholstery trims, 3 types of alloy wheels and 3 engines: (69 HP 1.2 Fire EVO II and 85 HP 0.9 TwinAir, the latter also with DFN semi-automatic gearbox), a turbodiesel (95 HP 1.3 MultiJet II), all equipped with Start&Stop technology as standard. Afterwards also the 1.2 Fire EVO II Bi-fuel engine (petrol and LPG) will be available. Note that a wealth of equipment in the field of safety is standard on the entire range: electronic stability control complete with ASR and Hill Holder, ABS with EBD, from 4 to 6 airbags (front, window-bags and side), in addition to the ISOFIX attachments.

Therefore, the new car represents an evolution of the Ypsilon model in terms of technology, safety, comfort and usability, but even so it preserves its positioning of "accessible luxury" as an attractive price list demonstrates. In detail, the Silver trim level provides door opening remote control, height- and reach-adjustable steering wheel, electric front windows, 50/50 split rear seat, height-adjustable driver seat, 15" steel wheels, interiors in technical fabric with fitted electro-welded seams, radio set-up and rear heated window. In terms of safety, ABS with EBD, ESP complete with ASR and Hill Holder, front and side airbags, and also the Isofix attachments are offered standard. In addition to this great quantity of equipment, the Gold version adds: manual climate control, radio with CD and MP3 player, electrically adjustable door mirrors, steering wheel and leather-trimmed gear-lever gaiter, Castiglio upholstery and Comfort Pack. Finally, the Platinum trim level offers the added rear electric windows, fog lights, 15" alloy wheels, rear seat head restraints and leather upholstery.

In addition, for those eager to customize their new Lancia Ypsilon and make it truly exclusive, an extensive range of fine, top quality accessories is available. Not only do the accessories offer great style and meticulous attention to detail, but they also go beautifully with the car, in line with the unmistakable Lancia style and in full compliance with technical, stylistic and mechanical characteristics of the new car. From exclusive 16" alloy wheels, side skirts and tinted headlights to a black kick plate with illuminated logo, a "Blue&Me-TomTom LIVE" and the Accessories Packs.

The new Lancia Ypsilon has its sights set on becoming the alternative "premium" city car in Europe, designed as it is for a demanding customer who likes to stand out from the crowd but who also, at the same time, wants a car that is enjoyable and comfortable for everyday use. Without forgetting that nowadays the product itself is not the only "premium" element for enticing a potential customer. For this reason the brand has come up with important new sales and after-sales proposals to cater to the desires, needs, tastes and aspirations of many different customers. An example? The extended warranty devised by FGA Capital, a finance company specialising in the automotive sector. What's exciting about this solution is the extended duration up to 96 months, the unlimited mileage and the contents: a complete coverage for the vehicle components. And a characteristic even more innovative on the market is the same level of coverage for the entire duration chosen for the loan.

Style: tradition meets the future

Elements that recall the past are masterfully reworked in a modern vein. This is the original style of the new Lancia Ypsilon which once again reveals its feisty, unconventional character, in which the elegance and refinement inherited from its distant forebears are reworked, embracing new cross-fertilization or consolidating solutions which are by no means obvious.

While the exterior of the vehicle exudes an intriguing style, the inside provides the perfect place for elegance and innovation to join forces: on the one hand there is meticulous attention to craftsmanship in upholstery, which has always set Lancia cars apart from the competition, then there is the use of highly advanced design solutions. This union between elegance and innovation produces the unmistakable Lancia class which, like the best Italian luxury products, combines unparalleled style with cutting-edge technology. And it is precisely the Italian stylistic features that transform a product "made in Italy" into something unique. This is as true for fashion and fashion accessories as it is for a successful car. Indeed, a car's success is the result of a winning bet, of a flash of stylistic intuition mediated by research on new trends in tastes, on emerging customer needs and on forecasts relating to market trends and rival models. Therefore, it stems from a hard recipe that is tested by the most severe judge: time.

Exteriors: personality and innovation

Although it is compact, the new Lancia Ypsilon vehicle body sports a streamlined look: this time the weight proportions and graphics "play" the volumes differently, distributing them nonetheless over very similar dimensions to the previous Ypsilon. Indeed, compared to the previous model, although the wheelbase is virtually identical, there are design differences: the windscreen is further forward while the front projection has been shortened in order to increase the rear one, providing a more spacious boot. Last but not least, the important decision was taken to have five doors. In the end, this adds almost three centimetres to the overall length and trims two centimetres off the height, achieving a sleeker look.

