Electric car: First driving impressions of the Lancia Y
Instead of stamping out the Lancia brand in its realignment, Stellantis is building a new model. First driving impressions of the new Lancia Y as an electric car
(Image: Lancia)
- Stefan Grundhoff
If Stellantis had discontinued the Lancia brand, the outcry in the automotive world would have been easily ignored. After years of agony, it only had the aged Y on the market in Italy. However, Carlos Tavares revived the traditional brand with brand boss Luca Napolitano. Thanks to the shared e-CMP platform, which is technically closely related to models such as the Opel Corsa, Citroën ë-C3 and Peugeot 208, the Autobianchi descendant is now set to pave the way for a European relaunch of the brand.
The new Lancia Y is an eye-catcher. No longer as small and cute as its predecessors, but anyone driving a Lancia Y will still stand out on the road in the future. The customer has the choice of a purely electric model or a small mild hybrid, which is intended to be compatible with the current model, particularly on the domestic market: After all, the discontinued Y still ranked third in the Italian registration statistics last year with more than 45,000 units.
Italian price apparently due to subsidies
Instead of the previous list price of around 17,000 euros, the electric version costs around twice as much in Italy without subsidies. The Italian e-car subsidy combined with the manufacturer discount reduces the price to 22,900 euros. Still a considerable premium and the problem that the charging infrastructure in Italy still has wide gaps, especially south of a line from Turin to Venice. On the domestic market, the vast majority of customers are likely to opt for the 74 kW hybrid version, which is expected to cost 20,900 euros with a state subsidy. Across Europe, however, Lancia aims to become the predominantly electric brand by 2028 with the planned larger Delta and Gamma models.
Fast except when charging
With the electric motor on the front axle, the 4.08 -meter-long Lancia Y is fast on the road and perfect for the city. Its output of 115 kW and 260 Nm of torque correspond to those of the Opel Corsa Electric or Peugeot e-208. Not exactly sporty, but a city runabout doesn't really need more power. This also applies to the range of 400 kilometers with the 54 kWh battery (net: 51 kWh) and the top speed of 150 km/h. Stellantis gives the standard consumption as 14.3 to 14.6 kWh/100 km, although 15.5 is more realistic. The charging speed at a maximum of 100 kW is hardly an issue in an urban environment.
Lancia Y (5 Bilder)
Long highway journeys, where the 100 kW DC charging would be annoying, are rather rare, and the travel comfort of the Y model is more than okay. Solid seats with heating and massage, decent displays and simple controls - this is where the Italian car, which is produced in Spain, shines, and not just in its home country. The spring and damper set-up is incredibly firm, while the steering is very smooth. The low centre of gravity is great, and the Lancia Y can also demand a lot from those who drive it fast on country roads.
Hardly recognizable premium claim
However, the Y really shines in the city center with its Italian design. This fits much better than the overly ambitious premium claim. Many surfaces in the interior appear rather typical of small cars, and the desired differentiation from Alfa, Peugeot or Opel is not recognizable here. The circular shelf in the middle of the dashboard is practical and nice to look at, offering space for charging a smartphone at the back and a bowl, hair clip or small change at the front. Above this, the two 10.25-inch screens provide information on everything important. The trunk offers a very decent 340 liters of space.
The Lancia Y will not be coming to Germany until next spring; prices are not yet known.
(anw)