Chrysler Delta (2011 – 2014) Review

Chrysler Delta (2011 – 2014) At A Glance

3/5

+Rebadged Lancia with unique styling. Uses proven Fiat engines including impressive 1.4 MultiAir. Good ride quality.

-Odd looks led to slow UK sales and the model being dropped in the UK after just three years.

Insurance Groups are between 14–21
On average it achieves 83% of the official MPG figure

The Chrysler Delta is essentially a rebadged Lancia Delta - itself a car based on the Fiat Bravo and Alfa Romeo Giulietta. Fiat now owns Chrysler - hence the Lanicia connection - and the Delta was launched alongside the equally unusual Ypsilon.

It may be new to us in the UK but the Delta has actually been sold on the continent since 2008. Fiat was considering re-launching Lancia back in the UK market after a prolonged absence, but changed tack when it bought Chrysler in 2009. So the result is that we get rebadged Lancias as part of Chrysler, a brand usually associated with big wafty saloons like the 300C.

To make things even more confusing, the Delta is actually based on the Fiat Bravo - not a bad hatchback but hardly class leading, especially considering it is now five years old. Not that you'd be able to tell from the outside. The Delta is unique. There's nothing like it on the road and it's certainly a car that stirs a reaction in people. Obviously style is a personal opinion, but whether you like it or not, it's great to see something so different.

There's a lot to like inside with a spacious interior including rear seats that slide forward to increase boot space when needed. On top models they even recline. You can see the Bravo roots in terms of layout with a pretty much identical design, but Chrysler has given the Delta plenty of chrome and silver finish to make it more sophisticated. The quality is good and it's pretty refined too.

The engines are all proven Fiat units and the line-up includes two 1.4-litre petrols - one a T-Jet and the other a more powerful MultiAir. The latter has 140PS and is the pick of the range if you don't intend on doing huge miles. It's nippy, fun and pretty economical too. There are also two MultiJet diesels with a 1.6-litre and a 2.0-litre in the range.

Chrysler Delta Road Test

Chrysler Delta (2011 – 2014) handling and engines

On the road the Delta is comfortable and pretty refined with a good ride and composed handling. Unfortunately the numb and artificial steering lets it down plus the springy clutch isn't pleasant, but overall it's still an enjoyable drive. Cornering is helped by a Torque Transfer Control system which works by slightly braking an inside wheel through bends, simulating what a limited slip differential does. It makes the Delta agile and means less steering input is needed. You'll notice it on twisting roads where it works really well and it's also useful in roundabouts.

There's good news when it comes to engines as the Delta uses proven Fiat engines. There are two diesels in the form of the 1.6 MultiJet with 120PS and the 2.0 MultiJet with 165PS both of which are strong yet efficient. The petrol range is limited to just two engines and both are 1.4-litre units - the good news is that both are very impressive.

The 1.4 T-Jet with 120PS is the entry-level engine and only comes in basic S trim yet it's still sprightly and will go from 0-62mph in less than 10 seconds. However the real star of the range is the excellent 1.4 MultiAir engine. Like the T-Jet it's fitted with a turbocharger to enhance performance and improve economy, so it's akin to a standard 1.8-litre engine.

This gives it 140PS along with a 0-62mph time of 9.2 seconds. It may be a small engine but it offers great performance as it's happy to be revved with a buzzy and eager nature. True it gets a touch noisy when you work it hard but it's a sporty rather than coarse sound, while at low revs it's quiet and relaxed. The 230Nm of torque peaks at just 1750rpm so it pulls well too, especially in third gear.

There's no perceptible moment when the turbo kicks in, instead it just feels sprightly across the rev range. It's simply great fun while the six-speed gearbox has a nice positive shift. It's also pretty economical with an official figure of 49.6mpg and emissions of 146g/km, putting it in VED band F.

Engine MPG 0-62 CO2
1.4 MultiAir 50 mpg 9.2 s 132 g/km
1.4 T-Jet 45 mpg 9.8 s 146 g/km
1.6 M-Jet 60–61 mpg 10.7 s 120–122 g/km
2.0 M-Jet 55 mpg 8.5 s 135 g/km

Real MPG average for the Chrysler Delta (2011 – 2014)

RealMPG

Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.

Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.