The volume of the front, nicely connected and pointed, shows off a new grille: as in a metamorphosis, the stem of the glass moves up, embracing the logo, and leaves room for the horizontal elements, with "spear" shaped tips. On one hand the spirit and non-conformist genes of the Lancia Ypsilon, on the other, an acknowledgment of the past with the sixties/seventies style grille.

With a unique design which is independent of other elements, the headlights made by Magneti Marelli Automotive Lighting develop horizontally, highlighting the width of the front end. These Bi-Xenon headlights have rounded elliptical modules that give the car an even more aggressive and decisive "look". In addition, the ends of the headlights define the size of the wings at the side. Above these and the grille rests the bonnet, like a lid, delineating a clear horizontal division: the design is subtly reminiscent of the lines of the Lancia Ardea.

The side sports elements that hint at the car's personality and character, and these are offset by other more discreet lines: the handle of the rear door is concealed, integrated into the structure, thus emphasising the front door handle. The final effect is that of a compact 3-door city car with all the comfort of a 5-door model. The convex section of the doors is sculpted by a delicate concave section which fades on the side, dynamically enclosing the sign produced.

Viewed from the side, lastly, you note two dynamically sweeping curves: the first departs from line of the bonnet, sweeps along the waistline and up the rear pillar. The second, climbing from the bottom of the front pillar, traces the upper arch of the glass, intersecting the first curve, rising from the pillar below, and descends to delineate the outer edge of the rear window. The effect of a clear separation between the roof and the rear pillar is a familiar reference to the Lancia Delta.

The general volume of the rear is tapered for improved aerodynamics, featuring a pronounced tailgate, hollowed in the middle: the space obtained accommodates the number plate at the bottom; above this, set like a jewel, is the rear window which is delineated laterally by the lines descending from the pillar arch and from the spoiler above.

The shoulders emerge from the side panels and generate volumes which, running down the sides of the tailgate, link up with and embrace the tail lights. Their external positioning and vertical development, typical of recent Lancias, is emphasised by the layout of the functions: long LED light-guide bars for the sidelights and, below, brake lights; laterally at the bottom, a triangular space houses the indicators.

The bottom part of the bumper has a black centre band which accommodates and protects the reverse light and the rear fog light, lightening the overall volume.

The overall design of the new Lancia Ypsilon was conceived right from the outset to separate the various parts of the car in order to favour the two-tone version in the boldest, sleekest and most attractive way possible. After all, colour has never been simply a matter of aesthetics for the Lancia Ypsilon. On the contrary, it is an integral part of a product philosophy based on elegance, glamour, personality, play, creativity, style and the widest array of customisation options. And the new Ypsilon in no exception as its range of exterior shades stands to show, the widest of the category: 2 pastels, 2 three-coat hues, 4 metallic, 4 metal-flake shades with an iridescent effect and 4 two-tone colours.

Interiors: charm decked out in practicality

The new Lancia Ypsilon confirms and expands the heritage of its predecessors, adding even more elegance and innovation. The characteristics that have always distinguished Lancia's small city-cars, such as exquisite, unique upholstery for interiors, are reworked, combining class and hi-tech content. The concepts that guided the design of the compartment are rooted in the glorious past of the brand, but with the addition of a strong technological emphasis.

Right from the drawing board stage, the inspiration for the interior was an embrace. The instrument panel is embraced by the door panels which, in the back, surround the seats perfectly.

The design of the dashboard aims to highlight the contrast between the fabric insert that extends towards the occupants, with the upper part which traces the line of the windscreen, outlining it like an amphitheatre. The constructed curves create an effect of perspective, with the vanishing points positioned at the end of the dashboard in order to accentuate its width.

The passenger space is therefore created through subtraction of volumes and is represented by hollow surfaces which combine a different functional and perceptive usability with aesthetic seduction.

Analyzing the shapes, the construction is visible in the overlapped layers. The first are upholstered, covered with soft materials to enhance the impression of comfort and tactile experience, reminding the occupants of a domestic setting, as if they were sitting comfortably on their own sofa.

