Chrysler Ypsilon (2012 – 2015) Review
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Chrysler Ypsilon (2012 – 2015) At A Glance
Rebadged Chrysler version of the Lancia Ypsilon. 'Classy' interior. Soft ride.
Quirky and oddball looks won't be liked by everyone.
American brand Chrysler is now operated by the Fiat group, and, thanks to an empire that covers numerous platforms and models, it has the ‘oomph’ behind it to launch two new models in the UK: the Ypsilon and the Delta.
Regular visitors to the continent will probably recognise these two models because they’re both sold with the Lancia badge in Europe. Lancia pulled out of the UK in the 90s thanks to a poor reputation for the integrity of its vehicles, and so rather than resurrect the name it has rebadged some of its models as Chryslers.
The Ypsilon is a small hatch based on the same platform as the Fiat 500, with which it shares the TwinAir, 1.2-litre FIRE and 1.3-litre MultiJet engines, the former two of which are petrol and the latter diesel.
Chrysler aims to sell the Ypsilon as a luxury small car, and so there are some nifty optional extra features which don’t usually appear on such small cars, including an automatic parking system, cruise control, Blue&Me Bluetooth and a powerful suuround sound system. There are even leather seats on top level models.
The curious styling will certainly turn heads, although the onlookers will probably stare in confusion as much as admiration – there’s nothing else styled quite like it on sale today, with the exception of its big brother, the Delta.
Despite the small dimensions, the Ypsilon features five doors. Customisation options are numerous, and buyers can even specify bi-colour paintwork if the striking styling isn’t enough on its own. Prices start at £10,640.
Reviews for Chrysler Ypsilon (2012 – 2015)'s top 3 rivals
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Chrysler Ypsilon (2012 – 2015) handling and engines
- Engines range from 0.9 TwinAir Automatic to 1.3 Multijet
- Readers report Real MPG to be between 36–65 mpg
The Ypsilon is based on a stretched version of the Fiat 500 platform, so there are plenty of similarities, both in engine options and in the way it drives. The same 1.2-litre four cylinder and 0.9-litre TwinAir petrol engines as fitted to the 500 are available in the Ypsilon, as is the 1.3-litre MultiJet diesel.
The TwinAir has the most character – it buzzes along, eager to rev and is a great smile raiser. It falls into VED band A thanks to emissions of 99g/km, though the official fuel economy figure of 67.3mpg is optimistic unless you drive like a saint, something particularly hard to do when the two-cylinder buzz kicks in.
The 1.2-litre petrol and 1.3-litre diesel are perfectly fine, too, although the petrol is getting on a little bit now and so isn’t as efficient or as clean as more modern petrol engines, with emissions of 118g/km and official claimed economy of 55.4 mpg. The MultiJet diesel offers 99g/km emissions and official economy of 74.3mpg.
Regardless of engine choice you get a very town-focussed car. Suspension is fairly soft, offering a decent amount of comfort over potholes, but with the downside of noticeable body roll in the bends. On top of that it’s quite easy to scuff the nose of the Ypsilon on speed humps unless you approach them very slowly.
Steering is very light and doesn’t offer much feedback, but it’s not any the worse for it. Pressing the ‘City’ button on the dash makes the electric power steering offer more assistance than usual. It makes the steering so light you can park using just your finger to steer. It makes life easier when you find a tight space.
That’s just as well because rear visibility isn’t all that great – it’s tricky to see what’s at the rear corners and directly behind the car because the rear window is small and isn’t the ideal shape – so avoid spaces with bollards behind them until you get used to the cars length.
| Engine | MPG | 0-62 | CO2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.9 TwinAir | 67–69 mpg | 11.9 s | 97–99 g/km |
| 0.9 TwinAir Automatic | 67 mpg | 11.9 s | 97 g/km |
| 1.2 | 54–55 mpg | 13.4–14.5 s | 115–120 g/km |
| 1.3 Multijet | 74 mpg | 11.4 s | 99 g/km |
Real MPG average for the Chrysler Ypsilon (2012 – 2015)
Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.
Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.
Average performance
77%
Real MPG
36–65 mpg
MPGs submitted
24
Chrysler Ypsilon (2012 – 2015) interior
- Boot space is 245–820 litres
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 3842 mm |
| Width | 1874 mm |
| Height | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2390 mm |
Chrysler wants the Ypsilon to be seen as a premium alternative for those who want a small hatchback, but while its cabin sports a few nice details it’s a stretch to call it ‘premium.’ It’s neither particularly plush nor very well put together and misses a few important details that make a car truly stand out as special.
