Stellantis: New (electric) future for Lancia?

Even at the presentation of the new mild-hybrid three-cylinder in 2020, some journalists perked up their ears: This will be used in the Fiat 500, Panda, and Lancia Y. An inquiry to FCA's press office: Lancia? "Yes, of course," was the answer. And when further pressed on whether the 500 electric platform could also be used for future Lancias, there was a smiling silence.

So it seems the brand will continue, as Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares would have had the opportunity to clean up and finally let "undead" brands like Lancia rest in peace, especially within the new Stellantis structure. The Italian home market alone would have had a problem. So it could continue, which means it would at least need to happen EU-wide, hence the Y was once again subtly refreshed for the 2021 model year.

New LED daytime running strips give the eyes or rather the headlights a more elegant look, and there is now a grille with vertically running bars and satin chrome. All of this makes the Y appear more refined. Inside, there's a new infotainment system with a seven-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Most importantly: the new engines now comply with the Euro 6D-Final emission standard. Drive options include a 1.2-liter petrol/LPG engine with 69 HP, a 0.9-liter Twinair petrol/CNG engine with 70 HP, and the new one-liter three-cylinder petrol mild-hybrid with 70 HP.

The expanded color palette offers the new tone Elegant Blue. Inside, the Y is outfitted like the Delta and Co. of old in "Gold" or "Silver," recognizable by the quality of the upholstery and trims, as well as equipment details. "Platino" was restrained.

And as with the Fiat 500 and Panda, more recycled material is to be used. The refreshed Lancia Ypsilon will be offered in Italy, and only there, starting at the end of February at prices from 9,500 euros.

What does this mean?

In Italy, Lancia is important for FCA. And if the brand is to have a (electric) future, the Ypsilon must endure until a potential successor is ready, which might then be sold again across Europe. Therefore, the Ypsilon had to be facelifted and, at the very least, fitted with a mild hybrid. It remains to be seen what Tavares has planned for the brand.