Sinuous lines yield in places to more technical ones which characterise the vents and the centre console. The contrast between the elements is marked by a slender black ribbon which cuts vertically across the instrument panel and links the central instrumentation to the gearbox, giving an impression of lightness highlighted at the ends by white LEDs. The console housing the radio and climate control system is a floating element resting on the central diffuser, while the metallic vents emerge from "tears" in the fabric. Lastly, the design of the door panels is simple and enveloping while the comfortable, high containment seats lend a sporty edge.

Substance: synthesis of excellence

The Lancia Ypsilon family has always been synonymous with style and motoring enjoyment. Now the new Ypsilon has "grown", enhancing its offering with the addition of a number of important new features. The most obvious are the rear passenger doors, in addition to a range of environmentally-friendly engines and a raft of features - standard and optional - designed to improve on-board comfort.

Versatility: 5 doors but with a 3-door look

The new Lancia Ypsilon is a stylish Italian "5-door" with the typical look of a "3-door". It is a very compact car, so much so that it remains in segment "B" but with high standards of roominess and comfort: although just 384 cm long, 167 cm wide and 151 cm high, with a wheelbase of 239 cm, the new Ypsilon can accommodate up to five people and in relation to its size, has one of the most spacious boots in its segment and is one of the best in class in terms of passenger room. Without increasing the size of the rear passenger area, excellent accessibility and comfort have been achieved with the use of "slim seats", a technology used here for the first time by Fiat Group Automobiles.

Engines: power and eco-friendliness

The new Lancia Ypsilon range of engines comprises the petrol-powered 69 HP 1.2 Fire EVO II and 85 HP 0.9 TwinAir, the latter also with DFN semi-automatic gearbox; the 95 HP 1.3 MultiJet II turbo diesel; and afterwards the 1.2 Fire EVO II Bi-fuel engine (petrol and LPG).

69 HP 1.2 Fire EVO II (Euro 5)

The latest evolution in the Fire family, the 69 HP 1.2 8V is equipped standard with the Start&Stop system that ensures 5% less fuel consumption and CO2 emissions (115 g/km is the recorded value) than the present-day engine, soaring to the top of its segment. Thanks to the continuous updates and its flexible architecture, this family of engines also remains a point of reference in the category as use of the continuously variable valve timing unit shows, able as it is to optimize valve timing (opening and closing) at all engine speeds. In this way fuel consumption is on the one hand reduced since the exhaust gas recirculates at low loads with lower pumping losses, and on the other performance increases to ensure torque availability at low rpm (102 Nm at 3000 rpm) and power at high rpm (69 HP at 5500 rpm). What results is an engine that offers the best flexibility to fuel consumption ration in the category.

85 HP 0.9 TwinAir (Euro 5): "International Engine of the Year 2011"

The second engine is the ideal solution for city use but, compared to the previously mentioned 69 HP 1.2 Fire EVO II , it has more power (85 HP) and torque (145 Nm at 1900 rpm). The first of a new family of two-cylinder engines by Fiat Powertrain, delivering from 65 to 105 HP, this 85 HP Turbo delivers a significant reduction in fuel consumption and emissions (up to 30% less than an engine of equal performance).

In addition, for more "eco-friendly" driving and reduced fuel consumption, you can simply press the ECO button on the dashboard, which limits torque to 100 Nm at 2000 rpm. In this way you can reach CO2 levels at the top of the segment: 97 g/km with the DFN semi-automatic gearbox and 99 g/km with the mechanical gearbox. Among other things, the DFN semi-automatic gearbox, which was originally launched on the Ypsilon back in 2003, developed in conjunction with Magneti Marelli, has been updated to offer greater driving comfort and at the same time reduce fuel consumption and emissions.

A real jewel of engine design, the two-cylinder employs the revolutionary MultiAir technology developed and patented by Fiat Powertrain which was introduced in 2009. The heart of MultiAir is a new electro-hydraulic valve management system that reduces fuel consumption by controlling air directly via the inlet valves (without using the throttle). MultiAir reduces polluting emissions (thanks to combustion control) and also considerably improves performance by boosting driveability. Indeed, compared to a traditional petrol engine of equal displacement, MultiAir engines guarantee an increase in power (up to 10%) and torque (up to 15%) in addition to a significant reduction in emissions of CO2 (up to 10%).

Thanks to these features, the Twin Air engine has been awarded with four acknowledgements in the "International Engine of the Year 2011" competition, excelling over the competitors' engines in all categories in which it competed. The jury, consisting of 76 journalists and industry experts, from 36 different countries, decreed the success of the TwinAir engine in its own displacement category (less than 1,000 cm3), and elected it "International Engine of the Year 2011", assigning it the top award in the competition. The TwinAir engine by Fiat Powertrain also won the "Best New Engine 2011" and "Best Green Engine 2011" awards.

