05 Mar 08
Lancia has launched the Delta at Geneva.
The Delta is built on a lengthened version of the Fiat Bravo's underpinnings, putting it between the Golf/Astra/Focus C-segment and larger D-segment cars in size, although it has a five-door hatchback bodystyle rather than a saloon layout. Its bodywork and design is little changed from the Delta HPE
concept seen at the 2006 Paris Motor Show, but with slight modifications to the front-end styling and additions including LED headlights.
Engines for the range are expected to range from 120bhp to over 200bhp, with powerful JTDm multi-jet diesels to feature; at a later date, there will be a new-age Delta Integrale, positioned as an Impreza STi/Evo X rival. Coupe-convertible and crossover variants are also said to be under consideration.
Equipment levels will be generous and the interior finish lavish, to put clear distance between the Delta and more mainstream Bravo. Specification will include electronic suspension damping control and leather/Alcantara upholstery as well as a top-end Bose hi-fi and the Blue&Me communications system.
Lancia will be relaunched as a 'luxury' brand in the Fiat Auto Group, with a series of new models on the way. Next year brings a new generation of the Ypsilon supermini (an upmarket version of the Fiat Grande Punto) and the Musa mini-MPV (Fiat Idea), but more exciting is the prospect of a new Aurelia. Lancia is said to be reviving this historic name from its back catalogue for a range-topping coupe-convertible based on the chassis of the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione ; this will be developed as an Italian answer to the likes of the Mercedes SL and BMW 6-Series.
Check out the rest of our Geneva Motor Show coverage.
