Alexandre
Nine months after presentation of the new Lancia Ypsilonthe Italian brand takes a major step forward with the announcement of over 10,000 orders received for this model which definitively replaces the old version, for which orders have been closed since the spring of 2024. Although registrations of the old model can still be seen, it's clear that Lancia wants to turn over a new leaf with its resolutely more modern and premium 2024 model.
A new strategy to win over Europe
Lancia is now aiming for a stronger European presence, from its dependence on the Italian market. To support this strategy, the company has set up a network of 70 showrooms, known as "Casa Lancia", which are gradually being established in major European cities. In France, the development of these outlets is continuing (see the cities with Lancia showrooms in France).
If we compare the figures, registrations in Italy have fallen: 29,922 units registered between January and September 2024, compared with 33,657 over the same period in 2023. This decline.., partly due to the higher price of the new model (€24,900 for the hybrid version, compared with €15,000 for the old version), underlines the importance of expansion in Europe. Lancia's objective is clear: to make the Ypsilon an attractive alternative in several countries, so that it no longer relies solely on the Italian market.
A diversified buyer profile
Initial data on buyer profiles show that we are winning over new customers. In fact, the 60 % of buyers had never driven a Lancia before. Moreover, this model attracts a majority of men (60 % of buyers), seduced by its larger size and its positioning between the classic city car and the compact. Lancia also seems to be succeeding with its high-end positioning with the Cassina version of the Ypsilon. This finish accounts for one in four Ypsilon sales.
10,000 orders: a measured success
With 10,000 orders already placed, thehe new Ypsilon is off to an encouraging start. However, due to the discontinuation of sales of the old model and a higher price than the previous version, total sales volume will have to increase on a European scale to rival the results of the last ten years, when Lancia sold between 40,000 and 60,000 units of the old Ypsilon each year. By way of comparison, its cousins the Opel Corsa: 162,000 units sold by 2022, and the Peugeot 208: 205,000 units in the same year.
Let's not forget that the old Ypsilon, although a very good car, was based on an old Panda 2, and its design was no longer very modern... Which partly explains why it was priced well below the new model. The old Ypsilon, in fact, because it was cheap, appealed to a modest public who were looking for a city car more out of need than out of love for the Lancia brand. It's a far cry from the "Premium" image the brand wishes to project today.
Prices are rising sharply, and it's certain that customers of the old Ypsilon won't be staying with Lancia for their next purchase. It's unfortunate to say, but they'll probably fall back on a Sandero if they want a city car under €20,000... Lancia will sell less, but more! And volume often doesn't determine a brand's health, far from it.
As much as I was afraid at first that it was just a pimped-out 208, in the end it really stands out. Whether you like it or not, it's original and quirky, and the Italians who worked on it can be proud of their work. It's got something "chic" that the other city cars in the group, and in its segment in general, don't have.
Soon a rally entry to restore the brand's lustre and image, a Gamma, a Delta etc... A great program in prospect!
Well, it's original, all right. Personally, I don't like the front lights, and the styling is too far removed from the concept. It should have had a specific body like DS, which is part of the group's premium division, in theory. As for the "small compact" aspect, I think it's a long way off. Citroën could have made a C4 on the 208 platform, and Lancia could have done something different by offering 10cm more length and rear space, but it was still too much of an investment for the DG, no doubt. It's too much like the 208 and its shortcomings - too narrow rear access, no legroom. I'm disappointed with the Ypsilon, but I'm looking forward to the Delta. In my opinion, there really is something to be done with Italian elegance and style, provided that the materials and "uncompromising" design follow suit.
I don't like the front, the headlights... positioned too low, not integrated with the moustache on top... too bad... I don't know what they thought of. And you can recognize a Peugeot at a glance... A concept that needs to be revisited, but at least it has the merit of keeping the brand alive...
Ordinata a fine giugno, arrivata oggi. Non delude. Io provengo da due lancia y, e questa è decisamente superiore. Avevo molti dubbi se rimanere una fedele Lancia o no, dato che la nuova lancia y 2024 è decisamente diversa, ma oggi non appena l'ho ritirata dal concessionario e l'ho guidata tutto il giorno, posso assicurarvi che è decisamente migliore della vecchia. Tecnologia all'avanguardia, silenziosa, cambio automatico eccellente, volante preciso, ripresa decisa. Ne sono innamorata! Ho scelto la versione LX nera completa di tutti gli accessori. Costicchia, ma ne vale la pena.
Quali 10000! A fine novembre le vendite sono meno di 900!