Lancia Delta is back!

It's official! Lancia is returning to the UK - and its comeback kid will use a familiar name

Auto Express Car Reviews

By Ross Pinnock

18th September 2006

This is the face of the Delta HPE, which will kick-start the brand's arrival when it makes its debut at the Paris Motor Show later this month. The previous car to wear the HPE (High Performance Estate) name was the Seventies' Beta.


	Lancia's production Delta will arrive towards the end of 2008 and is tasked with reviving the marque, which withdrew from the UK in 1994

Lancia's production Delta will arrive towards the end of 2008 and is tasked with reviving the marque, which withdrew from the UK in 1994. It shares its underpinnings with next year's Fiat Stilo replacement, the new Bravo, and the forthcoming Alfa Romeo 149 - also due here in 2007. Future Lancias will be built as right-hand drives, too, but the Delta will initially be the sole offering.

The stylish newcomer has a distinctive chrome grille and rising waistline for a sporty profile. Fared-in rear lights and a large glass tailgate make it stand out from the crowd.

The 4.5-metre-long body will ensure plenty of space in the upmarket cabin, which has a panoramic glass roof and sliding rear seats. These help legroom and allow a 400-litre boot capacity. A range of petrol and diesel turbos will offer from 120bhp to 200bhp-plus.

Lancia will use the UK's existing Alfa Romeo dealers to set up outlets for the range, and all customers will benefit from a special two-year VIP Service scheme as standard.