Lancia Delta 1.9 MultiJet Twin Turbo 190 CV, road test (Part II)

We continue with the Lancia Delta, equipped with the 1.9 Multijet Twin Turbo 190 CV engine and the top-of-the-range Executive trim Executive. We already told you about this powerful engine in the first part, but above all it is worth highlighting how responsive this powertrain is at virtually any rev range. Now, in the second part, it’s time to look at the design of the Delta.

As I mentioned at the beginning of the test, the new Delta has been on the market since 2008, and it has little to do with the legendary rally model. The current Delta is a showcase of Italian design, one of those designs that leave no one indifferent. You may like it more or less, but it has plenty of personality. What will also surprise you is the interior, where the sense of space and roominess stands out, along with quality interior materials.

Exterior design

The Delta is a vehicle that is hard to place within a segment, since it is larger than most compacts, does not reach the level of space of an MPV, and is not a conventional saloon either. Its dimensions make its intentions clear: its 4.5 metres place it close to a BMW 3 Series, and that translates into interior space.

From the outside, the first thing that catches the eye is the front end, aggressive, with a large central grille and light clusters featuring LED daytime running lights that complete the Delta’s front. Seen from the side, it has a fluid, rising design; in fact, you travel higher in the rear seats than in the front ones.

At the rear, the tail features the lights inherited from the Thesis with LED lighting, once again offering a contribution of design and elegance, combined with the two-tone paintwork that borders the tailgate glass and the bodywork.

The Delta can be ordered in a single solid colour, or you can play with the two-tone options that give it a different touch compared with the rest of the vehicles in the segment. Finally, our Delta was fitted with 17-inch alloy wheels.

Interior design and habitability

As we move inside, we find two-tone leather upholstery that mixes the light colour with darker tones, and the dashboard also covered in leather, all with an elegant design that conveys quality. There are comfortable front seats, and the driving position gives good forward visibility.

The only drawback to the front seats is the limited lateral support they offer, which becomes noticeable when cornering. Additionally, there is a sense of space more typical of an MPV than a compact vehicle.

The rear seats are slightly higher than the front ones, placing you at a height similar to an SUV or MPV, and they are comfortable for two occupants who will travel with plenty of room. The most notable thing is the legroom, much greater than in traditional compacts and on a par with a saloon; however, headroom in the rear is a bit more restricted. With three occupants, it gets a little tight, and the middle seat is not very comfortable for an adult.

Operating the equipment is quite simple, except for the navigation system, which we will discuss in the third part of the test and which is an old acquaintance also found in the 407/607. On the steering wheel there are audio and phone controls, and the instrument cluster has a screen showing all the on-board computer information such as average and instantaneous consumption, average speed, and so on.

The layout of the navigation system and climate control is arranged on a split dashboard, where the quality of the materials is on a par with many premium saloons (or even surpasses them in some cases) and the settings are correct. It also offers plenty of storage spaces, especially a glovebox under the armrest where you can fit a 50 cl bottle, which is refrigerated, as well as door pockets and a large glovebox.

Boot

Finally, we have the boot, with regular shapes and a capacity of 380 litres, which can be increased because the rear seat backrests can be folded forward, gaining more room for luggage. In short, this is a car with a personality-filled design and an interior that surprises with its spaciousness, good fit and finish, on a par with a premium saloon.

In the third part of the test, we will focus on the equipment of this Executive version and on pricing, as well as our overall assessment of this Lancia Delta.

Photos | Diego G. Moreira | Thanks to Borja for his collaboration on the test