Test Drive Lancia Delta: Where Dreams Go
The new Delta Spear must defend its name - the first generation of the model has become a legend after six victories in the World Rally Championship. The second one was pretty boring, so we hardly remember it. The third generation is luxurious and seductive, but will it be able to conquer its former heights?
The first edition of Delta was God knows what. The car, which debuted in 1979, was a simple representative of the compact class. The model only gained notoriety after its turbocharged 1987x1992 rally version called the Integrale beat the competition to win six world titles between 80 and 4,52. Her image still wets the eyes of the former youth who pasted stickers on the doors of their lockers. . The second generation of Delta could not take on this responsibility, and the third does not try to do so. Its body is different - unlike the Integrale, it is not a cool "runner" from the XNUMXs. His ambition is to actually continue the tradition of the more sophisticated Aprilia, Appia and Fulvia models of the recent past. To this end, Italian designers allocate an additional ten centimeters to the wheelbase of the car. Fiat Bravo and form a body length of XNUMX meters. The in-house design studio Centro Stile gives the exterior a unique and extravagant look.
Work in Italy
We are not surprised by the shortcomings that such a solution leads to in everyday operation. The curved rear end, the "disappearing" front lid and the wide C-pillar create problems with visibility when maneuvering, and the high boot lip puts unnecessary weight on the belt with frequent use. On the other hand, the massive wheelbase allows the interior dimensions to be much larger than usual for the compact class, and if the rear seat is pushed as far back as possible, the interior space can be compared to that of a sedan. At the same time, it is encouraging that the displacement and folding of the seat follow its asymmetric division. Unfortunately, the hard, not very comfortable upholstery is not so successful. The front seats are also not ideal with insufficient lateral and lumbar support, and the lack of a seat belt height adjustment mechanism is something that hardly deserves comment.
These few remarks aside, the typical Italian interior is comfortable to use, although at higher performance levels there is an annoying cluster of functions in the levers behind the steering wheel. Here lights, wipers, cruise control, turn signals and a rain sensor take their place. It is commendable that the Delta equipment is worthy even at the basic level of Argento performance, which includes air conditioning, audio system, ESP stabilization program and seven airbags. For 2000 levs, the Oro version offers aluminum wheels, chrome trims, leather and Alcantara upholstery and a host of other amenities. It remains to be hoped that in the eyes of future owners, this magnificence will be able to compensate for the simple plasticity, measured here and there, and the carefree attitude to the accuracy of performance. After just a few kilometers, the gear lever of our test car suddenly unscrewed, which we were very pleased with, although it really deserves a reprimand.
If you take a closer look at the base Delta, it's better to add something "extra" - for example, an excellent lane assistant (934 lev.), Mandatory rear parking sensors (349 lev.) Or adaptive xenon headlights. ). Unlike these useful additions, 1626-inch wheels with 18/225 tires are not for everyone. They can successfully replace standard 40-inch tires with a height of 16, helping to reduce braking distances, but leading to unpleasant suspension hardening.
On the road
Fortunately, the power unit of the model gives the impression of greater harmony and balance. The new generation Delta is the first model of the Fiat concern, which has acquired a modern 1,6-liter diesel engine, which replaced the 1,9-liter Multijet with an identical power of 120 hp. The turbodiesel with common rail injection is accompanied as standard by a diesel particulate filter that keeps the Euro 5 economy class running smoothly. The four-valve engine accelerates the Delta smoothly and with a good sense of rhythm, although in sprints to 100 km/h the hatchback lags behind factory promises by a full second. Although the maximum torque of 300 Nm is still present at 1500 rpm, the engine is not the most explosive. Getting the four-cylinder engine up and running requires hard work on the throttle, clutch, and six-speed manual transmission with noticeably long gears. However, given the Delta's total weight of 1500 kilograms, the achievements of the unit are quite decent. It's the same with fuel consumption - Volvo V50 1.6 D, for example, also consumes about 7,4 liters per 100 km.
The new generation Delta is far from the wild youth of the Integrale, but Lancia will not fail to emphasize a sporty note. "Absolute control system" - as the Italians call the integrated traction control system, "differential lock" through braking, braking assistant for the track with different surfaces and oversteer correction. On the road, it all seems a lot more restrained than it sounds - the Delta doesn't look for trouble in the corners, behaves meekly and dutifully, and resorts to good old understeer in critical situations.
The tilt of the body when driving in sections with successive turns does not compromise road stability, but clearly shows the Delta's reluctance to spur in this way. The steering is not very straightforward, retains feedback, and cannot fully filter bumps when passing bumps.
On the other hand, highway noise levels are phenomenally low – in fact, the engine is almost inaudible, which was unthinkable in the Delta 3’s iconic predecessor. Overall, the new version has strayed far from its sporting roots and says goodbye to its personality. before he discovered a new one - apart from the beautiful extravagant shell, of course. But perhaps a spacious, well-equipped, safe and custom car can win the sympathy of today's public - yet not all expectations are based on the old days of podiums and world titles.
text: Sebastian Renz
a photo: Ahim Hartman
Evaluation
Lancia Delta 1.6 Multijet Gold
The return of the Delta was not entirely successful. The spacious, flexible interior and high safety cannot compensate for the shortcomings in the quality of performance, comfort and handling of the car.
technical details
| Lancia Delta 1.6 Multijet Gold | |
|---|---|
| Working volume | - |
| Power | 120 k. From. at 4000 rpm |
| Maximum torque | - |
| Acceleration 0-100 km / h | 11,6 with |
| Braking distances at a speed of 100 km / h | 39 m |
| full speed | 195 km / h |
| Average consumption fuel in the test | 7,4 l |
| Base Price | 44 990 levov |
