The first Delta (Type 831) was a five-door hatchback, based on the Fiat Ritmo, designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro and released in 1979. For a period of time, it was also sold in Sweden by Saab Automobile, who helped with some details of its design, badged as the Saab 600. The Delta was one of the most stylish cars of its class in Europe and was voted 1980 European Car of the Year. At launch it came with a choice of 1302cc 75bhp or 1498cc 85bhp engines and 5-speed gearbox. Later other engine options became available along with the option of automatic transmission. In 1983 1585cc engines in both normally aspirated 105PS and turbocharged 130PS versions became available. The turbocharged 1.6HF version had a top speed of 121mph and 0-60 in 8 secs.
Lancia designed the HF Integrale to incorporate the advanced technical features of the Delta HF 4WD, and to address its shortcomings as a rally car. The result is a stylish, luxurious yet utterly practical five door hatchback with impeccable road manners, but capable of a blistering 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) acceleration in just 6.6 seconds and a maximum speed of 133 mph (214 km/h).
