We say The Delta is nothing if not unique - it’s practical and comes with some of Fiat’s best and most frugal engines. But it’s no fun to drive and the interior is cheap.Performance There are four engines in the Delta’s line-up comprising two petrol and two diesel units. The most powerful is a 165bhp 2.0-litre Multi Jet diesel engine taken from Fiat. It’s capable of clearing 62mph in 8.2 seconds and hitting a top speed of 133mph. That’s more than enough power for a hatchback and its figures are rivalled by the 140bhp 1.4-litre Multi Air petrol engine that clears 62mph at a shade under 9.0 seconds with a top speed of 126mph.Emissions Fiat has a reputation as one of the leading manufacturers on the market in terms of CO2 emissions and fuel economy figures and the fact that Chrysler has been given three of its engines is a major boost for the American manufacturer. The most efficient engine in the range is the 1.6-litre Multi Jet diesel engine. The 120bhp which returns 60mpg and emits just 122g/km in CO2. The 2.0-litre Multi Jet diesel is similarly impressive despite having 45bhp more than its smaller diesel sibling. On a combined cycle it returns 55mpg and emits 135g/km in CO2.Driving The Delta is not an enjoyable car to drive first and foremost because its electronic torque system takes too much responsibility from the driver making steering woolly and vague. Body control is also poor on account of its bulky, high-sided design and the combination of steering and bodyroll makes for a dull and disconcerting drive.Feel The Delta is based on the Lancia Delta which means there should be more of a European influence to its chassis and suspension setup but unfortunately it still fall shorts on UK roads. The ride is too firm and jittery and the steering too light.Space The Delta is one of the largest cars in the hatchback segment and it’s larger than the Volkswagen Golf and the Ford Focus in terms of boot space with 380-litres at its disposal, growing to 1,190 when the seats are folded flat. There’s plenty of head and legroom for passengers, too.Equipment The Delta has a wide range of equipment, gadgets and technologies onboard including MP3 compatibility, remote keyless entry and air conditioning as standard on entry-level models. Further up the range rear parking sensors, integrated satellite-navigation and cruise control are thrown in as well.Price Pricing for the Chrysler Delta starts from £16,695 for range-opening S models.Quality Interior quality is one area where the Delta falls down, especially when compared to rivals like the Volkswagen Golf. The materials used inside aren’t terrible but they are noticeably cheaper and feel less robust than those found in the likes of the Golf or the Ford Focus.Safety The Delta should come with a five-star safety rating from euro NCAP thanks to six airbags, seatbelt pre-tensioners and a range of driver safety aids including ABS and electronic stability control (ESC).Pros The Delta is spacious, economical and distinctive.Cons Unfortunately the Delta handles badly, comes with a cheap-feeling interior and its looks could put some buyers off, too.Alternatives Ford Focus, Volkswagen Golf
