Edle Kleinwagen im Duell: Der neue Lancia Ypsilon gegen den Mini 3-Türer

Lancia Ypsilon Versus Mini 3-Door: Battle of the Luxury Compact Cars

Both offer options for electric and gasoline engines, yet they come with a hefty price tag

Somewhat small, stylish, and capable of operating without emissions. We're discussing the Lancia Ypsilon and the latest Mini 3-Door, which have both recently undergone a full makeover, not just in their appearance but also inside the cabin and under the hood with updated engine selections.

The Italian model has undoubtedly undergone the most significant transformation, gaining in both scale and diversity, whereas the Mini has preserved its traditional family essence while also introducing a number of intriguing new features. Here's an initial comparison.

Exterior

The Lancia Ypsilon has undergone a dramatic transformation, now stretching beyond four meters in length and sporting a body design that moves away from the conventional city car appearance. Its technical foundation is aligned with the Stellantis small car segment that includes models like the Opel Corsa, however, the revamped Ypsilon will not make its debut in Germany until 2025.

The front section of the vehicle introduces a significant update: instead of the traditional Lancia radiator grille, there's a new arrangement of LED lights shaped like a chalice, a design detail synonymous with the brand. The iconic brand logo has been relocated to the rear pillars, and the "LANCIA" nameplate is prominently displayed in laser-cut letters on the hood.

Upcoming Lancia Ypsilon Model Set for 2024 Release

The rear end of the car, influenced by the iconic Lancia Stratos, features circular headlights that add personality and a sense of movement to the vehicle, highlighted by the stark contrast of the glossy black roof against the bodywork below it.

The thoroughly revamped Mini maintains its iconic dimensions and the quintessential look reminiscent of its 1960s predecessor, with efforts made to keep the new edition compact.

Lancia Ypsilon Model

Compact MINI Cooper S

The design of the latest British compact car features a notable update starting at the front, with an enlarged grille incorporated into the front bumper. Above this grille, the full-LED headlights are not only bigger but also available in an optional adaptive model, showcasing the distinctive new light pattern that's become a signature for the British make, seamlessly blending into the hood as is standard.

The Cooper S variant has undergone a significant modification with the removal of the iconic air intake on the hood. On the side view, the exterior mirrors have abandoned their traditional oval shape for a more rectangular design.

2024 Model of the Mini Cooper S

The most significant change from the previous model is at the rear end, where the taillights and tailgate have been entirely redesigned. The lights now feature a triangular shape linked by a continuous horizontal line stretching across the rear. Similar to the air intake on the hood, the visible exhaust has also been eliminated.

Interior

The Lancia Ypsilon's interior stands out for its contemporary and highly digitalized dashboard, which is enhanced by stylish fabric covers. The cabin combines technology with elegance, featuring two digital screens, each over 10 inches in size: one positioned behind the steering wheel for the driver and another at the center of the dashboard for managing the infotainment system, known as S.A.L.A., creating an ambiance reminiscent of an authentic "Italian lounge."

Partnering with the esteemed furniture brand CASSINA, the interior space is infused with a touch of luxury. Central to this setting is a circular table, also known as a "coffee table," which serves as a convenient spot for stationary activities such as charging a smartphone.

Lancia Ypsilon, known as the Plancia

This "table" features a front surface covered in hand-stitched leather, and on the back, there's a spot designed for wirelessly charging smartphones. The entertainment system is naturally compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto without any cords.

The ambiance of a living room is achieved with seats that, in the CASSINA model, are upholstered in elegant blue velvet featuring a "Cannelloni" fabric pattern, a nod to Lancia's traditional textile.

The updated dimensions of the Ypsilon ensure ample space for two adults, comparable to other vehicles in the B-segment. A center tunnel between the front seats slightly reduces the available space.

The trunk offers a standard storage space (352 liters for the mild-hybrid model, which can be expanded to 1,163 liters by folding down the rear seats), however, the electric model has a reduced capacity of about 40-45 liters as it lacks a front storage compartment (Frunk).

The interior of the latest Mini model

The Mini continues to honor its heritage, highlighted by the distinct round dashboard panel located at the center of the console.

The core technological feature of this model is the Mini Interaction Unit infotainment system. It includes a 9.44-inch LED screen which runs on OS 9 operating system. This system allows control over all the vehicle's essential functions, from comfort management to driver assistance systems.

A significant innovation from the company is the launch of their inaugural voice assistant, named "Intelligent Personal Assistant," which can be triggered by saying "Hey Mini!" or through a command on the newly designed multifunction steering wheel. There's also no shortage of key features such as the head-up display and sport seats, which are now available with eco-friendly upholstery options.

The absence of rear doors and the marginally smaller dimensions result in a less convenient access for passengers in the back seats (however, those frequently traveling with passengers might consider the five-door model, which is currently available only with a petrol engine). The trunk space is limited: it starts at 210 liters and expands to 800 liters when the seats are folded down.

Engines

The latest Ypsilon model boasts a 101 horsepower 1.2-liter mild hybrid gasoline engine, paired with a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, and is also available in a fully electric version. The electric option offers a single power model with 156 horsepower, featuring a front-mounted motor and a 51-kWh battery, claiming a maximum range of 403 kilometers and a 100 kW DC charging capability. Come 2025, the lineup will be joined by the HF edition, the most athletic and powerful version, which will deliver 280 horsepower, mirroring the Abarth 600e.

Lancia Ypsilon Model

Compact Electric MINI Vehicle

The three-door Mini comes with a more varied selection, including the (non-electrified) 1.5 three-cylinder petrol engine with 156 horsepower and the 2.0 four-cylinder Cooper S with 204 horsepower, both equipped with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission.

In addition, there are two electric vehicles on offer, specifically the Cooper E which boasts 184 horsepower and the Cooper SE with a more powerful 218 horsepower. Both are equipped with a front-mounted electric motor, with the former paired with a 40.7 kWh battery and the latter with a larger 54.2 kWh battery.

In the initial scenario, the vehicle's range under the Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP) is 305 kilometers, while in the latter, it extends to 402 kilometers. Charging power peaks at 75 kilowatts for models equipped with the smaller battery, increasing to 95 kilowatts for the Cooper SE variant.

1.5-liter engine with 156 horsepower

Engine power: 2.0 liters,

184 horsepower

Power output of

Costs

In Italy, the starting cost for the Ypsilon's mild hybrid version is 24,900 Euros, with the price going up to 39,500 Euros for the Cassina electric variant. The starting price for the battery-powered version is 34,900 Euros.

In Germany, the base price for the Mini Three-door starts at 28,900 Euros, while the electric version is priced from 32,900 Euros.

Delving into the history of Lancia and Mini:

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