Lancia Ypsilon HF 2025: Review of This Exciting Sports Car

It is not a perfect or cheap vehicle, but it guarantees high doses of fun and ensures the surprise effect.

Following Lancia’s return to the Spanish market, the brand brings back the mythical HF acronym (High Fidelity) and the red elephant, an indicator of a high-performance vehicle. Therefore, the model bearing this surname is not an SUV, but the Ypsilon subcompact.

Thus, the Ypsilon HF becomes a direct rival to models like the Toyota GR Yaris (280 HP), the MINI John Cooper Works Electric (258 HP), or the Peugeot 208 GTI (280 HP), with which it shares development. The Ypsilon HF is born electric on the e-CMP platform. Furthermore, this model is manufactured in Figueruelas (Zaragoza).

Eye-Catching Design and Electric Charging

The design, the main appeal of the standard Ypsilon, is accentuated in this sporty variant. The bodywork features elegant shapes that recall myths like the Lancia Aurelia. Sporty bumpers, HF inscriptions, and 18-inch alloy wheels (with 225/45 tires) are the main distinguishing details. The aesthetics are complemented by four-piston fixed front brake calipers and 355 mm front discs from the specialist Alcon. The chalice-shaped light signature and the Lancia logo on the sides ensure the vehicle draws many glances.

Regrettably, the side moldings on the wheel arches simulate an aerodynamic improvement without allowing air passage.

Regarding charging, the 50.8 kWh net battery charges at 11 kW in alternating current (almost six hours) and at 100 kW in direct current (20 to 80% in 27 minutes). The homologated range reaches 373 km. However, in a real-world test, the figure showed 20.5 kWh per 100 km in unrestrained use, which is equivalent to about 250 km of real range. The car can power external electrical devices thanks to the V2L function.

Interior, Bucket Seats, and Criticisms

In the cabin, the bucket-type seats hug the body quite tightly, especially for corpulent people. Although they are comfortable, their structure slightly reduces the rear space. The steering wheel is specific, and the interior is reinforced with aluminum pedals and black upholstery.

Blue linings and bicolor inserts on the dashboard accentuate exclusivity. This combination is inspired by the Delta HF Integrale cabin. On the other hand, the plastics in the lower part do not offer great quality.

Undoubtedly, the absence of paddles to vary the intensity of regenerative braking is inexplicable. This would affect the fun behind the wheel, as it would mitigate the absence of a gasoline engine. Instead, the B mode on the center console is difficult to activate safely during sporty use. The trunk is reduced to 309 liters (compared to 352 liters in the Ypsilon Ibrida). The charging cable must be placed on the upper floor, which takes up some space.

Mechanics, Chassis, and Extreme Driving

The electric motor produces 280 HP and 345 Nm of instantaneous torque. All the power is sent to the front axle. A Torsen-type mechanical limited-slip differential, manufactured by JTEKT, optimizes traction.

The car accelerates quite fast. It goes from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.6 seconds. The gasoline Toyota GR Yaris, with the same power and less weight, only surpasses the Italian car by four-tenths of a second (5.2 s). Unlike other Stellantis models (such as the Abarth 600e), the Ypsilon HF does not include artificial sounds or sporty information (instantaneous power, torque, or battery temperature).

On the road: The Lancia Ypsilon HF underwent extensive chassis work: tracks 3 cm wider, springs 20 mm shorter, and stiffer anti-roll bars. In addition, it rides on fantastic Michelin Pilot Sport 2 tires. The result is a great sports car. However, the suspension is extreme. In fact, when crossing speed bumps in cities, it is common for occupants to bounce if they are not passed at low speed.

Equipment and Price

The Lancia Ypsilon HF 2025 includes the Zero Emissions label, two 10.25-inch screens, and navigation as standard. Likewise, it offers induction charging, keyless entry and start, and a large number of driving aids (traffic sign reader, blind spot control, lane keeping assist).

This heir to the Rally World Championship HFs is not a cheap vehicle. Its cash price is 45,500 euros. Nevertheless, the rate is reduced to 42,805 euros with the direct discount, excluding financing. In comparison, the all-wheel-drive GR Yaris starts from 48,500 euros when financed.