Autoblog

rgseidl @ Mar 5th 2008 4:57AM

Lancia hasn't been a rallye-inspired brand for 15 years. Instead, it's been repositioned as a brand for the discerning older gentleman who doesn't want a Fiat but can't afford a Maserati.

However, Lancia does appears to be in Alfa's shadow these days - the corporate bigwigs could have improved brand differentiation by giving the Delta more of a green tinge, e.g. a stop-start system, intelligent alternator control, AGM battery, gear change indicator, tire pressure monitor, CO2 sensor for the A/C etc.

A souped-up version of the Delta could still happen if there's enough of a public outcry, but it would probably wear an Abarth badge.

I like the side and unusual rear of the design as well as the two-tone interior. However, that trademark parrot beak grille is still a bit of an eyesore IMHO. The circular lamps inside the headlights are reminiscent of the sharp Alfa 159, but the elongated casing looks like it came off the flabby Peugeot 308. The lines of the front bumper are busier than a bishop's hat and the contraption looks oddly separated from the upper half of the front fascia.

Perhaps the most important feature gets drowned out in the press release: a new 1.8L GDI Turbojet mill rated at 200hp that will replace the old Multijet engine. There's also only one small diesel engine option - at 150hp, Fiat's 1.9L diesel might be a better match for the Delta's no doubt considerable heft, even if it does emit 31gCO2/km more.