Lancia Ypsilon vs. Audi A1. Two small icons with a past in the rally

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Small cars, big character: The Lancia Ypsilon and Audi A1 are modern compact cars in the premium segment, each with its own charm. Interestingly, these two brands used to cross each other on the rally circuit, in the WRC, where speed, agility and technology were key. Today, they meet again, but on city streets and in daily traffic.

Italian design or German precision

Both models are designed with compact dimensions for easy urban travel, but offer a surprising amount of comfort and practical space for their class. The interior of the Lancia Ypsilon is remarkably stylish and Italian-tasteful with a retro twist, with attention to detail and a warm atmosphere. The Audi A1, on the other hand, is sleek and modern, with high-quality materials and a minimalistic, well-organized dashboard that feels typically German.

On the road, both cars are agile and direct, ideal for city traffic and tight parking spaces. The Ypsilon feels playful and charming, while the A1 feels a little tighter and sturdier, with precision that highlights German engineering. All-round visibility is good in both, although the A1 sometimes feels a little clearer thanks to its sleek design and smart seating position.

In terms of design, Lancia opts for a distinct Italian flair, colorful and elegant and very modern, while the Audi A1 remains modern and understated, but therefore looks timeless. It's a matter of taste: Italian-style enthusiasts are more likely to feel at home in the Ypsilon, while those who value a sleek, premium feel are more likely to opt for the A1.

The Lancia Ypsilon and Audi A1 are two compact cars that continue their rallying past in a different way: in comfort, agility and fun on the road. Both have their charm, and the choice depends mainly on personal preference between Italian flair and German precision.

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See all Lancia Ypsilions ->

The Lancia Ypsilon has flair and a nod to the rally past

The new Lancia Ypsilon is a striking appearance in the compact segment and immediately shows that Lancia is taking part seriously again. This Ypsilon is available as both a hybrid and a fully electric version, allowing the brand to respond to the current trend of sustainable mobility without losing the car's character. The design stands out immediately, particularly with the Lancia Stratos-style rear lights that are a subtle but stylish nod to the legendary rally icon of the 70s. It's a small detail, but it shows that Lancia honors its heritage as it looks ahead.

Inside, the Ypsilon feels typically Italian. The interior has been refined and carefully finished, with high-quality materials and attention to detail. In the HF version, the blue accents immediately catch the eye, a subtle reference to the iconic Lancia Delta HF Integrale. The seats offer a surprising amount of comfort and support for a car in this class, and the dashboard layout is clear and intuitive. All-round visibility is good, partly thanks to the compact dimensions and smart ergonomics, making parking and maneuvering in the city a pleasure.

On the road, the new Ypsilon feels agile and vibrant, thanks in part to the set-up that former WRC world champion Miki Biasion contributed to. The hybrid and electric powertrains provide smooth acceleration and a pleasant, direct steering feel. The car is stable, confident when cornering and at the same time maintains the compact, playful character that characterizes the brand. Driving pleasure is thereby enhanced by the balance between comfort and sportiness: this is a compact luxury car that also makes short trips out of town very pleasant.

One of the most exciting developments surrounding the new Ypsilon, however, is Lancia's return to the WRC. The new Lancia Ypsilon Integral Rally 2 is currently being extensively tested by Stellantis Motorsport. There are already rumors that there may also be a street version of this rally gun, which would make the Ypsilon unique in its class, a bit like Toyota did with the GR Yaris. It gives the new Ypsilon an extra allure: a compact city car with rally DNA, something you don't often see these days. It would give the brand a worthy successor to the legendary Lancia Delta HF Integrale.

With the new Ypsilon, Lancia has created a strong, versatile and stylish model. With its hybrid and electric powertrains, Stratos-style rear lights and Italian-tinted interior, it offers both character and modern comfort. The return to WRC and a possible street version also make it an exciting and unique option for fans of compact cars with rally DNA.

Lancia Ypsilon features

Hybrid and fully electric available
Unique design with Stratos-style rear lights
Typical Lancia interior with beautiful materials, especially HF versions
Possibly also coming as a street version of Ypsilon Integrale Rally 2
Compact, agile and eye-catching in the city

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Audi A1 compact, premium and mature in one

The new Audi A1 shows that a compact car can also feel mature and premium. As soon as you get in, you'll notice that Audi remains true to its well-known level of quality: sleek materials, a well-organized and modern dashboard and comfortable seats that make both short city trips and longer trips enjoyable. The interior feels solid and well thought out, with a typical Audi atmosphere where everything is exactly where you expect it to be. The all-round view is also good, thanks to smart windows and mirrors, so that parking and maneuvering in the city remains easy.

On the road, the Audi A1 shows that it is much more than a city car. The handling is predictable, the steering wheel feels responsive but provides little feeling and information. The handling is safe, but when the Audi is driven in a really sporty way, the car dives strongly on the front axle when braking hard. This can make the back feel unpredictable. Above all, the driving experience combines a lot of convenience and comfort: you feel comfortable on every trip and enjoy the typical Audi driving experience, even in a compact version. The powertrains offer smooth acceleration and smooth handling, making the A1 suitable for both daily commutes and relaxing outdoor rides.

The design of the Audi A1 exudes strength and maturity. Clean lines, a distinctive grille and typical Audi features make it instantly recognisable. In addition, Audi offers plenty of personalization options: you can customize the A1 entirely to your own taste, from colors to rims and interior accents. That makes the car special, but of course also drives up the price, a luxury that you can design yourself.

In short, the new Audi A1 is a compact car that feels like a mature premium model. With its typical Audi design, high-quality interior, and extensive personalization options, it is a car that offers both luxury and comfort, even in a smaller format. Those who love a compact premium experience will get a car that offers that little bit extra with the A1.

Audi A1 features

Mature premium design, powerful Audi look
High-quality interior with a modern finish
Good all-round visibility and compact dimensions
Tight, predictable handling with agility
Many personalization options, but therefore more expensive

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See all Audi A1's ->

Lancia Ypsilon vs Audi A1: two worlds, two customers

When you put the Lancia Ypsilon and Audi A1 side by side, you immediately see that they are two completely different cars, each with their own charm and target group. The Lancia Ypsilon is particularly appealing to drivers who dare to stand out and want to have fun in a compact city car. With its rally DNA, a nod to the Stratos and the HF version that draws real attention, the Ypsilon feels lively, playful and surprisingly quirky. It is a car with character, where you can still feel Lancia's history in the WRC. For those who love a car that dares to be something different, this is the nicer choice of the two.

The Audi A1, on the other hand, sets a completely different tone. Mature, premium and sleek, it exudes reliability and luxury. Everything feels controlled and thought out, from the interior to the design. The A1 isn't playful or eye-catching, but it's exactly the maturity and quality that Audi customers expect. It's a car you can safely drive every day without ever worrying about comfort or finish.

In short: Those who like a playful, characterful car with rally genes choose the Lancia Ypsilon, especially in the HF version. If you want a mature, premium and serious city car, go for the Audi A1. Here, Carvendo opts for the new Lancia Ypsilon. This is a unique and fun car that drives very well. The car offers a lot of feedback and has a nice balance. The Lancia's damping is also at a level where comfort and sportiness are nicely balanced. This results in stable road holding and good steering feel, without sacrificing comfort.

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