While the Lancia is undergoing a revival under the impetus of Stellantis, a doubt hangs over one of its most eagerly-awaited models: the new Lancia Delta. Initially scheduled for 2028, this mythical compact could end up being replaced by another, as yet unknown, vehicle.
Since the launch of the new Ypsilon in 2024, followed by the sporty HF version in 2025, then the Gamma SUV in 2026, Lancia has been following to the letter its ten-year plan unveiled by Stellantis. A plan that, until now, seemed clear and well-defined.
But in a recent interview with Quattroruote, Lancia's CEO, Luca Napolitano, has cast doubt on Delta's future. Asked about the model's arrival in 2028, he first confirmed that the STLA Small platform (set to replace the current eCMP) could serve as the basis for the future Delta. "It's an option, and this platform presents some very interesting elements. Even for the Delta: a muscular, geometric, aggressive Delta, in a 4.2-meter hatchback version, could very well be designed on the Small platform", he declared.
This choice of platform would enable the Delta to offer an electric 100 % version, as initially planned, a strategic point for Lancia in a European market that is still struggling to fully embrace electric power.
But it's another statement by Luca Napolitano that really stands out:
"The next step, after the Gamma, could be the Delta. That said, there's an adjustment phase in the plan to adapt to electrification and market trends. The Delta is an option we really like, but it's not the only one."
With only three years to go before the planned launch, this statement underlines a major uncertainty. Despite its popularity, the Delta may not see the light of day immediately, and may even be replaced by another model more in tune with market expectations.
This hypothesis raises many questions. After the Ypsilon city car and the future Gamma C-SUV, what type of vehicle could Lancia offer? A compact 4.2-meter crossover? An elevated sedan? A more international model than the Delta, in line with the SUV trends that still largely dominate sales?
One thing's for sure: in a Stellantis group where compact segment models are in short supply (especially from Alfa Romeo), an aggressive, modern Lancia Delta had its rightful place. But if electrification means a review of priorities, Lancia may well be readjusting its product plan, even if it means making those nostalgic for the original Delta wait a little longer.
In our opinion, the Lancia Delta was only intended to be powered by a 100 % electric motor, and the hybrid powertrains that will be offered on the STLA Small platform will probably not be up to the level of a "Delta" experience (imagine a 145 hp 1.2L engine in front-wheel drive), so it's not impossible that the model will be postponed for this reason.
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Hard to say coming from an ex-lanciste... but I think Lancia's done for! The ypsilon is a failure (predictable), the gamma is going to be a panzer like the ds8, and as for the rest ... we might as well stop the expense, right?
If they're planning to fit a Puretech engine in the "eventual" Delta, don't bother starting the studies, because it'll be a sure-fire flop.
Apparently Stellantis has trouble integrating this input data...
Alfa Romeo, Fiat and Lancia's neglect of the compact market is a major mistake. The VW Golf is still a big seller, we're still waiting for a replacement for the Giulietta, and a Lancia Delta would be nice, as long as they put something other than PureTech under the hood.
Why go back to the e-CMP platform if the Puretech 1.2 isn't up to the job? Why a 4.20m compact sedan on this platform if you can't fit a frunk on the electric version? Why postpone the 500e after having invested so much in it (especially since it remains the group's best EV five years after its launch) when the Ypsilon, a micro city car, should have been renewed? Why restyle the Tonale when its only argument is its good looks?
An electric 208 is far more successful than the cute 500 Ev. The latter consumes too much for an electric car. I can't wait for them to cut their losses and bring out the hybrid.
In fact, given the relative lightness and efficiency of the EMP2 platform and the troubling proximity of the latest Astra to the glorious Delta Integrale (all it lacks are angel eyes and neo-retro fascias), I can't understand why they wouldn't try to fit a GME 2.0L hybrid or, at worst, a Fiat 4-cylinder into the hood of an Opel compact. For the electric version, the 210 and 280 hp engines with the Junior Veloce treatment. The Group needs a competitor to the Audi A3.
except that STLA Small is CMP, not EMP. EMP is STLA Medium. But in the best-case scenario, it would be to put an electric motor at the front and one at the rear, because for the internal combustion engine, there will be no all-wheel drive (unless you do like the Alfa Romeo Junior's Q4 system).
I think there's an evolution between EMP2 and Medium because the weight explodes between the two platforms. An electric Opel Astra weighs 1.6 tonnes, while an e-3008 73kWh weighs more like 2.1 tonnes for a model no taller than 4.50m. Obviously, the battery is bigger, but 22kWh more doesn't seem entirely responsible for such a surge. As far as the Integrale version is concerned, as we've seen, sports enthusiasts want at least a hybrid.
Stellantis, they have the ability to raise hopes for lovers of the Italian brands, only to dash them later - its quite a skill! We need Italian hatchbacks. I don't want an SUV/crossover thing, I want a Tipo/Delta sized hatch!
It'll be another suv with a crappy engine
For me, nothing Italian
I'll look elsewhere