The absolute star of the Lancia stand at the Frankfurt IAA next week will be the Lancia Ypsilon MomoDesign, which will be on the market in Italy in November, followed by the major European markets. It is a new version born from the collaboration between two brands that are famous throughout the world for having contributed to the development of Italian industrial design. Lancia and MomoDesign have created a highly personal stylistic language which makes any of their creations immediately recognisable among mass-produced products.

The Lancia Ypsilon MomoDesign is therefore a concrete example of how an 'automotive object' can be re-interpreted in an aesthetic key with another brand, enhancing the expressive features that have always distinguished Italian design: innovation, styling and character. The Lancia Ypsilon MomoDesign shows how a 'stylistic dialogue' between two important industrial concerns can create a sort of 'symbiosis', with unexpected and highly emotional results, provided the research is performed with full respect for the product's identity

Italian Style

On the outside, the new MomoDesign version does not modify the model's great personality, proposing a number of aesthetic and chromatic changes that reflect the stylistic features of MomoDesign products. For example, in addition to the sporty non-metallic Black, the new Ypsilon can be 'dressed' with three more bodywork shades; Pearl White, Orange and Red. The biggest novelty is the opaque metallic black paint used on the roof and tailgate (standard with Orange and Red, and optional with the other two shades). A further touch of elegance comes from the metalluro finish of certain elements, from the door handles to the tailgate trim, the identification logo and the grille frame. And finally, the 15" alloy wheels and the 'MomoDesign' plate on the centre pillar.

The styling changes on the inside of the car are more evident, involving the facia, the door panels, the rear side seat panels and the squab rear, which are now upholstered with special Silver Moor leathercloth, with metallic silver embossing. The essential clean lines of the passenger compartment maintain the customary elegance and refinement, but add that touch of assertiveness that one expects from a Lancia. Suffice it to mention the numerous metalluro elements that make the interior even richer: from the centre console to the frame of the gear lever, the air vents, trims and door handles.

The new Ypsilon MomoDesign also features seats with a new design and new colours (orange, red and silver) that perfectly match the bodywork and are enhanced by contrasting silver overstitching. The car's equipment is completed by a leather steering wheel and gear lever knob decorated with perforated leather or silver over-stitching, and new graphics for the instruments in opaque silver set off by red pointers.

Performance and enjoyable driving

People who enjoy driving, will find that the Ypsilon MomoDesign is a compact car that performs brilliantly on any road, providing plenty of entertainment for the driver. The merit goes partly to the sparkling 1.3 Multijet engine which combines with the 5-speed manual gearbox, to develop a maximum power output of 70 bhp (51 kW) at 4000 rpm and peak torque of 180 Nm (18.4 kgm) at 1750 rpm. With this equipment, the car has a top speed of 165 km/h and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 15 seconds, but is very sparing on fuel: on the combined cycle it consumes just 4.6 l/100 km. The MomoDesign version will be offered with a choice of three engines: the 60 bhp 1.2 8v, the 80 bhp 1.2 16v and the 95 bhp 1.4 16v.

The equipment and safety of a 'small flagship'

The Lancia Ypsilon MomoDesign embodies original styling and excellent performance, plus lavish equipment, as we can see on the car presented at the Frankfurt Show: dual zone climate control (optional), 'Dual Drive' electrical power steering, a radio with CD and MP3 player (optional), remote control door release, Follow me home, and a steering wheel and gear lever knob upholstered with perforated leather with silver overstitching.
 

On the outside, the car is equipped with 16" alloys (which are optional, the standard rims are 15"), foglights and optional twin, colour coded electric door mirrors.

The safety features on the Lancia Ypsilon MomoDesign fear no comparison: standard equipment includes ABS complete with EBD and 4 airbags, while the sophisticated ESP system is optional. This lavish equipment is completed by electrical front windows, a rear seat that folds down and away, a height-adjustable driver's seat, and height and reach adjustment on the steering wheel. The car on show in Frankfurt also features a number of options from the wide range of items that the more discerning customer can choose: from the Bose Hi-Fi system to Cruise Control, and steering wheel mounted radio controls.

All the strong points of the Ypsilon

The new Ypsilon MomoDesign reiterates the great versatility of this 'pocket flagship'. It is no coincidence that since its launch, the range has been constantly extended by new versions, many of which have focused on colour, which has always been one of the model's distinctive traits. In fact colour is not just an aesthetic aspect on the Ypsilon, but an integral part of a product philosophy that focuses on elegance, glamour, personality, play, panache, style and the wide choice of customisation options. This is borne out by the three versions of the Ypsilon b-colore - cars which have become real fashion items - or the 'Vintage' pair: one 'dressed' in Sibilla pink and the other in Casanova light blue. And today it is the turn of the new MomoDesign version.

So, whatever your choice, the Lancia Ypsilon is the ideal car for a sophisticated clientele that is always looking for unique products. The model has enjoyed success among the public and critics since its launch, being awarded the 'European Automotive Design Award' in Brussels, the 'Car I prefer 2004' title by the readers of Quattroruote, and that of the 'Most beautiful car in the world' title, by a jury of design experts.

Styling

Important successes that reward the car's original styling, and reflect modern trends that demand soft, sensual styling. The interior greets passengers and driver in an environment that is welcoming and communicative, but also functional, modern, and extremely comfortable. These sensations are heightened by the care that goes into every detail, the quality materials used, worthy of a luxury car, and the refined, elegant colour combinations between the exterior paintwork and the interior upholstery. Unique features for a car from this segment, which make the 'Ypsilon' logo a designer label.

Engineering

The Lancia Ypsilon proposes the best that modern engineering has to offer where engines and transmissions are concerned. Of course, the car's great on-road characteristics, its predictable behaviour and easy, enjoyable driving, are also due to the performance of a power pack that is on the cutting edge for a 'city dweller'. There is a choice of four engines. The first two are the tried and tested 60 bhp 1.2 and 80 bhp 1.2 16v, which deliver outstanding torque and smooth running in spite of a relatively small size. The other two are the brilliant 95 bhp 1.4 16v and the revolutionary 70 bhp 1.3 16v Multijet, both of which are available with either a manual gearbox or a sequential robotised unit nicknamed 'Dolce Far Niente'.

Range

And finally, it is not exaggerated to say that everyone will find the Lancia Ypsilon that meets his needs and tastes. The new family comes in five different specifications (Ypsilon, Argento, MomoDesign, Oro and Platino) and it is one of the most comprehensive in this segment. This is partly due to the fact that there are no fewer than 555 ways of customising this 'pocket flagship': by combining the eleven body colours, six different types of upholstery (in eight different shades) and five types of alloy wheels (including those from Lineaccessori). Plus the 'b-colore' and 'vintage' options that enhance the elegance and refinement of this winning model. Whatever your choice and the level of customisation you prefer, the Lancia Ypsilon is always fascinating and original, personifying Italian good taste that is famous the world over. And today the Ypsilon range becomes even more comprehensive with the debut of the new Ypsilon MomoDesign.