With the entire Lancia stand given over to the premiere of the Delta on press day, there was no doubt about the significance of the new midsizer in helping to turn around the marque’s fortunes.

With the entire Lancia stand given over to the premiere of the Delta on press day, there was no doubt about the significance of the new midsizer in helping to turn around the historic marque’s fortunes. As the brand’s first all-new model in half a decade, there was a definite sense of anticipation about the car, which is set to re-establish Lancia in the crucial C- and D-segments, as well as spearhead its push into right-hand drive markets it abandoned over a decade ago.

Lancia expects to sell around 70,000 Deltas per year, an integral part of their aim to push towards a goal of 300,000 sales by 2010. Moreover, in addition to the sales that the Delta will generate by itself, Lancia expects that increased showroom traffic will also boost sales of its existing range of Ypsilon, Musa, Thesis and Phedra models.

Of those 70,000 cars, around half are allocated towards the Italian market, while a further 25,000 are destined for the rest of Europe, including Lancia’s long-awaited return to the UK. The final 10,000 are expected to be sold outside Europe, in markets such as Japan and Australia, which Lancia is also expected to return to over the next few years.

After a spectacular launch display, Lancia opened the cars up for public inspection.  Reflecting the colour scheme of the stand itself, three of the cars on display were finished in a (presently very fashionable) pastel white, with contrasting two-tone ‘nero opaco’ finish on the roof pillars.  All three of these examples were also fitted with the ‘Granluce’ glass roof, and the 18-inch Sport wheel option. Joining them on the stand were two contrasting cars in black, again with the nero opaco roof finish, fitted with the 17-inch spoked wheels to be fitted as standard on Oro and Platino specification cars and optional on Argento models.

Garnering much media attention, the cars looked impressive up close, with many observers commenting positively on the cars’ well-judged aesthetic. Particularly notable is the ‘floating roof’ which melds well with the two-tone paint, and the claw-shaped headlamps, which give the front a powerful and distinctive look. The high standards were kept up inside, with plush materials evident on the cars on display, particularly in the trimmings and dashboard, which feels a cut above the car from which it is derived, the Fiat Bravo. Overall, the impression is of a solid contender which brings a much-needed dose of style and substance to the class.