Test drive Lancia Delta LPG: Route summary and assessment

After several days telling you all about our special test of the Lancia Delta converted to LPG across Switzerland, it’s time to put the final full stop on it, but we didn’t want to do so without a brief route summary so that, as well as discovering new places, you can also learn about our impressions behind the wheel of the LPG Delta.

We also wrap up with the prices and our overall assessment of the Lancia Delta LPG. A veteran car on the market, which has received small changes to keep up with the passing of time, but which nevertheless has practical details that set it apart from other compacts on the market.

Route summary: Special test through Switzerland

Our idea was to make a route through Switzerland, covering at least a significant part of the Helvetic country and showcasing cities and towns that often go unnoticed. We also looked for a route to enjoy behind the wheel and to thoroughly test the Lancia Delta.

Proof of this is that almost the entire route was on national roads, avoiding motorways so we could properly test the car.

Our route started in Vigo and we crossed half of France until reaching Geneva [we tell you about it here]. In those first days of the journey we discovered interesting places in France and had our first contact with the Delta.

Once in Geneva we set course for Besançon (a French city close to the Swiss border), passing through several Swiss towns on the way [we tell you about it here]. The second day of the Swiss route ran from Besançon to Interlaken, passing through Bern or Murten [we tell you about it here].

The route wrapped up on the last day with the leg between Interlaken and Geneva, passing through half of Switzerland and a part of France that skirts Lake Geneva [we tell you about it here].

From there we set off back to Spain, putting a full stop on a long journey through Spain, France and Switzerland. In total it was 4,600 km, 70 hours behind the wheel, 3 countries and a total of 300 euros in fuel (approximate figure based on our calculations).

Prices of the Lancia Delta (with promotional discount and PIVE included)

• 1.6 Mjtd STEEL 105 CV 16,150 euros
• 1.6 Mjtd SILVER 105 CV 16,600 euros
• 1.6 Mjtd GOLD 120 CV 18,000 euros
• 1.6 Mjtd “S” Diesel 120 CV 17,990 euros
• 1.4 TurboJet GLP STEEL 120 CV 17,750 euros
• 1.4 TurboJet GLP SILVER 120 CV 18,200 euros

Overall assessment

Throughout all the days we were able to test the Lancia Delta we realised that this LPG version is above all economical, achieving consumption figures that a diesel car rarely can match. But beyond that, among its virtues is the interior space: it is larger and offers more room in the rear seats than a traditional compact.

The steering feel and its dynamism could be improved, since it is a car designed for passenger comfort rather than dynamism, and its dimensions don’t help either. On the other hand, we liked the braking system, which is very effective.

In terms of equipment and prices, with the discounts it now has a more attractive price, compared with the car’s normal price, which is higher than the segment average. While the equipment level is complete from the base trim, the one with the best price-to-equipment ratio is the Silver level.

Thanks to Fiat Spain for making this test possible.

Photos | Test team, Diego G. Moreira