The Lancia Ypsilon (marketed as the Lancia Y in some regions) 1.2 i 16V, producing 80 horsepower, was a key variant within the 840 series produced between 2000 and 2003. Positioned as an entry-level offering, it aimed to provide affordable and stylish transportation within the European city car segment. This generation of the Ypsilon, built upon the Fiat/Lancia 1HX0/A3 platform, represented a significant departure from its predecessor, offering a more modern design and improved interior space. The 1.2 i 16V model served as a popular choice for buyers prioritizing fuel efficiency and ease of driving over outright performance.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Lancia |
| Model | Ypsilon (Y) |
| Generation | Y (840) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.2 i 16V (80 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2000 |
| End of production | 2003 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 3 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 8.3 l/100 km (28.3 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 5.5 l/100 km (42.8 US mpg) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 11.2 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 11.2 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 10.6 sec |
| Maximum speed | 174 km/h (108.12 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 11.4 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 8 kg/Nm |
| Power | 80 Hp @ 5000 rpm |
| Torque | 114 Nm @ 4000 rpm (84.08 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | 188 A5.000 |
| Engine displacement | 1242 cm3 (75.79 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 70.8 mm (2.79 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 78.86 mm (3.1 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10.6:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated |
| Valvetrain | OHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 2.9 l (3.06 US qt | 2.55 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 4.5 l (4.76 US qt | 3.96 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 910 kg (2006.21 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1390 kg (3064.43 lbs.) |
| Max load | 480 kg (1058.22 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 215 l (7.59 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 910 l (32.14 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 47 l (12.42 US gal | 10.34 UK gal) |
| Length | 3725 mm (146.65 in.) |
| Width | 1690 mm (66.54 in.) |
| Height | 1435 mm (56.5 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2380 mm (93.7 in.) |
| Front track | 1405 mm (55.31 in.) |
| Rear track | 1390 mm (54.72 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Gearbox type | Manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Spring Strut |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic |
| Tires size | 185/60 R14 |
Introduction
The Lancia Ypsilon 1.2 i 16V (80 Hp) represented a significant step forward for the Ypsilon model line. Introduced in 2000, it was part of the 840 series, a generation that aimed to modernize the Ypsilon’s appeal and broaden its market reach. This variant was specifically targeted at buyers seeking a practical, economical, and stylish city car. The 1.2-liter engine, while not offering blistering performance, provided a good balance of fuel efficiency and drivability, making it a popular choice in Europe where smaller displacement engines were favored due to tax regulations and fuel costs. It was a direct competitor to vehicles like the Fiat Punto, Renault Clio, and Peugeot 206.
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
At the heart of the Ypsilon 1.2 i 16V lies the 188 A5.000 engine, a 1.2-liter (1242 cc) inline-four cylinder gasoline engine. This engine featured a multi-port fuel injection system and a single overhead camshaft (OHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder, hence the “16V” designation. The engine produced 80 horsepower at 5000 rpm and 114 Nm (84.08 lb-ft) of torque at 4000 rpm. The compression ratio was set at 10.6:1. The engine’s design prioritized fuel efficiency and smooth operation over outright power. The 5-speed manual transmission was the standard offering for this variant, providing a reasonable spread of gears for both city driving and highway cruising. The transmission was a conventional setup, known for its durability and relatively simple maintenance requirements.
Driving Characteristics
The Ypsilon 1.2 i 16V offered a comfortable and predictable driving experience. Acceleration was modest, taking approximately 11.2 seconds to reach 100 km/h (62 mph), and 10.6 seconds to 60 mph. The engine felt responsive enough for urban driving, but lacked the punch needed for quick overtaking maneuvers on the highway. The 5-speed manual transmission allowed drivers to keep the engine in its optimal power band, but frequent downshifts were often necessary when encountering hills or needing to accelerate quickly. Compared to higher-output versions of the Ypsilon, such as those equipped with larger engines, the 1.2 i 16V felt noticeably slower. However, it compensated with superior fuel economy and a more forgiving nature for novice drivers.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 1.2 i 16V Ypsilon typically came equipped with a reasonable level of standard features. These included power steering, central locking, electric front windows, and an adjustable steering column. Interior upholstery was typically cloth, with a relatively simple dashboard layout. Optional extras included air conditioning, alloy wheels, a radio/CD player, and upgraded interior trim. The trim level often dictated the availability of these options, with higher trims offering more features as standard. The Ypsilon aimed for a stylish interior, with a focus on ergonomics and user-friendliness.
Chassis & Braking
The Ypsilon 1.2 i 16V utilized a front-wheel-drive layout with a MacPherson strut suspension at the front and a coil spring suspension at the rear. The front brakes were ventilated discs, providing adequate stopping power, while the rear brakes were solid discs. ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) was standard, enhancing safety and stability during emergency braking. The suspension setup was tuned for comfort, providing a relatively smooth ride over uneven road surfaces. The chassis was relatively lightweight, contributing to the car’s fuel efficiency and nimble handling.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Lancia Ypsilon 1.2 i 16V was generally well-received by automotive critics as a practical and stylish city car. It was praised for its fuel efficiency, comfortable ride, and attractive design. However, some critics noted its lack of outright performance and relatively basic interior compared to some of its competitors. Compared to the more powerful Ypsilon variants, the 1.2 i 16V offered significantly better fuel economy, making it a more economical choice for daily commuting. Its reliability was generally considered good, although routine maintenance was essential to ensure long-term durability.
Legacy
The Lancia Ypsilon 1.2 i 16V remains a relatively common sight on European roads today, testament to its durability and practicality. The 188 A5.000 engine is known for its reliability, provided it receives regular maintenance, including oil changes and timing belt replacements. In the used car market, these models are often sought after by buyers looking for an affordable and economical city car with a touch of Italian style. While not a performance icon, the Ypsilon 1.2 i 16V played a significant role in establishing the Ypsilon as a popular choice in the European small car segment.
