Chrysler Delta

Chrysler Delta

Average. An Italian Ford Focus being sold as an American Chrysler - can the Delta overcome its identity crisis?

The Lancia Delta has a long, and occasionally tortured, history. The first-generation model was a rebodied Fiat Strada that did good business until Lancia's propensity to dissolve on contact with water ruined its reputation. On the other hand, it did spawn the legendary Integrale rally weapon. The next generation never came to the UK and then it was dropped until a third-generation model appeared in 2008 - or 2011 in the UK.

Was it worth the wait? On the plus side, the Delta, especially in high-end SR or Limited guise, does feel like a small luxury car, with its Alcantara or leather seats and dozens of toys. The looks also help the impression of luxury - although the styling is a bit busy in places, it does at least stand out from the crowd. It also has a generally comfortable ride, which is in keeping with the relaxed character of the car.

On the downside, it is not cheap, being a few hundred pounds more than an equivalent Focus, and its badge hardly conveys exclusivity. Neither the Chrysler nor Lancia names exactly strike fear into the hearts of Audi or BMW.

One definite advantage the Delta has is its range of engines. The company makes much of the fact that they come from 'Fiat Powertrain' - Fiat is so proud of its latest engines that the division is being promoted as a brand. The petrol engine in particular is a state-of-the-art unit: just 1.4 litres, it can be bought in versions up to 140 bhp. Like the similarly high-tech Ford Ecoboost 1.6 (150 bhp), it is smooth, very flexible and sounds nicely sporty at high revs. This new generation of downsized, turbo motors are a huge leap forward for petrol engines.