The instrument binnacle is mounted in the centre of the dashboard – a fairly novel approach – but it’s the wrong way around, with the speed read out over by the passenger and the less important rev counter near the driver. That’s quite possibly a hangover from the cars’ left-hand drive origins and it would have been nice to see it swapped for the UK market.
One thing in the Ypsilon’s favour is the five-door layout. It might not look as though it has five doors, though, because the designer has cleverly hidden the rear door handles in the black window surround. The five-door layout means access to the back seats is easy, but the actual space on offer isn’t brilliant – it’ll do for children though.
Standard equipment isn’t all that generous, but all the essentials are there – electric windows, stop/start and MP3 compatibility – but to get air con you need a mid-range model, while only top Limited models get alloy wheels unless you pick out the striking Red&Black edition, which has a unique interior too. As is the fashion with small hatchbacks these days, there are plenty of customisation options including two-colour paint, different alloy wheel designs and various interior trims.
Chrysler Ypsilon (2012 – 2015) models and specs
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 3842 mm |
| Width | 1874 mm |
| Height | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2390 mm |
| Miscellaneous | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight | 965–1050 kg |
| Boot Space | 245–820 L |
| Warranty | 3 years / 60000 miles |
| Servicing | 18000–21000 miles |
| Spare Wheel | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | Tyre-repair kit | ||
| Costs | |
|---|---|
| List Price | £9,995–£15,095 |
| Insurance Groups | 3–12 |
| Road Tax Bands | A–C |
| Official MPG | 54.3–74.3 mpg |
| Euro NCAP Safety Ratings | |
|---|---|
| Adult | - |
| Child | - |
| Pedestrian | - |
| Overall | - |
On sale until December 2017
| Hatchback | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 0.9 Twinair Black And Red 5dr | £13,995 | 67.3 mpg | 11.9 s |
| 0.9 Twinair G 5dr | £12,395 | 67.3 mpg | 11.9 s |
| 0.9 Twinair G Auto 5dr | £13,595 | 68.9 mpg | 11.9 s |
| 0.9 Twinair Platinum 5dr | £13,895 | 67.3 mpg | 11.9 s |
| 0.9 Twinair Platinum Auto 5dr | £15,095 | 68.9 mpg | 11.9 s |
| 0.9 Twinair SE 5dr | £13,250 | 67.3 mpg | 11.9 s |
| 0.9 Twinair SE Auto 5dr | £14,450 | 68.9 mpg | 11.9 s |
| 0.9 Twinair S-Series 5dr | £13,995 | 67.3 mpg | 11.9 s |
| 1.2 Black And Red 5dr | £12,795 | 55.4 mpg | 13.4 s |
| 1.2 G 5dr | £11,195 | 54.3 mpg | 13.4 s |
| 1.2 Platinum 5dr | £12,695 | 54.3 mpg | 13.4 s |
| 1.2 S 5dr | £10,750 | 55.4 mpg | 13.4 s |
| 1.2 SE 5dr | £12,050 | 55.4 mpg | 13.4 s |
| 1.2 Silver 5dr | £9,995 | 54.3 mpg | 13.4 s |
| 1.2 S-Series 5dr | £12,795 | 55.4 mpg | 13.4 s |
| 1.3 M-Jet Black And Red 5dr | £14,995 | 74.3 mpg | 11.4 s |
| 1.3 M-Jet G 5dr | £13,395 | 74.3 mpg | 11.4 s |
| 1.3 M-Jet Platinum 5dr | £14,895 | 74.3 mpg | 11.4 s |
| 1.3 M-Jet SE 5dr | £14,250 | 74.3 mpg | 11.4 s |
| 1.3 M-Jet S-Series 5dr | £14,995 | 74.3 mpg | 11.4 s |
On sale until October 2015
| Hatchback | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 0.9 TwinAir Gold 85 5dr | £12,395 | 67.3 mpg | 11.9 s |
| 0.9 TwinAir Gold 85 Auto 5dr | £13,595 | 68.9 mpg | 11.9 s |
| 0.9 TwinAir Platinum 85 5dr | £13,895 | 67.3 mpg | 11.9 s |
| 0.9 TwinAir Platinum 85 Auto 5dr | £15,095 | 68.9 mpg | 11.9 s |
| 0.9 TwinAir SE 85 5dr | £13,250 | 67.3 mpg | 11.9 s |