Average performance

83%

Real MPG

30–59 mpg

MPGs submitted

30

Chrysler Delta (2011 – 2014) interior

Dimensions
Length 4520 mm
Width 1797 mm
Height 1497–1499 mm
Wheelbase 2700 mm

Full specifications

Inside, the Delta can't hide its Fiat Bravo roots very easily. There are plenty of familiar Fiat bits and it has a pretty much identical layout. There are some neat touches, such as the rocker switches that sit either side of the main stereo control panel, although the fact that half of them are just for show doesn't look great. One gripe is the steering wheel, as the silver plastic 'arms' (around the multifunction buttons) have an edge that protrudes and digs into your hands.

Apart from that there's much to like about the Chrysler interior. It's comfortable with supportive seats while the quality of the finish is good with decent materials used. Chrysler has aimed for a sophisticated look with chrome trim on switches and handles plus there's a new polyester-based material in the headlining to reduce noise on the move. True, it's not the most modern of designs but the Delta makes up for that when it comes to space.

Up front it's roomy yet the driver still gets that 'cockpit' feel while in the back there are MPV-style sliding seats so you can increase boot space if you need to while still being able to use all the seats. Even taller passengers will find plenty of head and legroom here and it feels like a much bigger car. On the top Limited versions, the rear seats even recline to give a limousine-like feel. The boot is good too with 465 litres of carrying space (with the rear seats slid all the way forward) plus a hidden underfloor compartment. The only downside is a rather high boot lip

It's fairly well equipped as standard although you'll need to go for an SR model if you want the Blue & Me Bluetooth system with a USB for connecting your iPod or iPhone. Standard S models only come with steel wheels too which is a little disappointing.

Chrysler Delta (2011 – 2014) models and specs

Dimensions
Length 4520 mm
Width 1797 mm
Height 1497–1499 mm
Wheelbase 2700 mm
Miscellaneous
Kerb Weight 1395–1505 kg
Boot Space 380–1190 L
Warranty 3 years / 60000 miles
Servicing 18000–21000 miles
Costs
List Price £16,000–£25,700
Insurance Groups 14–21
Road Tax Bands C–F
Official MPG 44.8–61.4 mpg
Euro NCAP Safety Ratings
Adult -
Child -
Pedestrian -
Overall 5

On sale until December 2017

Hatchback
Version List Price MPG 0-62
1.4 M-Air 140 SE 5dr £18,005 49.6 mpg 9.2 s
1.4 M-Air SE Nav 5dr £19,510 49.6 mpg 9.2 s
1.4 T-Jet 120 S 5dr £16,005 44.8 mpg 9.8 s
1.6 M-Jet 120 SE 5dr £18,495 60.1 mpg 10.7 s
1.6 M-Jet 120 S-Series 5dr £19,995 60.1 mpg 10.7 s
1.6 M-Jet SE Nav 5dr £20,195 60.1 mpg 10.7 s

On sale until September 2014

Hatchback
Version List Price MPG 0-62
1.4 M-AIR 140 SE 5dr £18,000 49.6 mpg 9.2 s
1.4 T-Jet 120 S 5dr £16,000 44.8 mpg 9.8 s
1.6 Multijet 120 SE 5dr £18,495 60.1 mpg 10.7 s
1.6 Multijet 120 S-Series 5dr £19,995 60.1 mpg 10.7 s

On sale until December 2012

Hatchback
Version List Price MPG 0-62
1.4 M-AIR 140 SR 5dr £20,500 49.6 mpg 9.2 s
1.6 M-JET 120 SE Auto 5dr £19,695 61.4 mpg 10.7 s
1.6 M-JET 120 SR 5dr £21,195 60.1 mpg 10.7 s
2.0 M-JET 165 Limited 5dr £25,700 55.4 mpg 8.5 s

Model History

September 2011

Chrysler Delta goes on sale in the UK

Prices starting at just £16,695 OTR. There are four trim levels: S, SE, SR and Limited. There are four engines too, starting with a lively petrol 1.4-litre TurboJet and a more powerful 140bhp 1.4-litre that uses Fiat’s ground-breaking MultiAir technology. These are supplemented by a pair of potent yet economical diesels, in 1.6-litre and 2.0-litre capacities, which benefit from second generation MultiJet technology. All models feature six-speed gearboxes with a semi-automatic version available on the 1.6 SE MultiJet.

Standard equipment is satisfyingly high. Even the range-starting S model offers a radio/CD with MP3 compatibility, front foglamps with cornering function, remote keyless entry, manual air-conditioning and power windows front and rear. And the range-topping Limited model comes with Blue&Me™, a Navigation system, headlamps with dusk sensors, reclining rear seats and leather upholstery.

