Lancia Ypsilon leaked after being stolen and driven into canal

Our first look at the Lancia Ypsilon has come a little earlier than expected, with new spy shots showing the model being hoisted out of a canal in Europe. We can explain.

According to the French newspaper L’Est Républican, the car was supposedly stolen from a Stellantis factory and crashed into a canal in Montbéliard.

Firefighters were called to the scene after the white roof of the Lancia was spotted in the water, subsequently lifting the car out by a crane. No passengers were located inside the vehicle.

Photographer Lionel Vadam captured the car’s rescue, preemptively revealing the new Ypsilon’s design which looks to be inspired by the Pu+Ra HPE concept.

The model in question is Lancia’s first to make it out of the woodwork since undergoing an extensive rebrand earlier this year. It’s also the first new model the Italian marque will release in 15 years.

Based on the same platform as the Peugeot 208, the Ypsilon is expected to feature both hybrid and fully electric drivetrains.

The Lancia Ypsilon will officially be revealed next year before going on sale in Europe. Details surrounding availability in other markets have yet to be announced.