| 0.9 TwinAir SE 85 Auto 5dr | £14,450 | 67.3 mpg | 11.9 s |
| 0.9 TwinAir S-Series 85 5dr | £13,995 | 67.3 mpg | 11.9 s |
| 1.2 Gold 69 5dr | £11,195 | 54.3 mpg | 13.4 s |
| 1.2 Platinum 69 5dr | £12,695 | 54.3 mpg | 13.4 s |
| 1.2 S 69 5dr | £10,750 | 55.4 mpg | 13.4 s |
| 1.2 SE 69 5dr | £12,050 | 55.4 mpg | 13.4 s |
| 1.2 Silver 69 5dr | £9,995 | 54.3 mpg | 13.4 s |
| 1.2 S-Series 69 5dr | £12,795 | 55.4 mpg | 13.4 s |
| 1.3 Multijet Gold 95 5dr | £13,395 | 74.3 mpg | 11.4 s |
| 1.3 Multijet Platinum 95 5dr | £14,895 | 74.3 mpg | 11.4 s |
| 1.3 Multijet SE 95 5dr | £14,250 | 74.3 mpg | 11.4 s |
| 1.3 Multijet S-Series 95 5dr | £14,995 | 74.3 mpg | 11.4 s |
On sale until January 2015
| Hatchback | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 0.9 TwinAir SE 5dr | £13,250 | 67.3 mpg | 11.9 s |
| 0.9 TwinAir SE Auto 5dr | £14,450 | 68.9 mpg | 11.9 s |
| 0.9 TwinAir S-Series 5dr | £13,995 | 67.3 mpg | 11.9 s |
| 1.2 S 5dr | £10,750 | 55.4 mpg | 14.5 s |
| 1.2 SE 5dr | £12,050 | 55.4 mpg | 14.5 s |
| 1.2 S-Series 5dr | £12,795 | 55.4 mpg | 14.5 s |
| 1.3 Multijet SE 5dr | £14,250 | 74.3 mpg | 11.4 s |
| 1.3 Multijet S-Series 5dr | £14,995 | 74.3 mpg | 11.4 s |
Model History
- October 2011: Chrysler Ypsilon launched
- February 2012: New Black&Red edition launched
- May 2014: Revised Ypsilon launched
October 2011
Chrysler Ypsilon launched
The new Ypsilon, is designed to be 'a mix of segment-leading style, cutting edge technology, eye-catching design and world-class engines' according to Chrysler. All this is incorporated in a 3.8m long five-door vehicle that’s shorter than most of its rivals.
As well as bringing the Chrysler name to the supermini segment, the Ypsilon introduces a host of such as Magic Parking, xenon headlights, Blue&Me, TomTom LIVE and the Smart Fuel System.
On top of that, depending on the trim level they choose, buyers will be able to specify automatic climate control, fog lights, 16-inch wheels, cruise control, a leather steering wheel with audio controls, dusk and rain sensors, parking sensors and a 500-watt surround sound music system.
The Chrysler Ypsilon has been designed to compete in the increasingly popular supermini sector. To do so successfully it must appeal to a wide range of buyers, from down-sizers looking for an economical but comfortable small car, to those aiming to move up to a more luxurious model that is still affordable to buy and run. With a five-door body shape that has the appearance of a sporty three door thanks to hidden rear door handles, the Ypsilon combines practicality with good looks.
For added reassurance, it’s also one of the safest cars in its segment, featuring as standard up to six airbags, ABS anti-lock brakes with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC – standard on Auto, optional on SE and Limited), Anti Slip Regulation (ASR), traction control and Hill Holder.
This is underpinned by a lightweight, super-strong and safe structure that sits on a new specially designed suspension. And beneath the bonnet there’s a range of class-leading engines including the 2011 International Engine of the Year, the TwinAir. With its two distinct ‘characters’, this diminutive 0.9-litre turbo gives drivers the option of a sporting drive or class-leading economy in a lightweight package.
The Ypsilon’s engine range is completed by a zesty 1.2-litre petrol and a potent 1.3-litre turbo diesel, all of which come with Start&Stop as standard, and promise improved refinement combined with reduced emissions and consumption.