Safety comes as standard throughout the Delta range, so all models are equipped with Daytime Running Lights (DRL), six airbags, three-point safety belts for all five seats, ABS anti-lock braking with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Hill Holder and Anti Slip Regulation traction control. It also incorporates Linearisation Torque Feedback (LTF), Torque Transfer Control (TTC) and Drive Steering Torque (DST), all of which are designed to improve handling.

In size terms, with its 2700mm wheelbase and 4520mm overall length it sits at the larger end of the C segment. But inside it has the kind of room you’re more likely to find in a D or even E segment model.

Chrysler has employed techniques usually found in MPVs to make this space as flexible as possible. Unusually for this sector, the rear bench slides backwards and forwards (not on Limited versions). It means owners can choose to increase boot space, if for example they have small children in the rear seats, or give rear seat passengers limousine levels of leg room.

With the back seats in their forward position the Delta still offers rear passengers a remarkable 930mm of leg room. With the rear seats in their most forward position, the boot offers 465 litres. And even when the backrest is as far back as it’ll go there’s still a healthy 380 litres. The boot also features a small space under the floor. This provides a hidden compartment for valuables and means that when the seats are folded down, the 1190 litres of space has a continuous flat floor.

The rear seats don’t just slide, they recline 25 degrees backwards too, offering passengers impressive comfort options. This is further emphasised by the quality of the fabrics used inside, which present owners with the sort of high-class materials and build quality they’ll be more used to in much more expensive models. This should appeal to buyers who are downsizing, one of Chrysler’s target markets.

Materials such as leather and Alcantara are used extensively, while on lower trim levels the dashboard is covered with Benova, a soft premium textile. This is the first time Benova has been used on such an accessible vehicle; until now it’s been reserved for prestige brands. On Limited versions the dashboard is covered in Poltrona Frau Leather.

The range-starting S model has premium fabric covered seats while in SE variants they’re cloaked in Carbony 3D fabric. This high-tech cloth has a three dimensional effect and features contrasting Alcantara inserts. The SR has Alcanatara with leather inserts, while the top of the range Limited comes with full leather trimmed seats finished with classic piping round the edge for an authentic executive feel.

The dashboard has been designed to feel substantial without being too imposing. Centre console buttons are illuminated by a white light for quick and easy identification. Elsewhere, elements of the cabin are aimed at the driver−such as the centre console, steering wheel and instrument surrounds that are highlighted by a metallic-effect Satin Silver paint.

The sophisticated feel of the Delta’s cabin is reinforced by thoughtful detailing throughout. Chrome finishes are used on the door handles, radio, climate control knobs and dashboard. The front seats on SE, SR and Limited models have the new Chrysler logo on the head restraints. The glovebox and grab handles both have the slow sprung return you associate with refined cars. And the roof is lined with a new polyester-based material that reduces cabin noise on the move.

It’s not just in comfort terms that the Chrysler Delta has been designed to excel. It’s also had safety engineered into it from the ground up. The result is that it’s won a European New Car Assessment Programme (EuroNCAP) five star crash safety rating. This is thanks to six airbags fitted as standard (front, window and curtain bags on both sides), and five three-point safety belts, with load limiters and pretensioners fitted to the front seats.

In addition to that, the Delta is packed with standard equipment to make driving as safe possible. It comes with ABS anti-lock braking and Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) to ensure maximum stopping power is deployed in an emergency situation. Powerful disc brakes are used front and rear, and in an emergency stop the hazard lights are automatically switched on.

To enable drivers to make the most of their Chrysler Delta, it’s been fitted with some pioneering electronic systems to make life at the wheel more enjoyable yet even safer. Prime among these is the Absolute Handling System. This is an amalgamation of various existing technologies such as Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Hill Holder to ensure perfect hill starts every time, Anti Slip Regulation (ASR) which uses brake and engine control to optimise traction at any time, and MSR which cuts in to ensure engine torque isn’t interrupted if a swift down change is needed during a climb.

Where the Absolute Handling System really stands out from the crowd is by encompassing Linearisation Torque Feedback (LTF), Torque Transfer Control (TTC) and Drive Steering Torque (DST) in its suite of skills.

The new DST is an electronic steering system that suggests the moves drivers should carry out to maximise road holding and therefore security. It does this through generating torque at the steering wheel courtesy of a continuous interaction between the electric power steering and the Absolute Handling System which controls the car’s dynamics. The DST means that if the car begins to oversteer, the most appropriate manoeuvre to maintain control is ‘suggested’ to the driver.

What to watch out for

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