Insurance Group: 12
MPG: 74.3
CO2: 99
0-62 Mph: 11.4 secs
BHP: 95 BHP
Range: 654 miles
PROS: Exempt from road tax thanks to exceptionally low carbon emissions and achieving over 70 mpg for fuel consumption, this model is exceptionally cheap to keep on the road.
CONS: Insurance premiums rise steeply compared to the low costs associated with the 1.2 S. In-car tech isn’t improved as much as people may expect considering the difference in purchase price between models.
An efficient engine that offers great fuel consumption and good green credentials, the power output of this 1.3 litre diesel offers decent improvements on the 1.2 petrol. Power output reaches 95 bhp at 4000 rpm with torque figures of 148 lb-ft at 1500 rpm. The top speed of the 1.3 diesel also offers improvement on the 1.2 petrol’s 101 mph limit by powering its way to 114 mph. Unfortunately, despite the additional power, acceleration is still on the slow side and the car takes 11.4 seconds to travel from 0-62 mph – although this is still an improvement on the 1.2 petrol’s lengthy 14.5 seconds.
Handling is still poor, 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 – making the 1.2 petrol seem fairly quiet in comparison. Noise from the wind and road is particularly high and make the drive uncomfortable.
In terms of internal equipment, the 1.3 M-Jet Limited offers a number of improvements on the basic 1.2 S.
Standard features include power steering, central locking, electric front windows and a CD compatible stereo system but, whilst the 1.2 S offers the same features, the 1.3 Limited expands on this list even further.
Additional features offered at this level include alloy wheels, climate control, electric door mirrors, leather seats, a built-in sat nav, Bluetooth connectivity and an advanced stereo system which offers MP3 connectivity.
Some features still require additional expenditure however, with cruise control costing £500 and rear parking sensors costing the same as in the 1.2 S model (£250).
Whilst the layout of the 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, making operating the pedals a little awkward.
On top of this, visibility through the rear window is poor and the reliability of the mechanics is dubious due to their affiliation with Fiat – which has an unfortunate history with such instruments.
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 when the brakes are applied suddenly. Unlike the 1.2 S, the 1.3 Limited comes with front side airbags as standard and that means safety is enhanced. Stability control – an option not available on the 1.2 S – is also available for a cost of £325.
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.
Priced at £15,495 the 1.3 Limited is not as cheap as the basic 1.2 S and is considered fairly expensive for a vehicle in this class. However, running costs are exceptionally low which means the extra purchase price could be a wise investment.
Running costs are kept low thanks to carbon emissions which hover below the 100 g/km threshold mark at 99 g/km making it exempt from road tax costs under band A.
Mileage is also improved from the basic model, achieving an impressive 74.3 mpg – making refuelling inexpensive and infrequent. Insurance premiums will be higher however as whilst the 1.2 S falls under group 3 the 1.3 Limited falls under group 12.
Unfortunately, despite the financial savings, none of these models experience good resale values and that means buyers should expect to meet high levels of depreciation.
Whilst the economic and environmental benefits of this car are clear the small 1.2 litre engine may be insufficient for those after high performance. However for those after a competent and respect...
The Chrysler Ypsilon is designed to compete with the Fiat 500, VW Polo and Ford Fiesta. Despite its handsome exterior and seemingly stylish interior, the Ypsilon falls short of its rivals behind th...
A fun little car to drive with a bit more class than many of its competitors, the Ypsilon 0.9 TwinAir SE is a pretty unique and distinctive offering from Chrysler. It is a zippy car for driving aro...
If you are looking for a small, cheap to run, automatic 5-door hatchback, then Chrysler may have thrown you an interesting curve ball with Ypsilon 0.9 TwinAir SE Automatic. A financial link up wit...
Costing almost £5,000 more than the 1.2 S model, the Chrysler Ypsilon 1.3 M-Jet Limited may seem a tad on the expensive side. However, with running costs exceptionally low this is unlikely to amoun...
You might want to read reviews for other Small Family cars that you can then compare to the Chrysler Ypsilon. Here are some popular Chrysler Ypsilon alternatives:
