LANCIAYpsilon 2006 - 2011

　　Just three years after the introduction of the Ypsilon’s second generation, Lancia added the first refresh for its smallest vehicle in the lineup.

　　The Italian automaker introduced the first refresh for the Ypsilon in late 2006. Previously, it quietly upgraded the engine lineup to comply with the Euro 4 emission standards, which became mandatory starting in January 2006. Along with the refreshed version, Lancia also introduced the ESC on the options list, a safety system that the automaker knew would become mandatory in just a few years. But still, along with these updates, the automaker also made some visual changes to the car’s exterior. As a result, customers were pleased with the new vehicles, and the automaker could keep selling the Ypsilon and help the struggling Italian brand survive.

　　Sometimes, the differences between a facelifted and a non-facelifted vehicle are so thin that you need a keen eye for detail. Fortunately for Lancia, this wasn’t the case. The 2006 Ypsilon featured a redesigned grille that sported an increased number of vertical slats on it and redesigned headlights with clear lenses. In addition, the lower bumper was completely new and featured an A-shaped lower grille flanked by a pair of scoops for the available fog lamps.

　　From its profile, the 2006 Ypsilon gained a new decoration on the B-post, with a chromed Y-shaped logo from the car’s nameplate. The car also became available in new colors, and Lancia offered it in five grades. Still, the base trims were provided with steel wheels and caps, and only the upper grades, such as the Yellow Gold and the Platinum, were fitted with standard alloys. Finally, at the back, the automaker installed new clear-lenses taillights that replaced the previously used ones, which were red from top to bottom. Last but not least, while the rear bumper was new. It sported a chromed horizontal slat ending with red trims on its outer sides. Last but not least, the car was no longer available with black rubber stripes to protect the paint against minor scratches in the parking lot.

　　Inside the cabin, the automaker didn’t feel it had to improve the vehicle too much. While other automakers had to give up on their intentions to install center-mounted instrument clusters due to customers’ demands, Lancia did not. Moreover, it also kept the same high-mounted gear stick on the center console. Still, the automaker considered offering a new infotainment unit named Blue&Me featuring Bluetooth connectivity and USB for MP3 players and iPods. At the back, customers could get the car with a split-folding (50/50) bench seat to expand the trunk space.

　　Under the hood, the automaker offered the car with a choice of gasoline and turbo diesel powerplants mated with five- or six-speed manual transmissions. Lancia also installed a five-speed automated (single-clutch) gearbox for selected engine versions.