Chrysler Delta, 2012
The new Chrysler Delta, which is now
on sale in the UK, is all about adding value to people's lives. It
offers family saloon space in a compact hatchback body. It introduces
executive car equipment to a wide market. It features sophisticated
technologies that are entirely new to this size of car. And it presents
all this at prices, starting at just £16,695 OTR, that equal or
undercut many less gifted rivals.
With its sophisticated
appearance, sumptuous interior and four state-of-the-art engines, the
Delta is an accomplished re-entry into the C segment for Chrysler. On
sale here now, it provides the sort of interior space expected from a
far larger vehicle. Yet a host of all-new electronic driver aids
ensures that the Delta is satisfying to drive as well as being very
comfortable for both front and rear seat passengers.
STRIKINGLY SOPHISTICATED
Drivers
looking to make their mark without spending a small fortune will
appreciate the new Chrysler Delta. Handsome, dynamic and sophisticated,
the striking modern design ensures it stands proud of more conservative
rivals, and yet is very competitively positioned.
The high tech projector style
headlamps are instantly recognisable because they feature bright LED
Daytime Running Lights (DRL) as standard equipment. Front fog lamps
with cornering function also come with every model and sit either side
of a front air intake designed to give the Delta a sporty look.
Combined with Chrysler's newly styled shield grille and neatly sculpted
bonnet, it makes for a stylish alternative to the mainstream.
With a high waistline rising to
the rear, the Delta has an equally sporty stance from the side, helped
by the standard rear spoiler that blends into the rear window. A
sophisticated appearance at the back is set off by a rear window that
has no surrounds and is flanked by curved, vertical LED tail lights.
SPACIOUS TRAVEL
The
Chrysler Delta has been developed to offer driver and passengers the
levels of on-board comfort they might expect from a much larger, much
more expensive car.
The first thing that will strike
anyone slipping inside the Delta is the sheer space. 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 Chrysler 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.
WHERE SAFETY, FUN AND COMFORT COMBINE
It's
not just the Chrysler Delta's generous level of interior space that
has the hallmark of an executive car. Its sleek shape also cloaks the
kind of large-car equipment levels that until now haven't been available
to drivers buying a mid-sized family hatchback.
Designed to ensure that the
Delta tops the class when it comes to comfort, safety and driving
dynamics, innovative technology has been used from the very earliest
design stages.
Absolute Handling System and Drive Steering Torque
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.
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.
The LTF comes to life when it
detects high lateral acceleration. Assuming this to be the result of
sporty driving it boosts the steering wheel's resistant torque to
improve road feel for the driver, particularly through fast bends.
Generously equipped
As
well as being packed with systems designed to make it more
comfortable, safer and better to drive, the Chrysler Delta features a
generous level of standard equipment. Even in standard S guise it comes
with a radio/CD with MP3 files compatibility, air conditioning,
adjustable steering wheel with audio controls, power windows front and
rear, and 'follow me home' headlights that delay switching off.
The SE model features trim
enhancements such as a quality finish to the dash and doors, a
refrigerated compartment in the cabin, chromed door handles and window
surrounds, and 16-inch alloy wheels. The SR builds on that with
two-zone automatic climate control, Alcantara leather upholstery,
Cruise Control and 17-inch alloy wheels. Options include a panoramic
sunroof that takes up 80 per cent of the total roof space, a Bose Audio
System and an electrochromatic dimming rear view mirror.
Navigation Versions
Both
SE and SR trim levels of the Chrysler Delta also feature Nav versions
which come equipped with Blue&Me Nav. The result of a joint venture
between Fiat and Microsoft, this extremely simple-to-use system allows
drivers to manage their music and phone calls easily and safely, using
either voice controls or buttons on the steering wheel.
Blue&Me
Delta owners can make calls and play music the way they want with Blue&MeTM, developed in conjunction with Microsoft.
It
works via Bluetooth®, so users can safely stay connected while they
are driving. The buttons on the steering wheel are easy to use to answer
and make a call. There is also voice recognition, allowing calls to be
made and connection within seconds.
Nav
The
navigation system has a 6.5" colour screen, voice recognition and
SD-card map management. Map updates are possible through the NAVTEQ MAP
CARE programme.
Both
Blue&MeTM and the Navigation System are standard on Nav versions
and are also standard on Limited (*Nav versions are available on the SE
and SR trim levels).
Magic Parking
The
larger the car, the more difficult finding a parking space can be.
