AFTER the takeover by Italian giant Fiat of the American car maker Chrysler, it was decided to rebadge two of Lancia's cars as Chryslers for the UK market.

Lancias have not been sold in this country for many years, but the company has carried on making strikingly different cars based on Fiat floorpans for other markets.

I found the decision to rebadge the cars odd but, be that as it may, the excellent Delta is the larger of the two.

Based on the Fiat Bravo platform, it comes with either 120 or 140bhp petrol engines, or a 120bhp 1.6-litre diesel.

It was aimed at the luxury end of the small family hatch market and would definitely appeal to anyone downsizing from something a couple of sizes up because it has one of the biggest interiors in the class.

The MultiAir 140bhp petrol engineis 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.

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.

It is suave and sophisticated, with chrome touches all round the cabin and big rear legroom thanks to adjustable back seats. It also comes with five years free servicing.