1.3 MultiJet II 95 HP (Euro5)

With a view to respect for the environment coupled with driving satisfaction, the new Ypsilon range offers the lively 1.3 MultiJet II (Euro5), with the Start&Stop system as standard, which delivers a maximum output of 95 HP at 4000 rpm and a torque of 200 Nm at just 1500 rpm.

Equipped with a variable geometry turbocharger, a new variable displacement engine oil pump and alternator with "smart charge", the 1.3 MultiJet II produces just 99 g/km of CO2 emissions in the mixed cycle and belongs to the second generation of MultiJet engines.

In detail, the MultiJet II engines ensure economy, eco-friendliness and performance levels unparalleled on the market. Compared to the first generation of MultiJet engines, the fuel supply system changes with faster injectors able to execute multiple injections close in time. In particular, it is possible to perform a main modulated injection of fuel in several distinct phases and anticipate the ones that follow. The servo valve with balanced plunger of the MultiJet II system is able to manage up to 8 injections per cycle, offering greater speed, flexibility and precision in the various phases of operation. The injector is also simpler and more reliable because its construction is less complex and it has 40% less components.

Thanks to the new type of injector, now strategies focused on optimizing the increasingly advanced combustion can be achieved, such as the Rate Shaping injection that involves two consecutive injections so close together in time as to generate a continuous and modulated profile of the fuel supply into the cylinders. With this method the combustion process is improved, all to the benefit of quieter operation and particulate and nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions. Today the MultiJet II engines totally satisfy the Euro 5 standard and at the same time mark a decisive step toward stricter regulatory levels in the future.

State-of-the-art tyres

The new Lancia Ypsilon's excellent performance in the area of reduced CO2 emissions is aided by a new generation of 15" low rolling resistance tyres developed by Goodyear. Designed with innovative technology and state-of-the-art materials, Goodyear EfficientGrip tyres have a lighter structure which provides a reduction of the rolling resistance. This equates to fewer CO2 emissions and reduced fuel consumption, without compromising whatsoever on driving performance.

Green-Tech: Start&Stop system and Gear Shift Indicator

All petrol and diesel engines are equipped with the Start&Stop device, already adopted on the Musa and Delta models, which switches the engine off temporarily and then restarts it in order to reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. Specially designed for driving in the city, the system automatically switches off the engine when traffic conditions require the vehicle to stop (red lights, tailbacks and temporary stops, for example), keeping all of the functions that guarantee comfort and safety on board active (lights, climate control system, radio and windscreen wipers).

Switching off the engine when the vehicle is stopped prevents consuming fuel needlessly (up to -15% over an urban cycle), reduces emissions and improves acoustics.

The device can be activated/deactivated using the button on the dashboard.

The engines equipped with the Start&Stop device also have the Gear Shift Indicator (GSI), a genuine "co-pilot" that discreetly prompts drivers when it is time to change gear, leading to more efficient use of the engine in terms of fuel consumption. For example, the GSI may suggest shifting up, by means of an indication on the control panel, to allow the engine to run at a lower speed or to downshift to make best use of the available torque.

Driving satisfaction: redesigned suspensions and innovative chassis

The new Ypsilon is a car that lets you experience relaxing moments and travel comfortably, also because of its suspensions that have been updated to ensure control and comfort at top levels. In detail, compared to the current model the new Lancia Ypsilon offers an unprecedented front suspension with Mc Pherson layout that has been lightened and that provides high crash performance. It was lightened using a monocoque lower arm made of ultra-high resistance material, the first use in Europe for Chassis components, and a modular cross member made with low-thickness, high-resistance steel sheets. Ready for future applications, the cross member interfaces the so-called third load line to definitely improve crash performance during a high-speed collision, pedestrian impact and insurance impact.

The new front suspension has a "split" type of shock absorber mounting that transmits the loads to the body through two different routes and therefore get better filtering of the road vibrations and improved acoustics compared to that of the current model owing to a dynamic stiffening of the lower tyre, at the same time guaranteeing top efficiency of the shock absorber thanks to an axial rigidity no less than the one today.