To give Ypsilon owners even more choice there will be three trim levels at launch: S, SE and Limited. But there’s a huge choice of options in an almost limitless number of combinations, enabling drivers to give their car the personal touch. There’s are 16 elegant paint combinations of which four are bi-colour; five different upholstery trims, and three types of alloy wheel.
The Chrysler Ypsilon was designed to give a large car feel in a small car shape and the interior embraces this philosophy. The rear seats, each with three-point seatbelts, have been designed to be as supportive as a larger car’s. And the front pair use new ‘slim seat’ technology for the first time to increase leg space for rear passengers.
The cabin isn’t just a restful place to be, it’s bright as well. LEDs are used to illuminate the dashboard. And the main instruments sit in a central display above the console housing the entertainment and ventilation systems, to create an inclusive environment for driver and passengers alike.
The range starts with the latest evolution of the famous Fire engines family. This 1.2-litre eight-valve unit features continuously variable valve timing which optimises the opening and closing of the valves to ensure the engine still feels peppy while operating at maximum efficiency.
The engine develops a healthy 102Nm of torque at 3000rpm while power at 5500rpm is a respectable 69bhp. And thanks to Start&Stop, overall fuel consumption is reduced by 5 per cent while CO2emissions are an impressively low 115g/km.
The other petrol engine available in the new Ypsilon is 2011’s International Engine of the Year, the TwinAir. This combines Fiat Powertrain Technologies’ (FPT) revolutionary MultiAir technology with a small capacity two-cylinder engine plus turbocharger.
The results are ground-breaking, giving the 875cc TwinAir more power (85bhp) and torque (145Nm) than the larger capacity 1.2-litre Fire engine. It is also more economical and at 97g/km (for the semi-automatic gearbox version), has the lowestemissions of any quantity production automotive petrol engine currently on sale.
The TwinAir also features an ECO button on the dashboard. By pressing it, torque is limited to 100Nm at 2000rpm for even greater increases in economy and reductions in emissions.
The third engine in the range is the lively 1.3-litre MultiJet II turbo-diesel with its 95bhp and 200Nm of torque at 1500rpm for effortless low speed cruising. This second generation engine is equipped with a variable geometry turbocharger, a new variable displacement engine oil pump and an alternator with ‘smart charge’.
Economy isn’t solely enhanced by the capable engine line-up. Chrysler has left no stone unturned in its efforts to make the Ypsilon as economical as possible. As a consequence, it sits on new generation low rolling resistance Goodyear EfficientGrip tyres. These use new materials to make them 10 per cent lighter. This results in 1.9 per cent better fuel economy, which Goodyear estimates could save a driver 30.6 litres of fuel over 12,500 miles. These tyres are also longer lasting and offer greater braking capability.
Every Chrysler Ypsilon is equipped with Start&Stop and a Gear Shift Indicator (GSI). Specifically designed for city driving, Start&Stop is like having an invisible co-pilot who automatically switches off the engine when the vehicle is stationary. But all the systems that guarantee comfort and safety on board, such as the lights, climate control and windscreen wipers, remain operational. When either the system detects that the battery needs some charge, or the driver dips the clutch to engage first gear, the engine fires automatically.
By cutting the engine when it isn’t needed, Start&Stop saves up to 15 per cent in fuel over the urban cycle. The GSI meanwhile helps the driver to change gear at the optimum point for best fuel consumption.
Three basic trim levels are available: S, SE and Limited. Even the entry-level S trim, which is only available with the 1.2-litre engine, is a very well equipped supermini. Standard equipment features height adjustable steering wheel, electric front windows, 50/50 split rear seat, height-adjustable driver’s seat, 15-inch wheels, premium fabric upholstery and heated rear window, radio with CD and MP3 player, plus the full complement of safety kit.
In addition to that, SE specification adds manual climate control, electrically adjustable door mirrors, leather-trimmed steering wheel and gear-lever gaiter, and Castiglio upholstery available in either Romantic Gold or Urban Black designs.
Finally, with an eye very firmly on buyers who will be purchasing the new Ypsilon for its high specification, the Limited has rear electric windows, fog lights, 15-inch alloy wheels and leather upholstery.
Should owners want to customise their cars, there’s an extensive range of quality accessories available to complement the new Ypsilon’s bespoke nature. There are 16-inch alloy wheels, side skirts and tinted headlights plus door kick plates with illuminated logo.
