The Lancia Ypsilon (846) 1.2 (69 hp) LPG, produced between 2011 and 2015, represented an entry-level offering within the third generation of Lancia’s popular city car. Positioned as an economical and practical choice, this variant catered to buyers seeking low running costs and ease of use within the European market. The 846 series Ypsilon, built upon the Fiat/Chrysler Small Wide platform (shared with the Fiat 500 and Fiat Punto), aimed to revitalize the Ypsilon nameplate with a more modern and sophisticated design. This particular engine and transmission combination was a key part of the lineup, offering a balance between affordability and functionality.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Lancia |
| Model | Ypsilon |
| Generation | Ypsilon (846) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.2 (69 Hp) LPG |
| Start of production | 2011 |
| End of production | 2015 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – urban | 6.9 l/100 km (34.1 US mpg, 40.9 UK mpg, 14.5 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – urban (LPG) | 8.7 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – extra urban | 4.4 l/100 km (53.5 US mpg, 64.2 UK mpg, 22.7 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – extra urban (LPG) | 5.7 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – combined | 5.3 l/100 km (44.4 US mpg, 53.3 UK mpg, 18.9 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – combined (LPG) | 6.8 l/100 km |
| CO2 emissions | 124 g/km |
| CO2 emissions (LPG) | 110 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol / LPG |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 14.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 14.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 13.8 sec |
| Maximum speed | 163 km/h (101.28 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 14 kg/Hp, 71.5 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 9.5 kg/Nm, 105.7 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 69 Hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Power per litre | 55.6 Hp/l |
| Torque | 102 Nm @ 3000 rpm (75.23 lb.-ft. @ 3000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | 169 A4.000 |
| Engine displacement | 1242 cm3 (75.79 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Compression ratio | 11.1:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 2 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 2.8 l (2.96 US qt | 2.46 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 4.9 l (5.18 US qt | 4.31 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 965 kg (2127.46 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 245 l (8.65 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 40 l (10.57 US gal | 8.8 UK gal) |
| Fuel tank capacity (LPG) | 30.5 l |
| 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 (Back) 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, manual transmission |
| 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 1.2-liter, four-cylinder petrol engine, designated the 169 A4.000. This engine is a member of Fiat’s Fire family, known for its simplicity and durability. The 69 horsepower output is achieved at 5500 rpm, while peak torque of 102 Nm (75.23 lb-ft) arrives at 3000 rpm. The engine utilizes a multi-point fuel injection system and a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with two valves per cylinder. The LPG conversion is a factory-fitted option, allowing the vehicle to run on either petrol or liquefied petroleum gas, offering potential fuel cost savings. The engine’s relatively low compression ratio of 11.1:1 contributes to its ability to run reliably on both fuel types. The engine is transversely mounted at the front of the vehicle, driving the front wheels. The five-speed manual transmission, a standard feature, is chosen for its simplicity and cost-effectiveness, although an automated manual transmission (Dualogic) was available as an option on some Ypsilon models.
Driving Characteristics
The 1.2-liter 69 hp engine, paired with the five-speed manual transmission, delivers modest performance. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes approximately 14.5 seconds, and top speed is around 163 km/h (101 mph). The power delivery is relatively linear, but the engine requires frequent gear changes to maintain momentum, especially when climbing hills or overtaking. Compared to higher-output Ypsilon variants, such as those equipped with the 1.4-liter engine, this version feels noticeably slower. However, the lighter engine weight contributes to nimble handling in urban environments. The gear ratios are tuned for fuel efficiency rather than outright performance. The LPG system doesn’t significantly alter the driving experience, although a slight reduction in power may be noticeable when running on gas.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 1.2 (69 hp) LPG variant typically served as the entry point to the Ypsilon range. Standard equipment generally included power steering, central locking, electric front windows, and an ABS anti-lock braking system. Interior upholstery was typically cloth, and the dashboard featured a functional, if somewhat basic, design. Optional extras included air conditioning, alloy wheels, a radio/CD player, and parking sensors. Higher trim levels, such as the “Eleganza” or “Platino,” added features like climate control, upgraded interior trim, and more sophisticated audio systems. The LPG system itself was a significant feature, often highlighted in marketing materials due to its potential cost savings.
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 reasonable balance between ride comfort and handling. The front brakes are ventilated discs, offering adequate stopping power, while the rear brakes are drums, a cost-saving measure common in this segment. The steering is rack and pinion, providing precise and responsive control. The relatively lightweight construction of the vehicle (965 kg / 2127 lbs) helps to mitigate the effects of the modest engine power.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Lancia Ypsilon 1.2 (69 hp) LPG was generally well-received as an affordable and economical city car. Critics praised its fuel efficiency, particularly when running on LPG, and its nimble handling. However, the engine’s lack of power was a common criticism, especially for drivers accustomed to more powerful vehicles. Compared to other small hatchbacks in the European market, such as the Renault Twingo or Peugeot 107, the Ypsilon offered a more stylish and sophisticated interior, but at a slightly higher price point. The LPG conversion was a key selling point, appealing to environmentally conscious buyers and those seeking to reduce their fuel costs.
Legacy
The 1.2-liter Fire engine, in its various iterations, has proven to be remarkably durable and reliable. The LPG conversion, when properly maintained, adds little to the long-term maintenance concerns. Today, used examples of the Ypsilon 846 1.2 LPG are relatively affordable and can represent a good value for buyers seeking a cheap and cheerful city car. However, potential buyers should be aware of the age-related wear and tear common to all vehicles of this era, and ensure that the LPG system has been regularly serviced. The Ypsilon 846, while not a performance icon, remains a popular choice for urban commuters and first-time car owners.