The front suspension also has a new stabilizer bar that improves its efficiency. The solution with connection to the suspension bar has been replaced with a connection solution of connecting rod on the shock absorber to maximize the anti-roll effect of the bar. In addition to efficiency, also the weight of the stabilizer bar has been optimized, again with equal anti-roll effect. Lastly, the bushes of the front suspension arm have been researched and designed to achieve ultimate comfort when driving and on bumpy roads, and have contributed to improving noise reduction also by attaining a dynamic stiffening lower than that of today.

The rear torsion axle suspension is fitted with a new bush larger than that of today's Ypsilon, which guarantees greater comfort on bumpy roads and improved noise insulation without detracting from road holding. The shape was studied to optimise absorption of the longitudinal bumps, without penalizing the other elastic property-kinematic performance aspects of the rear suspension.

The chassis of the new Lancia Ypsilon also contains an innovative feature developed in keeping with two guidelines: safety and lightening car weight. In particular, it was possible to reconcile these two performance aspects with extensive use of high-resistance materials, making it possible to increase the energy absorption capacity in both front and side impacts and at the same time lighten the structure. Compared to the previous model, another innovative element is implementation of a third load line in the front that provides more effective control of deformations in front impacts because of its ability to transfer the loads to the lower, more resistant part of the vehicle, thus reducing penetrations into the passenger compartment. The bolted parts also demonstrate the technical evolution of this platform, such as use of high-performance tempered steels for the front bumper crossmember and adoption of lightweight and resistant "noble" plastic materials (Xenoy) on the rear bumper crossmember.

Technology: luxury of innovation

The new Lancia Ypsilon is a veritable small flagship filled with exclusive equipment that makes it a benchmark in its segment. Travelling in the new model, you discover a bright, welcoming passenger compartment that guarantees a high degree of comfort but also a technologically advanced space. So here we have the LED lighting on the dashboard and the noise absorbent roof made using an innovative polyester-based material that, by reducing the noise inside the passenger compartment by around 2 dB, guarantees extremely quiet running: a reduction of 3 dB corresponds to a 50% reduction in noise intensity.

All this is further enhanced by the large Gran Luce sunroof which, thanks to glazed area measuring 0.70 m2 - a record for segment B - ensures a superbly bright interior.

First in the "city car" category, the new Lancia Ypsilon offers extremely interesting contents including "Magic Parking", "Blue&Me-TomTom LIVE", the "Smart fuel system" and innovative headlight clusters.

Second-generation "Magic Parking"

It is often hard to find a parking space in towns and cities with a lot of traffic. Of course, once you find one, actually parking the car can prove rather challenging because the space is so tight. This is why the Lancia Ypsilon is equipped with an innovative system called Magic Parking which, activated by means of a button on the dashboard, helps the driver to locate a suitable free parking space, measuring and controlling lateral movement of the vehicle, while the driver maintains control of longitudinal vehicle motion throughout.

A further development of the system already used on the Delta, the new Lancia Ypsilon's Magic Parking system enables automatic "multi-manoeuvre" parking and reduces the required size of parking space to just 4.6 metres. The device is available both with manual gearbox and DFN gearbox.

In detail, the system measures the length of the free space and indicates whether it is big enough for your car. Then, it automatically steers the car during reversing, allowing the driver to concentrate solely on controlling speed by using the accelerator and brake.

With one single manoeuvre, the vehicle parallel parks in such a way to optimise entering the free space available and realigning the car. At this stage, the maximum speed is 7 km/h. Of course, the driver is always in control by operating the pedals, and can deactivate the system by turning the steering wheel or disengaging reverse gear, or by pressing the appropriate button.

The second generation Magic Parking system consists of a radar sensor on each side of the vehicle, located inside the front bumper. The radar is beamed into the space on the right (or left) and the echoes are picked up by the sensor, which reconstructs a map of the area between the parked cars, visualises the free space and identifies any obstacles. At the same time, using information coming from wheel speed measurement, the system can measure the length of the free area. The driver is informed that the parking space is ok if the measurement is equal to the length of the car plus 80 centimetres (40cm at the front and 40cm at the back), i.e. a total of at least 4.60 metres. If a suitable space has been found, there is a beeping noise and a message on the display indicates whether the parking manoeuvre can be completed in a single or multiple stages.

"Blue&Me-TomTom LIVE"

The new vehicle will launch "Blue&Me-TomTom LIVE", a development of the infotelematic system created as a result of a partnership between Fiat Group Automobiles and TomTom, European leader in portable navigation devices, which exploits the versatility of the Blue&Me system.

