2012 Chrysler Ypsilon

The Chrysler Ypsilon is not the right car to drive if you are a shy introvert. The car’s quirky styling and frankly odd looks, plus the fact that there are few of them about, combine to ensure that you will be looked at wherever you go. Italian cars are usually renowned for their beauty, but this one is a bit of an ugly duckling compared with the rest. It is certainly distinctive, though, with love-or-hate Marmite appeal. Everything about it is slightly wacky, from that bulbous note to those tail-lights shaped like big apostrophes, and that rather quaint two-tone paintwork. It is deceptive in its interior space, too. This is a tall, rather upright, modestly sized five-door hatchback that looks like a three-door, thanks to the rear ones having concealed handles. Its short length and tubby shape makes you think there won’t be much room inside, but it has very good headroom and it isn’t too bad for knee-room either. From the badges you might assume that this car is American, and hails from Detroit. That is evident from its Chrysler identity, right? Wrong, actually. It is made in Italy by the Fiat group, and sells in mainland Europe wearing Lancia badges. If this seems a somewhat unusual state of affairs, it is explained by Fiat having taken over Chrysler, and deciding to sell badge-engineered Lancias in the UK as if they are Chryslers. Blame ancient history, back last century when Lancias were rust-buckets, fell out of favour and were withdrawn from sale here. Hence the idiosyncratic decision to re-launch them on the British market for the 21st century disguised as something else.

2012 Chrysler Delta

The new Chrysler Delta, which is now on sale in the UK, is all about adding value to people's lives. It offers family saloon space in a compact hatchback body. It introduces executive car equipment to a wide market. It features sophisticated technologies that are entirely new to this size of car. And it presents all this at prices, starting at just £16,695 OTR, that equal or undercut many less gifted rivals. With its sophisticated appearance, sumptuous interior and four state-of-the-art engines, the Delta is an accomplished re-entry into the C segment for Chrysler. On sale here now, it provides the sort of interior space expected from a far larger vehicle. Yet a host of all-new electronic driver aids ensures that the Delta is satisfying to drive as well as being very comfortable for both front and rear seat passengers. Along with its smaller sister, the new Chrysler Ypsilon, Delta marks the resurgence of Chrysler Group LLC, which was formed in 2009 as a strategic alliance with Fiat. Chrysler's portfolio contains some of Europe's most recognisable vehicles, including the 300C saloon and top-selling Grand Voyager MPV. Now with the help of Fiat's experience and knowledge in the small and medium-sized car sectors, Chrysler can infuse compact, more environmentally friendly models with the luxurious character traits of its bigger cars. Chrysler brand director Nigel Land says: "People know us for large vehicles such as the Grand Voyager and 300C. We are transferring the values that lie behind those cars to the B and C segments. We are not going for high volumes. We want to be the choice for people who are seeking a credible alternative to traditional segment offerings.