Striking new entry to supermini sector

A NEW contender in the supermini sector has arrived this month.
Chrysler has introduced the eye-catching Ypsilon, which although having five doors is shorter than most of the opposition.
It’s certainly no shrinking violet and, to be noticed in the very competitive small car sector, it needs to stand out.
A new entrant into the supermini sector, Chrysler has made sure that the Ypsilon is cutting edge. To that end, it comes packed with new technology, usually only found in larger cars. Such things as Magic Parking, xenon headlights, Blue&Me™-TomTom LIVE and the Smart Fuel System.
And, depending on the model’s trim level, buyers can specify automatic climate control, 16in wheels, cruise control, foglights, leather steering wheel with audio controls, dusk and rain sensors, parking sensors and a powerful 500 watt surround sound music system.
To survive and thrive in this sector, the Ypsilon must appeal to a variety of consumers, from drivers looking to save money by changing to a smaller, but still comfortable, car to motorists who want to trade up to something with a touch more luxury, but still affordable.
The five-door body gives plenty of practicality yet still manages to look like a sporty three-door because Chrysler have employed hidden rear door handles.
Safety was given much consideration in the Ypsilon, so Chrysler have fitted six airbags as standard, ABS brakes with Electronic Brakeforce Distrubition, Anti Slip Regulation, traction control, Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC — standard on the automatic model, and an option on the SE and Limited models) and Hill Holder to prevent slipping backwards when setting off on a hill.
Engine choices including the TwinAir, voted the 2011 International Engine Of The Year, a nippy 1.2-litre petrol motor and a more powerful 1.3-litre turbo diesel. Start&Stop comes as standard with all models.
Three trim levels are available — the S, SE and Limited, but with a big choice of optional extras, the final combination is almost limitless. Certainly enough to make your Ypsilon pretty distinctive. Especially with the five separate upholstery trims to pick from.
On the outside, buyers have a choice of 16 colour combinations (three being bi-colour) and three styles of alloy wheels to choose from.