To enhance the new Chrysler Ypsilon’s already expressive design further, there’s a stylish range of exterior paint trims, including bi-colour, which allows owners to specify varying bonnet and roof colours to make their car even more eye-catching. A total of 16 colours are available, including four Bi-colour, four Metallic, four Micalised, two Tri-coat and two Pastel.
February 2012
New Black&Red edition launched
Available with a choice of three engines – 0.9-litre TwinAir and 1.2-litre petrol, and 1.3-litre MultiJet diesel – the new Black&Red receives a raft of standard interior features including black and red fabric seat upholstery, dashboard and door linings, air conditioning, Blue&Me Bluetooth, and a 360-degree hi-fi system.
Outside, the car gets black and red bi-colour paint, 16-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels, fog lamps, black glass and body-coloured side skirts, all as standard. And to make the new car even more desirable, Chrysler is offering a zero deposit, £199 per month finance deal on the 1.2-litre version (£219 0.9-litre TwinAir, £239 1.3-litre).
1.2 Petrol £12,750
0.9 TwinAir £13,950
1.3 MultiJet £14,950
May 2014
Revised Ypsilon launched
The range features new entry and premium versions, additional equipment on the mid-range car, fresh colour choices, plus new names that bring the UK series in line with the rest of Europe.
Powered by a choice of three economical, low emission engines – 1.2-litre 69PS petrol, 1.3-litre MultiJet 95PS diesel, and 0.9-litre 85PS petrol – the range now comes in three trim levels, Silver, Gold and Platinum.
Ypsilon Silver, which replaces the S version, is comparably equipped but includes internal and external styling changes, new seat design and detail finishes. The exterior is further enhanced by a refreshed colour range which includes three new colours: Marble Grey, Khaki Grey, and Sapphire Blue.
Linked to the paint colour is a choice of internal and external finishes to items such as front grille, door mirror covers, hub cap centres and dashboard panel – all of which are available in either gloss black or matt dark grey. Added to this, the final accent colour is also selectable between Coconut, Watermelon or Lime, dependant on the body-colour.
The new Ypsilon Gold version is a direct replacement for the outgoing SE, and is identical in both equipment (including 15-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning, leather-wrapped steering wheel and power door mirrors) and look – with the addition of Blue&Me as standard equipment. This allows the driver to connect an external music device and stay legal and safe with built-in Bluetooth technology for telephone calls on the move.
At the top of the range, the new Platinum version takes Ypsilon back to its origins as a luxury small car. Packed with unprecedented standard equipment, the Platinum’s features include 16-inch alloy wheels, automatic climate control, rear power windows, cruise control, part leather seats and Magic Parking, which helps the driver park in tight spaces.
| 1.2 Silver | £9,895.00 |
| 1.2 Gold | £10,995.00 |
| 0.9 TwinAir Gold | £12,195.00 |
| 1.3 M-Jet Gold | £13,195.00 |
| 0.9 TwinAir Auto Gold | £13,395.00 |
| 1.2 Platinum | £12,495.00 |
| 0.9 TwinAir Platinum | £13,695.00 |
| 1.3 M-Jet Platinum | £14,695.00 |
| 0.9 TwinAir Auto Platinum | £14,895.00 |
What to watch out for
Report of 75k mile 2012 Chrysler Ypsilon Limited with 875cc Twin Air engine often starting on only one of its two cylinders and has to be turned off and on again to get it to clear and for the engine management light to go out. Owner have tried 2 independent garages and despite changing plugs and fitting new coils the problem persists. Owner found on FIAT forum that the airvalve actuator may need cleaning and cleaned and that you should always use FIAT specified Selenium oil. E arly TwinAir engines suffered coilpack failures leading to misfiring. They were subject to TSB recall and retrofitting of new improved coilpacks. A reader's 2011 500 TwinAir Sport was recalled for new coilpacks in 2012. In August 2016 and after only 22k, miles the engine started misfiring under hard acceleration and the engine management light appears. Diagnostic testing reveals that coils are again at fault and new ones have been ordered and will be fitted, but tbis time at the reader's expense.
30-04-2019:Reader received "expensive" repair quotation for repairs to a 2013 Chrysler Ypsilon for samer fault previously repaired under warranty. Suspect it's a 'Dulaogic' and the actuator has failed. Should not be too expensive as the parts are the same as FIAT 500d and Pandas.
