Chrysler

Delta

The Delta is a five-door hatchback that’s brimming with quality features and really stands out in a crowd. Boasting excellent economy and a price tag to suit all budgets, the Delta looks great and handles just as impressively.

Test Drive

Chrysler Delta 1.6 MultiJet SE

Long gone is Chrysler’s reputation for building oversized, gas-guzzling monsters – the company now boasts some excellent compact vehicles with fuel economy to match and the new Delta is a prime example of that.

Boasting designer styling plus top notch wizardry, the Delta looks great from all angles and has a price tag to suit most pockets too.

Since Chrysler’s alliance with Fiat, the company has utilised the Italian brand’s expertise in the small and medium car sectors and put all that know-how into play.

And that has resulted in an excellent four-door hatchback with a choice of two diesel or two petrol engines and four trim levels to choose from – S, SE, SR and Limited.

Chrysler is confident the diesel-driven 1.6 MultiJet model in SE trim will be the biggest crowd pleaser, so it seemed only fitting to put that model through its paces – and how well it emerged from the other side.

Looks are vital these days and the Delta has some great design touches such as a snazzy rear spoiler, LED daytime running lights and tinted windows.

There’s also a newly-designed grille with the Chrysler and Delta emblems underneath and plenty more besides.

This test model had an asking price of at £20,145, which included a number of optional extras such as a dusk sensor and auto-dimming mirror, 17-inch alloys and rear parking sensors. However, Delta prices start from £16,695.

The interior is deceptively spacious and there is ample room for four occupants to travel in comfort with plenty of leg, head and elbow space in the back. And an added factor is that the rear seats can actually be reclined a little too.

Storage is pretty much covered too with a fairly generously-sized boot that can expanded further thanks to 60:40 split-folding rear seats.

The interior is cleverly designed with all controls, dials and readouts ideally positioned for driver usability and vital information such as the speed is displayed in clear, circular, easy-to-read dials.

There are plenty of top notch features too, including electric windows front and rear, climate control and a sound system with CD player and MP3 compatibility.

So, it’s fact, – the Delta looks good, is spacious and has lots to play with inside, but how about performance?

Once again, it’s a winner. The 1.6-litre engine delivered plenty of power both in and around town and out on the more open road.

The test model was fitted with a six-speed manual transmission which was smooth and responsive, offering a top speed of 120mph and racing from 0-62mph in 10.7 seconds.

Parking in busy city centres was made all the easier thanks to parking sensors and with a combined fuel economy of 60.1mpg, trips to re-fuel will be few and far between.

Chrysler has packed an array of safety features into the Delta, including anti-whiplash front headrests, anti-lock brakes, dynamic stability control, six airbags and an immobiliser with alarm to keep any unwanted attention at bay.

After a lengthy spell behind the wheel, I could only find one thing to gripe about and that was the level of glare on the large dashboard in very sunny conditions.

But that aside, the Delta is a brilliant car that is just as at home in the city as it is rubbing shoulders with the big boys on the motorways.