Based on the TomTom Go1000, this device allows you to manage - through a practical colour touch-screen - phone calls, satellite navigation and all the driving information you need, which it downloads directly from the on-board computer systems. It also allows you to control your media player through the touchscreen interface.

The new version has a next-generation capacitive touch-screen and TomTom LIVE services such as HD Traffic, which has been named as the best traffic information system currently on the market. This combines accurate traffic information with a dynamic route calculation, providing real-time updates of congestion, traffic jams and road closures. Customers get free use of the LIVE services for a whole year.

Thanks to the special support developed in collaboration with Magneti Marelli for the new Ypsilon, the "Blue&Me-TomTom LIVE" is installed in the wiring found on the front post to the left of the driver so it can be powered (the same integration for right hand drive on the right post is possible).

"Smart fuel system"

Filling up is one of those operations which has not developed in step with automotive technology. The new Ypsilon makes a leap forward with the innovative "Smart fuel system", a device that replaces the classic cap and that is fitted to the end of the fuel filler pipe. Designed with particular attention to female customers, the system automatically opens and closes when the pump is put in side and removed, so refuelling is easier and safer since it reduces gas emissions and fuel overflow. The new "Smart fuel system" also solves the problem of "misfuelling" as it does not allow petrol to be pumped into a diesel powered car.

Cutting-edge headlight clusters

Like the Delta and Musa models and few other city cars, the new Lancia Ypsilon is fitted with headlamps and tail lights developed in conjunction with Magneti Marelli Automotive Lighting, which combine advanced technology with an innovative design that is nevertheless inspired by the century-old Lancia tradition. The tail lights fitted with LEDs, brighter than conventional bulbs, provide enhanced safety coupled with a distinctive look. Indeed, with the lights off, they appear monochromatic, while when switched on they light up in the colour of the functions determined by the LEDs themselves.

The front headlights, meanwhile, feature an integrated solution with "daytime running lights" (Adaptive Daytime Lamp), which automatically turns on the sidelights when the engine is started: this is with a view to meeting a specific European standard which will come into force in 2012.

What's more, xenon front light clusters are also available, cutting-edge technology available on very few models in the segment which offers style, technology and safety.

"360° 500 W Hi-Fi Music"

The 500W "360° Hi-Fi Music" system is available on request. This absolute novelty in the segment sets itself apart from the rest owing to its refined technology, and is ideal for whoever wants a sophisticated hi-fi system as it has been designed and calibrated for the passenger compartment of the new Ypsilon.

In detail, the new system consists of 8 speakers (four 40W musical Dome tweeters and four 80W musical Neodimium mid-woofers) and a digital 8-channel amplifier. And then to make the on-board sound experience truly unique, the system is made up of the simultaneous use of three different signal processing methods and their acoustic effects. The first (TruBass) extends the frequency range perceived towards the bass without needing subwoofers so that the listeners has the sensation of listening to a system able to reproduce extensive and deep basses. The second method (Focus) raises the apparent position of the sound sources to ear height. One gets the feeling of listening to speakers placed higher than where they really are, and at the same time the perceived frequency response goes back to being "natural" as the "colour" caused by the head filtering is removed. Lastly, the third method (3D) spatially equalizes the stereophonic reproduction, correcting the errors due to the position of the speakers and improving
spatial perception. The result is a more enveloping listening, which recreates a correct stereophonic image even for listeners distant from the symmetric axis of the speakers.

Safety: top of category

To guarantee the protection of the passengers, the new Ypsilon combines a body designed according to the most modern criteria with active and passive safety content that ensures its optimum performance in terms of safety, so much so as to be at the top of its category.

The design and validation of this aspect of performance was carried out on an almost entirely virtual level, involving over twenty thousand hours of mathematical modelling. The final set-up and experimental tests involved more than 80 crash tests, 100 tests on a HyGe slide and roughly 100 tests on components and sub-systems. These numbers confirm the company's commitment to making the new Ypsilon one of the safest cars in the segment.

In detail, the third load path connected to the vehicle struts guarantees a homogeneous front structure able to adapt vehicle response in case of front impact regardless of the type of obstacle/vehicle hit since it increases the energy absorption potential of the vehicle front end and reduces both inertial forces and passenger compartment intrusion, thereby ensuring optimum passenger protection at higher impact severity. Moreover, the energy absorption elements positioned in front of the third load path (made with a special type of plastic having high energy absorption efficiency) serve to minimize vehicle damage in case of low-speed impact and to give the bumpers support to reduce the risk of dangerous knee bends if the car hits a pedestrian.

