Ten Second Review

After its much anticipated 2009 touch down on these shores was postponed, the Lancia Delta (now in third generation form) looked destined to prolong its 14-year exile from the UK indefinitely. One facelift, Fiat's buyout of Chrysler and a realistic marketing budget later, it's finally back as a keenly-priced, lavishly appointed 'premium' Chrysler hatchback with the Ford Focus firmly in its sights.

Background

The Lancia Delta's rallying exploits through the '80s and '90s became the stuff of legend. But as the first generation car's production run came to an end in 1994, it also marked the cessation of Lancia's commercial presence in the UK and many felt, perhaps overcome by nostalgia, that Blighty's carscape would be left much the poorer. Then again, looking at the half-baked makeover that was the second generation Delta, maybe not. With Alfa Romeo looking after the Fiat Group's sporty aspirations, the newly re-badged and grilled third generation Delta that joins the Ypsilon supermini in Chrysler showrooms at the beginning of September is a somewhat more savvy, family-flavoured proposition with a notably spacious five-door body sitting on a stretched Fiat Bravo platform. Fiat's hope is that with a combination of aggressive pricing and executive class sophistication and luxury it can, once again, capture the heads, hearts and wallets of British buyers.

Driving Experience

Naturally, the Delta pulls together a powertrain and technology package cherry picked from the Fiat Group's most modern offerings. The four-strong UK engine line up comprises two 1.4-litre petrol units and 1.6- and 1.9-litre diesels. All are recent designs and commendably efficient, but the standout units are the 140bhp 1.4-litre MultiAir petrol and the 165bhp second generation 2.0-litre MultiJet diesel. All the engines are teamed with a six-speed manual gearbox with a semi-automatic option for the 1.6 SE MultiJet diesel. So what can we expect from behind the wheel? Well, forget the Deltas of bygone days, especially the Integrale: this Delta focuses of luxury and space, rather in the same way that the Ford Focus has become a bit more 'executive' and a little less exciting for the driver. Ride comfort is helped by dual-mode electronic dampers with a 'Sport' setting, but don't ask too much from the handling which will be safe and user-friendly but unlikely to be challenging for class honours. There's no shortage of electronic driver aids, though. In addition to Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and the Anti-Slip Regulation traction control, the Delta gets Linearisation Torque Feedback (LTF), Torque Transfer Control (TTC) and Drive Steering Torque (DST) - all designed to keep the Delta on the road when pressing on. Automatic parking - you find a gap, the car tells you if it's suitable then takes care of the steering as you reverse into it - is an optional extra, as are Lane Departure Control and the Blue&Me navigation system (standard on the range-topping Limited model).

Design and Build

If you want to stand out from the C-segment hatchback crowd, the Delta's distinctive design will certainly provide the means. Although it's been around since 2008, it looks so different to everything else in its class it might as well have been minted yesterday. The elements of retro Lancia (despite the Chrysler branding) could look awkward and gimmicky but add a quirky Italianate flavour to the quasi-MPV shape with its kicked-up waist line and acutely rounded rump. With a wheelbase 100mm longer than the Fiat Bravo's and a high roofline, the cabin is certainly very roomy and versatile. The 60/40 split rear seat slides fore and aft on runners just like those at the front so rear passenger legroom can be played off against boot space. But even with it in its forward position Chrysler claims a class-leading 970mm of legroom. Passengers can even recline the backrests by up to 25 degrees to get really comfy, an experience further enhanced, in the top-of-the-range Limited, by the seats' stitched soft leather coverings. It all helps to give the boldly styled cabin a sumptuous, up-market air that, for some, will make a refreshing change from the rather cool and austere German offerings but, for others, might seem just a little overwrought.

Market and Model

With prices starting at £16,695, the Delta is clearly going to deliver a healthy posh-per-pound quotient. The entry level S model's offering of a radio/CD with MP3 compatibility, front foglamps, remote keyless entry, air conditioning, daytime running lights, six airbags and electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD) isn't especially generous in this highly competitive sector but the Delta's style, space and luxury ambience will take some beating for the money. Four trim levels are offered: S, SE, SR and the range-topping Limited which comes with the Blue&Me navigation system, headlamps with dusk sensors, reclining rear seats and 'luxury' leather upholstery.

Cost of Ownership

Obviously time will tell, but strong residual values are predicted for the Delta in anticipation that buyers will welcome some of the executive-style features it offers. Fine economy and low emissions are another strong suit, the diesel models in particular offering an attractive blend of frugality and punchy performance. Even the 165bhp 2.0-litre diesel returns 55.4mpg on the combined cycle which equates to just 135 g/km of CO2.

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