Back in the 1970s when I was growing up I admired the Wartburg Knight. A neighbour had one and I decided I should be a Wartburg owner one day.

Now, I either never grow up, or my tastes changed, for I never did buy a Wartburg and I doubt I ever will. Although, if I see one on eBay that takes my fancy, you never know. The reason I liked the Knight was that it was different. I didn’t know it was East German and of questionable quality but it looked striking, as cars often did in those days.

Today cars are designed by committees and the tendency is for them to look alike. Only now and again do you come across something different, like the Ypsilon.

This is a Chrysler but it is sold as a Lancia in most countries. Why? It doesn’t make sense to me, but perhaps Chrysler is seen as a more reliable brand in the UK.

Anyway, it’s different which is a big plus when every car company in the world is desperate to follow in MINI’s fashionable tracks.

Ypsilon is not only quirky looking, but it also offers cutting edge technology and fantastic engines. More than that, it’s a five-door vehicle which manages to cram a lot into a relatively short body.

It’s a premium model in a small car’s body. It marks a resurgence for Chrysler Group which was formed in 2009 as a strategic alliance with Fiat. It shouldn’t be a surprise that Ypsilon looks good, for the 300C and Grand Voyager MPV are impressive, too.

Tested here is a limited edition version called Ypsilon Black&Red. Designed to be striking, this car aims to attract new and different customers to the range, particularly youngsters.

It comes in a very daring red and black paintwork with new features that focus on style, technology and value for money.

With additional equipment worth more than £3,000 packed into a car that starts from just £12,750, it’s an impressive model. It is available with three engines – 0.9-litre TwinAir and 1.2-litre petrol, and 1.3-litre MultiJet diesel – and it receives a raft of standard features including black and red upholstery, air conditioning, Blue&Me Bluetooth and a good hi-fi system.

Outside, it gets 16in multi-spoke alloy wheels, fog lamps, black glass and body-coloured side skirts, all as standard. Bling? Yes. But don’t pe put off by the garish colour for this is a very interesting car. As well as bringing the Chrysler name to the supermini segment, the Ypsilon introduces a host of new technologies. For the first time in this class of car, buyers will have access to a raft of large car features such as Magic Parking, xenon headlights, Blue&Me information system, TomTom satellite navigation and the Smart Fuel System.

Tested here is the 0.9 litre model. I find it incredible that such a tiny engine can be so gutsy.

It can sound harsh at times, but it has plenty of power and never feels under strain, even on motorways.

Chrysler Ypsilon Black&Black 0.9 litre

PRICE: £13,950. Range starts at £10,695 ENGINE: An 875cc two-cylinder unit generating 85bhp PERFORMANCE: Top speed 109mph and 0 to 60mph in 11.9 seconds COSTS: town 57.6mpg; country 76.3mpg; combined 68.9mpg EMISSIONS: 97g/km INSURANCE: Group 7 WARRANTY: Three years, 60,000 miles