DESPITE the horrible economic situation that age-old saying "you have to speculate to accumulate" continues to make its presence felt.

Currently making its mark in this particular field is the Fiat Automobiles Group which has recently added a further two manufacturers to its Fiat and Alfa Romeo set-up.

The Fiat Group is now controlling sales, distribution, marketing and after-sales service for the Chrysler and Jeep brands.

I had the opportunity to try one of the products which has recently gone on sale - the Delta Hatchback - which is priced from £18,495. But instead of wearing a Lancia badge, as this car does in Europe, it is now a Chrysler as far as the UK is concerned.

Interestingly distinctive from the outside, the classy looking Chrysler Delta features a pretty versatile interior.

Usable passenger space is more than good, it is much bigger than the class norm and there is luggage space to beat both the VW Golf and Ford Focus while rear seats which slide fore and aft also add to its flexibility.

Fiat provides the engine power and in the highly competent Delta is a 1.6 MultiJet petrol engine paired with a smooth switching six-speed manual gearbox.

One of its major strengths is a strong level of low range torque which, powered carefully, can exceed 60mpg.

This model also comes decked out in SR livery which includes many highly desirable bells and whistles and quality leather clad seating, which is much akin to armchairs.

Plenty of grip abounds to ensure that Delta handles surprisingly well and, with an ability to turn keenly into and out of bends with body roll kept well under control, the Chrysler Delta also proved to be very much an extremely agreeable cruiser.

In fact it is one of the most comfortable family hatches I have sampled in recent times.