The Chrysler Ypsilon was the Lancia Britain received without a Lancia badge. Sold here from 2012 to 2015, it mixed Italian design, a five-door body and Fiat-group engines with Chrysler branding. It was flawed, distinctive and never common—ideal Unusual Cars territory.
The Ypsilon sat between a city car and a supermini. It shared its basic architecture with the Fiat Panda but dressed it in a far more ornate body and cabin, aiming at buyers who wanted something smaller and more individual than a conventional premium hatchback.
Why it wore a Chrysler badge
Following the Fiat–Chrysler alliance, Lancia and Chrysler ranges were intertwined. Continental Europe received some Chryslers as Lancias, while Britain received the new Lancia Ypsilon and Delta as Chryslers. The Ypsilon first appeared in this form at the 2011 Geneva motor show and reached UK showrooms for 2012.
Rear door handles hidden in the window frames gave it a three-door look, while a narrow body and raised seating position suited city use. The cabin used a centrally mounted instrument panel, colourful trim combinations and more visual drama than the mainstream supermini norm.
UK engines and specifications
Three Fiat-group engines formed the core range. The 1.2-litre FIRE four-cylinder petrol produced 69bhp and was simple but slow. The 875cc TwinAir two-cylinder turbo made about 85bhp, sounded distinctive and offered stronger performance. A 1.3-litre MultiJet diesel produced around 95bhp for high-mileage drivers.
Most had a five-speed manual gearbox, while the TwinAir could be ordered with a five-speed automated manual. Stop-start was standard across much of the range. UK trims began with S, then SE and Limited, with special editions such as the S-Series appearing later.
| Engine | Power | Character |
|---|---|---|
| 1.2 FIRE petrol | 69bhp | Simple and economical, but 0–62mph took roughly 13–14 seconds |
| 0.9 TwinAir turbo petrol | About 85bhp | Lively two-cylinder sound, around 12 seconds to 62mph; manual or automated manual |
| 1.3 MultiJet diesel | About 95bhp | Strongest torque and high official economy; best for sustained mileage |
Space, comfort and driving
The 245-litre boot was competitive with many small hatchbacks, and higher trims seated five rather than the four-seat entry specification. Headroom was useful, although rear legroom and cabin width reflected the compact dimensions. Light steering and good visibility made the Ypsilon easy in town.
Contemporary reviewers liked the distinctive cabin and efficient engines but criticised the unsettled ride, modest safety provision and high list prices. The TwinAir is the most characterful match, though real-world economy falls well short of the headline figure if its turbo performance is used. The 1.2 is quieter and mechanically simpler; the diesel suits long journeys but is a risk if it has spent years on short urban runs.
Buying guide
1.2 FIRE
Check cold starting, idle quality, cooling-system condition and evidence of scheduled cambelt work. The engine is widely supported, but neglect still causes head-gasket and lubrication problems. A weak battery can also create misleading electrical symptoms.
TwinAir
The two-cylinder engine depends on correct oil grade and regular servicing. Listen for abnormal rattles, check for warning lights and confirm smooth turbo response. Poorly maintained MultiAir valve-control hardware can be expensive, so documented oil changes matter more than low mileage.
MultiJet diesel
Look for clean starting, strong boost and no excessive smoke. EGR, DPF, turbo and dual-mass-flywheel problems can erase any fuel saving. Choose a diesel only if the history suggests it has regularly completed longer journeys.
Automated manual gearbox
The Dualogic-style transmission is an automated manual, not a conventional automatic. Some pause between ratios is normal, but warning messages, failed selections or jerky clutch engagement can indicate actuator or clutch wear. A manual car is the safer long-term bet.
Body and electronics
Inspect the tall body for parking damage, mismatched paint and cracked trim. Test Blue&Me functions, windows, locks, climate control, stop-start and every dashboard display. Check carpets and the spare-wheel well for water. Suspension knocks and uneven front-tyre wear are common enough to justify a careful road test.
Which Ypsilon should you buy?
A well-serviced 1.2 manual is the rational choice, while the TwinAir manual delivers the most personality. High-spec SE and Limited cars have the equipment and interior finish that best explain the model’s original appeal. Condition, service records and correct operation should outrank colour or trim.
Why it belongs here
The Chrysler Ypsilon captures an odd chapter of badge engineering: an unmistakably Italian small car marketed in Britain under an American name. It was only sold here for a few years and never became a common sight. That combination of rarity, clever packaging and eccentric character makes it worth preserving.
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