Chrysler Ypsilon Pre Model 1.2 S 5dr Car Review - March 2012

An efficient engine that offers great fuel consumption and good green credentials, the power output of this 1.2 litre petrol is disappointingly poor. The engine delivers just 69 bhp at 5500 rpm and torque figures are fairly low at 75 lb-ft at 3000 rpm. Whilst the top speed of 101 mph is decent for a family car the acceleration is slow and that means the car can feel sluggish to drive, reaching 0-62 mph in a laborious 14.5 seconds.

This lack of power and speed is combined with poor handling, with the firm suspension failing to smooth out the imperfections of the road. Steering is largely unresponsive and the car tends to experience a high level of sway when coping with bends and corners.

Noise disruption is also high within this model although the 1.2 litre engine is the quietest of the Chrysler Ypsilon range. Unfortunately, the need to keep revs high in order to attain semi-decent performance levels means that noise is inevitable and a large number of wind and road sounds also contribute.

Another downside of this model is the lack of internal equipment. Whilst a number of essentials are provided this car lacks the luxuries and additional comfort provided by rivals and that means it falls behind the rest of its class.

Standard features include power steering, central locking, electric front windows and a CD compatible stereo system but this is about the extent of the features. Updating the stereo to be MP3 compatible and adding a built-in sat nav and Bluetooth connectivity costs £400 as a joint option and other additions such as rear parking sensors and air conditioning cost £250 and £350 respectively.

Upgrading the exterior to a metallic paint finish will set you back £475 and even front side airbags are chargeable extras, costing £200.

Whilst the layout of internal instruments is good, the inside of the car lacks a high quality feeling and this gives it a cheap appearance. The seating position is high which, when combined with the layout of the dash, makes the internal appearance akin to that of a small MPV rather than a small family hatchback.

In terms of comfort and adjustability, the seating height can be altered but the lack of reach adjustment in the steering wheel means that driving positions can remain uncomfortable. The driver footwell is also a little cramped, and this means the pedals are not always easy to operate.

On top of this, visibility through the rear window is poor and the reliability of the mechanics is dubious due to the model's affiliation with Fiat – which has an unfortunate history with instruments of this kind.

In terms of safety, this basic model comes with driver and passenger airbags fitted as standard and a clever system automatically operates the hazard lights during harsh braking. Those wanting to increase safety with front side airbags must pay an extra £200 and stability control is not an option on this model, limiting the car.

To deter thieves there is an immobiliser fitted as standard but an alarm is not offered, meaning the model is not as well protected as some of its rivals. Those wanting to improve rear visibility and safety can add rear parking sensors to this model but this costs an extra £250.

As the cheapest model in the Ypsilon range at £10,695 the 1.2 S is fairly good value. Running costs are also low thanks to low carbon emissions of 115 g/km (putting it in road tax band C), rock-bottom insurance premiums under insurance bracket 3 and good fuel consumption of 57.6 mpg.

However, the lack of internal equipment and poor power means that this car lacks the performance of others in the range. Whilst these incur steeper costs they offer similar benefits in terms of running costs and this means they are a viable option.

Unfortunately, none of the models experience good resale values and this makes them a risky investment regardless of which model is purchased.