The Lancia Ypsilon (846) 0.9 TwinAir (85 hp) DFN start&stop represents a significant iteration of Lancia’s long-running city car, produced from 2011 to 2015. Positioned as an entry-level offering within the 846 generation (the third Ypsilon), this variant aimed to balance fuel efficiency with acceptable performance for urban driving. It was primarily marketed in Europe, particularly Italy, where Lancia maintained a stronger brand presence. The Ypsilon 846 was built on the Fiat/Chrysler Small Wide platform, shared with the Fiat 500 and Fiat Punto, and represented a departure from previous Ypsilon generations in terms of platform and design.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Lancia |
| Model | Ypsilon |
| Generation | Ypsilon (846) |
| Type (Engine) | 0.9 TwinAir (85 Hp) DFN start&stop |
| Start of production | 2011 |
| End of production | 2015 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 4.9 l/100 km (48 US mpg, 57.6 UK mpg, 20.4 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 3.8 l/100 km (61.9 US mpg, 74.3 UK mpg, 26.3 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 4.2 l/100 km (56 US mpg, 67.3 UK mpg, 23.8 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 97 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 11.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 11.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 11.3 sec |
| Maximum speed | 175 km/h (108.74 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 11.5 kg/Hp, 86.7 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 6.8 kg/Nm, 148 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 85 Hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Power per litre | 97.1 Hp/l |
| Torque | 145 Nm @ 1900 rpm (106.95 lb.-ft. @ 1900 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | 312 A2.000 |
| Engine displacement | 875 cm3 (53.4 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Compression ratio | 10:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 2 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | OHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 3.2 l (3.38 US qt | 2.82 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 5.3 l (5.6 US qt | 4.66 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 980 kg (2160.53 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 245 l (8.65 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 40 l (10.57 US gal | 8.8 UK gal) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 750 kg (1653.47 lbs.) |
| Length | 3842 mm (151.26 in.) |
| Width | 1875 mm (73.82 in.) |
| Height | 1520 mm (59.84 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2390 mm (94.09 in.) |
| Front track | 1414 mm (55.67 in.) |
| Rear track | 1408 mm (55.43 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 9.4 m (30.84 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, automatic transmission DFN |
| Front suspension | Independent type McPherson |
| Rear suspension | Semi-independent, coil spring |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Tires size | 185/55 R15 82 H |
| Wheel rims size | 15 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of this Ypsilon variant is the 875cc Fiat TwinAir two-cylinder turbocharged engine, designated as the 312 A2.000. This engine is a unique design, notable for its small displacement and use of a low-friction engine design. The TwinAir engine utilizes a multi-point fuel injection system and a single overhead camshaft (OHC) operating two valves per cylinder. The turbocharger, coupled with an intercooler, helps to boost power output despite the engine’s small size. The DFN automatic transmission is a 5-speed automated manual gearbox, essentially a conventional manual transmission with robotic actuation. It offers a degree of fuel efficiency compared to traditional torque-converter automatics, but can sometimes exhibit slower and less smooth shifts.
Driving Characteristics
The 85 hp TwinAir engine paired with the DFN automatic transmission delivers modest performance. Acceleration from 0-60 mph takes around 11.3 seconds, and top speed is approximately 109 mph. The engine’s peak torque of 145 Nm (107 lb-ft) is available from 1900 rpm, providing reasonable responsiveness in city driving. However, the automatic transmission’s programming can sometimes feel hesitant, and the engine can sound strained when pushed hard. Compared to the 1.3 Multijet diesel or the more powerful 1.4-liter petrol versions of the Ypsilon, this variant prioritizes fuel economy over outright performance. The gear ratios are tuned for efficiency, resulting in a comfortable but not particularly engaging driving experience.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 0.9 TwinAir DFN typically represented a mid-range trim level within the Ypsilon 846 lineup. Standard equipment generally included air conditioning, power steering, electric front windows, a radio with MP3 compatibility, and ABS brakes. Higher trim levels added features such as alloy wheels, a panoramic sunroof, upgraded interior trim, and a more sophisticated infotainment system. Optional extras included parking sensors, a navigation system, and leather upholstery. Interior upholstery was typically cloth, with a focus on durable and practical materials. The dashboard layout was modern for its time, with a centrally-mounted touchscreen display available on higher trims.
Chassis & Braking
The Ypsilon 846 utilizes a McPherson strut independent suspension at the front and a semi-independent coil spring suspension at the rear. This setup provides a comfortable ride quality, well-suited for urban environments. The front brakes are ventilated discs, while the rear brakes are drums, a cost-saving measure common in this segment. ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) is standard. The relatively light weight of the vehicle (around 980 kg or 2160 lbs) helps to compensate for the modest braking performance. Stabilizer bars were fitted to both the front and rear axles to reduce body roll during cornering.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Lancia Ypsilon 0.9 TwinAir DFN was generally well-received for its fuel efficiency and low running costs. Critics praised the engine’s innovative design and its ability to deliver acceptable performance with minimal emissions. However, the DFN automatic transmission was often criticized for its sluggishness and lack of refinement. Compared to the diesel-powered Ypsilon variants, the TwinAir offered a quieter and smoother driving experience, but with slightly lower fuel economy. Against competitors like the Fiat 500, Volkswagen up!, and Toyota Aygo, the Ypsilon offered a more premium interior and a more distinctive Italian design, but at a slightly higher price point.
Legacy
The 0.9 TwinAir engine, while innovative, has had a mixed reputation for long-term reliability. Some owners have reported issues with turbocharger failure and oil leaks. The DFN automatic transmission has also been known to experience problems with its robotic actuators. However, with regular maintenance and careful driving, these issues can often be mitigated. In the used car market, the Ypsilon 0.9 TwinAir DFN represents an affordable and economical city car option. Its distinctive styling and relatively low running costs continue to appeal to buyers looking for a small, practical, and stylish vehicle. The Ypsilon 846, and this variant in particular, represents a final chapter in Lancia’s history as an independent brand, before its further integration into the Stellantis group.
