THE family hatchback market is always helter skelter busy with an array of models on offer to satisfy the demands of virtually any driver.

There's the likes of the Ford Focus, the Audi A3, Honda Civic, VW Golf, Vauxhall Astra, Hyundai 130 and the Kia cee'd  to name but a few - and there are always newcomers to the pack.

The latest contender is the Chrysler Delta which brings a little of the Italian job to the party since elsewhere in Europe it is sold as a Lancia.

These days, Chrysler is part of Fiat and wth a decidedly handsome look about it the Delta looks set to be quite an appealing alternative.

On the inside the Delta proves to be more practical than most cars in this class. At 4.5 metres in length it is larger than both Focus and Golf and the boot at 465 litres beats most of the opposition.

There are some quite generous levels of standard kit to be admired in the SE model driven here, premium fabric being used for door coverings and the seat upholstery.

While there is much chrome finish to admire a leather covered steering wheel adds to the quality feel and climate control, electric windows all round plus radio with CD and MP3 compatibility add to the passenger comfort zone.

Safety, too, has been well addressed with the likes of dynamic stability control with hill holder and anti-slip regulation traction control nicely to hand while six airbags with front passenger side de-activation, three rear seat Isofix attachments, daytime running lights and ABS braking, along with some pioneering electronic systems.

On the road the Delta handles well with body roll nicely under control.. There is plenty of grip to enjoy and the long wheelbase ensures a largely smooth ride over most surfaces.

While there could perhaps be a little more feedback in the steering the Fiat-sourced feisty 1.4-litre MultiAir petrol engine proved quite a star performer.

Overall, the Chrysler Delta is a smart looker which offers up a remarkable area of space. On the road it has sufficient pull in more ways than one to catch the eyes of most interested parties as you drive past while aiming to be quite an appealing alternative to many other family-sized hatches.