Then the new Lancia Ypsilon offers up to 6 airbags (front, window-bags and side), front seat belts with double pretensioner and load limiter and rear three-point seat belts. Special attention has also been devoted to the seats. Both the front and rear seats are equipped with an anti-submarining system (which prevents the body from sliding underneath the seat belt), the front seats have an anti-whiplash system (which limits the natural travel range of the neck starting immediately after the impact, reducing the risk of whiplash in a rear-end collision) standard on the entire range, just like the Isofix fittings for child seats on the rear seats.

The safety performance was designed by the designers and the Fiat Safety Centre after examining all possible types of accident: front and side impacts, roll-over, pile-up and collisions with pedestrians. Various speeds at which impact may occur were also taken into consideration as well as different types of obstacles and different types of occupants with greatly varying physical characteristics.

Customisation: luxury of being able to choose

Anyone can find the new Ypsilon that best suits his or her demands and tastes. Suffice to say that there are over 600 possible customisations for the "mini flagship", created by mixing and matching the 16 body shades, of which 4 are two-tone, 3 interior trim levels (Silver, Gold and Platinum), 6 different upholstery trims and 3 types of alloy wheels.

In detail, the Silver trim level provides door opening remote control, height adjustable steering wheel, electric front windows, 50/50 split rear seat, height-adjustable driver seat, 15" steel wheels, interiors in technical fabric with electro-welded seams, radio set-up and rear heated window. In terms of safety, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control complete with ASR and Hill Holder, front and side airbags, and also the Isofix attachments are offered standard. In addition to this great quantity of equipment, the Gold version adds: manual climate control, radio with CD and MP3 player, electrically adjustable door mirrors, steering wheel and leather-trimmed gear-lever gaiter, Castiglio upholstery and Comfort Pack. Finally, the Platinum trim level offers the added rear electric windows, fog lights, 15" alloy wheels, rear seat head restraints and leather upholstery.

In addition, for those eager to customize their New Ypsilon and make it truly exclusive, an extensive range of fine, top quality accessories is available. Not only do the accessories offer great style and meticulous attention to detail, but they also go beautifully with the car, in line with the unmistakable Lancia style and in full compliance with technical, stylistic and mechanical characteristics of the new car. From exclusive 16" alloy wheels, side skirts and tinted headlights to a black kick plate with illuminated logo, a "Blue&Me-TomTom LIVE" and the Accessories Pack.

The interior trim levels of the new Lancia Ypsilon deserve a close look. There are three different levels, characterised by different colours, materials and styles: customers can choose from dynamic and sporty versions, or more opulent versions that are reworked in a contemporary vein and express the car's strong personality. The first, the Silver trim level, is aimed ideally at a young target audience: the interior is characterised by fabric upholstery with a dynamic spirit. The distinguishing feature of this trim level is the presence of graphics employing contrasting materials and colours. The Ypsilon logo is an expression of self, becoming a hallmark, adding 3-dimensional texture.

The Gold trim level is aimed at a target which on the one hand is masculine, and on the other feminine and fashion-conscious. The interior offers two chromatic choices: "Urban Black" and "Romantic Gold". The first is absolute, a real protagonist, and is animated by contrast with "anthracite grey", which highlights the graphics sculpted on the central part, clearly delineating the logo, the car's identity. Refined and elegant, the second version communicates through soft graphic signs, highlighted by the contrasting iridescent gold of the trim on the dashboard and door panels. The graphics are enveloping, with fashion-inspired details and weaves.

Lastly, the Platinum trim level represents the evolution of the Gold trim level, once again identifying two versions: total "Urban Black" and "Romantic Gold", where brown becomes metallic and iridescent. Aggressive and determined, the contemporary black look conveys its spirit through contrasting materials and ton sur ton, glossy/matt colours. Signs are imprinted in a crisp, 3-dimensional, unequivocal manner. Matt leather dominates, inviting possible interpretations of a luxury sports interior. The sophisticated "new romantic" interior gives a new take on concepts of timeless elegance and classic colours, reworking this language with soft signs which are nonetheless highly expressive and strongly defined by the material.