SLEEK, stylish, fun and funky. All these attributes can be said about the new Chrysler Ypsilon which has just been launched as the brand pulls out all the stops to re-establish itself in the UK.

With Chrylser Now sitting snugly within the Fiat Group umbrella, the Ypsilon marks the initial foray into the supermini sector by the famous brand which first made it's name in the US in the mid-1920s.

Bursting at the seams with innovation and technology and kitted out with a luxurious finish normally found only on premium brand models, owners of the Ypsilon can be spoiled with a host of goodies such as xenon headlights, a smart fuel system, Blue&Me TomTom Live and automatic 'Magic Parking'.

Chrysler knows it has a hard task ahead, for the supermini sector is the most competitive one out there as manufacturers attempt to lure customers to their marques.

But the design team have done a nice job, giving the car a somewhat butch, unconventional exterior look that's just that little bit different to the rest.

Coming in a just 3.84 metres - making it one of the smallest superminis around - the car's clever packaging means it offers masses of space and headroom while the 245-litre boot competes well within the class.

The Ypsilon comes with a choice of two petrol engines, either the group's 68bhp 1.2-litre Fire or the free-revving turbocharged 84bhp 0.9-litre TwinAir two-cylinder unit.

A 94bhp 1.3-litre MultiJet common rail turbocharged diesel-powered variant, with its highly-economical 74mpg economy, completes the range.

But it's the TwinAir model which Chrysler believe will be the most popular with UK buyers.

Available in either SE or range-topping Limited trim, it comes with price tags of £13,195 and £14,495 respectively. Automatic versions are also available for an extra £1,200.

As superminis go, the nippy Ypsilon has been given a ride set-up that verges towards the firm side, and while this works really well on smooth highways and gives the driver plenty of confidence on more challenging roads, it also helps smooth out the poor surfaces found on our badly-surfaced and pot-holed streets.

Inside, the centrally-mounted instrument panel, which sits directly above the binnacle housing the sound system and air conditioning controls, is an unusual feature which takes a little getting used to, but coupled to the high driver's position, it helps give the driver an unrestricted view of the road ahead.

Safety features include six airbags, anti-lock brakes and traction control, while the front seats have an anti-whiplash system built in to cut the risk of injury in a rear-end shunt.

Other features include leather-trimmed steering wheel, 15-inch alloy wheels, heated electric mirrors, electric windows and six-speaker CD sound system, while on Limited spec models, full leather upholstery, fog lamps and automatic rain sensor wipers are among other features fitted as standard.

And with its already stylish looks, buyers can make their car stand out even further by opting for a two-tone paint finish.

However, it's the Ypslion's overall driving abilities and great economy that will help endear the car to the supermini-buying public.

Combined fuel-consumption is 67.3mpg while CO2 emissions work out at a most impressive 99g/km, thanks in part to the Ypsilon's start/stop technology.

That coupled with its lively 109mph top speed and crisp acceleration, makes the new Ypsilon a more-than-worthy contender for challenging the more established players in the bid for sales.