LANCIAS have not been sold in this country for many a year but the company has carried on making strikingly different cars based on Fiat floorpans.

After the merger of the Italian giant with the American car maker Chrysler, it was decided to rebadge two Lancia products as Chryslers for the UK market.

I am not the only one to find that decision odd but be that as it may, the excellent Delta is the larger of the two - the Ypsilon hatch being the other.

The Delta is based on the Fiat Bravo platform and with the same range of excellent up-to-date engines, Chrysler's version is aimed fair and square at the luxury end of the small family hatch market.

And it would definitely appeal to anyone downsizing from something a couple of sizes up because it has one of the biggest interiors in the class.

I drove the MultiAir 140bhp petrol and it's a gem - willing and punchy, smooth and quiet.

The ride is excellent and the road-holding and handling marvelous in the tradition of Lancias that have gone before.

Inside it is suave and sophisticated, with chrome touches all round the cabin and big rear legroom thanks to adjustable back seats.

The seats are supportive and comfortable, the driving position excellent, and the level of equipment means you can say ‘no thanks' to the extras list.

: Vauxhall Astra