Lancia Ypsilon S 1.2 Momodesign – individualism costs money
How to stand out from the crowd? One of the many methods is to have what others do not have. Many women can spend a large amount of money just to have a unique outfit at the banquet, which will be talked about for a long time after the party. The new Lancia Ypsilon is like an elegant dress from an expensive designer, which, above all, should emphasize prestige and attract attention on the streets of the city.
At the outset, it should be emphasized that Ypsilon it is very connected with our country. This is the first model in the history of the Italian brand, which is produced not at home, but at the Polish Fiat plant in Tychy, where it replaced the previously assembled Panda from the assembly line. When I first saw the editorial car parked in the parking lot, I immediately thought: “This car is not for everyone. It's Gucci in the automotive edition. I was not mistaken, because, unlike its competitors, this model was never conceived as a mass product, but defined individualism and style.
The version we received for testing is proudly called "Ypsilon S Momodesign". What makes a big impression is the distinctive two-tone bodywork, which in our case was a combination of matte black paint on the grille, hood, roof and tailgate with glossy red on the underside of the car. In addition, the new oversized headlights with a proportionately large front grille and a tailgate that drops below the level of the taillights, reminiscent of previous models, give the car an individual character.
However, I've learned rather painfully from my own experience that being a "maverick" on the road can drain your household budget. When we were about to return the tested sample, the road was unexpectedly cut off by an unmarked police car. I was very surprised by the circumstances: a straight road, cabbage fields all around, four adults on board and crazy 69 horsepower under the hood. It turned out that the police were following us, just waiting for us to pass a built-up sign. Apparently, curious motorists in uniform wanted to see the car up close and even make a film with it in the title role. At parting, I heard that the police ATV has more horsepower than this version Ypsilon.
Even the policeman noticed that such stylish cars rarely have an extra pair of doors. This is the first machine of this type and the first in history Ypsilon it is offered only in a 5-door version, in which the Italians successfully hid the rear door handles by placing them in the C-pillar. This is not a new method, although it is still fresh and does not break the silhouette of the car. For those who, however, prematurely began to jump for joy, believing that this rear seat treatment allows you to travel comfortably, for example, from Krakow to Warsaw, I must correct the error. Despite the fact that the latest generation is slightly larger than its predecessor (3,8 m long, 1,8 m wide and 1,7 m high), it is difficult to see large dimensions in practice. In addition, the interesting and freshly drawn roof line, as well as the door line, lead to a blow to the head of anyone who tries to enter the car through the back door. I don't know if it's a good choice to "add" Lancia another row of doors to a car that can certainly be classified as a lifestyle car. However, it cannot be denied that this is a completely different form of "passing" this type of car than that of competitors.
The position of people sitting in the front seats is completely different. There is really a lot of room for legs and overhead, so the two traveling in this car have nothing to complain about. Unfortunately, the front of the car is also not without flaws. The poor range of seat adjustment, combined with the single-plane handlebar adjustment, meant I had a lot of trouble finding the right driving position. In addition, the poor lateral support of the seats forces the biceps to work out with each harder corner entry.
I must admit that I had a problem clearly describing whether the dashboard of the new Ypsilon is good or not, so I would like to write with confidence that I can call it original with all conviction and responsibility. The interior design is another example of the car's individualism and the specific imagination of its designers. The Italians had many supporters from the beginning, but also detractors who did not always like their design, but certainly no one can complain that the cockpit look is inspired by competing models.
Unfortunately, focusing mostly on looks means that design takes precedence and ergonomics and practicality take a back seat, which can get in the way of day-to-day use. When I first got behind the wheel of a Lancia, what caught my eye was a carryover from previous generations of a centrally located analog meter that looks aesthetically pleasing but is it practical? It takes the driver's attention away from the road and distracts you while driving. The quality of the interior made a big impression on me. Of course, it's hard to expect all the elements to be soft and pleasant to the touch, but their fit is top notch, which is felt on uneven surfaces.
Under the hood of the Ypsilon are two petrol engines 1.2 and 0.9 Twin Air with 69 hp. and 102 Nm, respectively, 85 hp. and 145 Nm and one diesel 1.3 Multijet with 95 hp. and 200 Nm. In our test car, we got the weakest 69 horsepower engine mentioned earlier, which allows you to reach “hundreds” in 14,8 seconds.
Of course, relegating performance to the background results in low fuel consumption in the region of 5,5 liters on the combined cycle, but the pleas for a straight line at every overtake and the fear of climbing every hill does not make driving fun. However, the goal of Ypsilon is not a company president going on long trips or a family of five, but people who want to efficiently, cheaply and stylishly drive around the city, attracting the attention of passers-by and other road users for whom this engine is enough. In addition, there is a precise steering and suspension system that gives a feeling of control over the car when cornering, and at the same time does not chatter on bumpy city roads.
Price-list Ypsilon starts at PLN 44, which is how much we will have to pay for the "SILVER" version, which, as you can guess, does not have too many extras. Buyers of this example will have to pay extra for manual air conditioning, power rear windows or radio, and the Start&Stop system is standard. However, you can choose from four richer equipment versions, which Lancia has divided thematically: ELEFANTINO, GOLD, S MOMODESING and PLATINIUM. The first version, which costs from PLN 110, is designed for people who love style and adapt to youth fashion. The GOLD version, which starts at PLN 44, will appeal to people who want to have a lot of extras for little money, while the S MOMODESING version, which also starts at PLN 110, combines style and comfort. . The remaining most expensive option in the price list for PLN 49, with the proud name PLATINIUM, will appeal to people who value luxury and quality materials.
Of course, all versions can be upgraded with a very long list of additional options. However, for the process of setting up a car on the site, you need to allocate a lot of free time, because the possibilities for customizing Ypsilon to individual tastes are really great. The buyer can choose from fifteen exterior colors and five interior types in the richest version, which means that everyone will find their own individual combination.
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In addition to appearance, accessories are also important, where Ypsilon also has something to be proud of. The smallest Lancia can be equipped with gadgets such as bi-xenon headlights, a parking assistant, a blue&me kit that consists of an additional TomTom navigation connected to the on-board computer, a bluetooth phone and a media player. In addition, Ypsilon can have cruise control, heated seats, HI-FI BOSE audio system, rain or dusk sensor. All this means that we can pay even PLN 75 for a fully equipped Ypsilon, which is a lot given the very strong competition, but which is not done to stand out.
I speak, Ypsilon is the embodiment of the vision of Italians, known for their extravagance, whose cars are able to deliver a huge charge of emotion and style in everyday use. Traveling in this car, we are guaranteed a sense of uniqueness, although it certainly comes at a price.
