Raw shadings of what is believed to be a Computer Aided Design (CAD) model of the new Lancia Delta have recently emerged across the internet. They are believed to show the project at an early design stage, and while the styling has reportedly somewhat evolved from these CAD images, they do offer very useful pointers as to the overall direction of this crucial project.

These new CAD images and sketches have recently materialised together with other details that are slowly emerging about Lancia’s crucial new five-door hatchback. These images are believed to be the first official depictions of the car to break cover and, as expected, they illustrate clear links to the well received 2003 Granturismo Stilnovo concept; they also provide clear evidence that the new model will be immediately distinguishable as a successor to the highly-regarded Delta, a car which sold over 650,000 units in a life spanning twenty years and two generations.

The nose of the car takes clear inspiration from the 2003 Fulvia concept, evolving the look from the independent grille of the present models to an item which is flush with the headlamps similar to the Nea concept car. Stylistically, this preserves yet also evolves the traditional upright Lancia grille, whilst also addressing the issue of pedestrian safety – a subject which is rapidly increasing in importance and is taken exceptionally seriously by Fiat Auto. Likewise, the headlamps also bear a strong resemblance to that of the Fulvia, especially in the sharply chiselled finish of the lenses in the top third of the units.

Moving further back, the fade-out at the trailing edge of the front wheelarches is echoed by a similar fade-in at the front of the rear arches. There is clear influence from the Ypsilon bloodline in the drooping swage line which runs as a continuous contour around the car and helps to give the car a solid appearance originally inspired from the classic Aprilia model; this design feature, as well as the slightly rising ridge running from front to rear light units underneath the glasshouse, are reflective of the influence of the Stilnovo concept in the new car’s birth. Another cue from the Stilnovo is what Lancia calls “structural pillar arches” – the windscreen pillars and top of the door frames, which when combined with a GranLuce roof, will give the effect of “a flying bridge soaring up into the air."
 

What is perhaps most interesting, though, is the suggestion in the rear door shapes of a ‘suicide’ opening mechanism. Lancia were initially planning to launch a 5-door version of the current Ypsilon with suicide rear doors, but this project was discontinued due to the overlap of the Musa MPV model. The tail represents perhaps the most distinctive part of the car, with the almost-vertical C-pillars bearing more than a passing resemblance to Renault’s bold Megane. Unlike the Renault, however, the Delta sees Lancia’s trademark rear lights flanking a rear screen with a fairly shallow rake. The tailgate tapers to a ridge running down the centreline of the car, echoing the crease running down the bonnet. There is a noticeable ‘step’ between the trailing edge of the roof and the tailgate; this also appears, albeit less conspicuously, on the sketch showing the rear three-quarter view of the proposed design, so is highly likely to appear in production, and will provide a distinctive sight for fellow drivers.

Marginally longer than the class average at slightly over 4.4m, the extra length will be used to differentiate the new Delta from the Fiat Group’s other players in the C-segment, the forthcoming Alfa Romeo 149 and the new Fiat Stilo. In fact, even the Alfa Romeo 149 will grow in size over the current 147, and will measure 4.3m in order to bridge the hatchback in size between the 147 and old 156. Despite this added length, it is apparent that the Delta’s overhangs are not excessively lengthy. This confirms that the Delta will have a longer wheelbase than the Stilo successor, although it will ride on the same (albeit much-modified) ‘Compact’ platform.

The large dimensions for the class also serve another purpose. By going for a cross-segment (C/D) approach, it is hoped that the Delta will also provide a viable alternative for current Lybra owners who wish to stay with the brand, or prospective owners looking for that size of car. The cross-segment size is imperative, as there is no direct Lybra replacement currently planned. To be offered only as a five-door and projected to sell between 30,000 and 40,000 units per year, the third-generation Delta will be the first Lancia in over a decade to be offered with right-hand drive. This is in preparation for a relaunch of the brand into right-hook markets such as the UK, Japan and Oceania.

by Shant Fabricatorian and James Granger