Lancia will return to entry-level rallying with the Ypsilon Rally 4 HF

You read that right folks: Lancia intends to return to motorsport with a flared-up version of its fourth-generation Ypsilon, dubbed the ‘Rally 4 HF’. Alongside the Delta Integrale HF-inspired exterior, the hot Ypsilon gains a healthy spate of internal modifications.

Let’s start with the powertrain, which is a 1.2-litre turbocharged three-cylinder with 215bhp. Just 22 shy of the range-topping Ypsilon HF, there's also a five-speed sequential transmission and limited-slip differential.

Looks good, too. Lancia has thrown on a new roof scoop, vented bonnet, all-white straight-cut alloys and a more defined front grille. But most importantly, these additions have been knitted together by that livery. Various blue streaks run the length of the flanks and are centred by a single red line, while an estimated 348 HF logos are dotted across.

The cabin has seen very little change from the standard car, though. No bad thing, because the attractive upholstery and stitching are augmented by a pair of 10.25in displays, a circular ledge for, er, holding things, and physical switchgears right above.

We must also warn you not to get too pumped up at the possibility that this could be an eardrum-busting successor to the legendary Integrale, because the Rally 4 HF will merely be used to compete in the ‘R4’ entry-level rallying class. It’s based solely around Europe and is, in essence, the place where talented drivers are paired with beginners for a shot at making it into the bigger leagues.

If the car proves competitive, could it pave the way for a full-bore rally car in the future? We’d like to believe so.