Chrysler provides a solution to this problem with its optional Magic
Parking.
Pushing a button on the
dashboard activates the system which then uses radar sensors mounted in
the front and rear bumpers combined with wheel speed sensors to
measure the length of empty parking spaces. If it detects one that is
free from obstacles and is long enough to accommodate the car, the
driver is informed by a beeping noise and a message on the dash. If the
driver decides to park in it, the car's computer takes over the
steering to carry out the reverse parallel parking manoeuvre. The
driver retains control of the accelerator and brake and is permitted a
speed of just over 4mph. The driver can deactivate the system at any
time, either by turning the wheel, changing out of reverse or pressing
the button on the dashboard.
Lane Departure Control
Today's
roads are so crowded that another pair of eyes always comes in handy.
And that's exactly what the Chrysler Delta's optional Lane Departure
Control provides.
The main element of this is a TV
camera with image-processing software. This sends data on the geometry
of the road in front of the vehicle to the onboard computer enabling
the car to 'recognise' road markings. The car's control unit then
decides what sort of steering inputs are needed to keep the car within
the lines on the road. If these aren't applied and the car starts to
drift out of its lane, a motor generates torque on the wheel to tell
the driver which direction they need to steer to stay in the lane. It
only intervenes if the car starts to change lanes without indicating.
The driver can override it at any time.
DELTA FORCE
The
Chrysler Delta benefits from Fiat Powertrain Technologies' (FPT)
experience of designing, developing and building small, yet highly
efficient and powerful award winning engines. Whichever one of the two
petrol and two diesel engines buyers choose, they can be sure of optimum
fuel economy and impressive torque.
1.4 litre Turbo-Jet - Petrol
Giving
a combination of sporty refinement and great value, and developed as
part of the FIRE (Fully Integrated and Robotised Engine) range of
engines, this power unit guarantees the best possible performance for
the lowest possible fuel consumption (44.8mph Combined Cycle), and a 2
year/18,000 mile service interval helps to make this a highly economical
choice.
1.4 litre MultiAir
The
second engine in the Delta range is a more powerful 140bhp 1.4 litre
petrol which utilises FPT's award-winning MultiAir technology.
MultiAir technology works by
allowing the direct metering of air stroke-by-stroke,
cylinder-by-cylinder through the intake valves without using the
throttle. The benefits of this technology are wide ranging: - maximum
power is increased by up to 10% because of the adoption of a
power-orientated mechanical camshaft profile; and low-end torque is
improved by up to 15% through early intake valve closing strategies that
allow maximisation of air mass in the cylinder. By eliminating pumping
losses, a 10% reduction of fuel consumption and CO2 emissions is
achieved over naturally aspirated and turobcharged engines not using
MultiAir technology. Optimised valve control strategies during warm-up
and internal Exhaust Gas Recirculation (iEGR, which is realised by
re-opening the intake valves during the exhaust stroke) mean that
substantial HC/CO and NOX reductions can also be achieved.
1.6 MultiJet 120bhp
The
first diesel engine in the Chrysler Delta range is a 120bhp FPT
developed MultiJet available to customers purchasing Delta SE and SR
versions, with a 6 speed semi-automatic transmission available on SE
versions.
MultiJet is another
ground-breaking development from FPT which in this latest guise allows
eight injections per combustion cycle. This is possible due to the new
MultiJet II injector patented by FPT, and integrated into the ECU by
Magneti Marelli. The shutter in the injector is hydraulically balanced,
which allows a larger sealing diameter, with reduced shutter strokes.
This servovalve allows fuel quantities to be injected into the
combustion chamber quicker, and with greater accuracy.
The shutter stroke has been
reduced to 20µm (microns), which has allowed the interval between two
consecutive injections to be dramatically reduced. This allows the
injection rate to be modulated, to achieve greater combustion process
control. This new injection mode is called Injection Rate Shaping. The
results are reduced noise, fuel consumption of 60.1mpg (Combined) and
reduced pollutant emissions.
2.0 MultiJet 165bhp
The
most powerful engine in the Delta range is available exclusively on
the Delta Limited. Customers can thus enjoy the most luxurious trim
level with the most appropriate engine.
The
2.0 MultiJet features all of the MultiJet technology available on the
1.6, but in a more potent package, offering 165bhp and 360Nm of torque.
Economy figures are still impressive at 55.4mpg (Combined) with CO2
emissions at 135g/km.
