This year’s Geneva Motor Show will see the launch of two new Lancia Delta variants: a new range-topping version and a sports model with a powerful turbocharged engine. For those unfamiliar with Lancia, the brand is a division of Fiat Group that offers a range of distinctive hatches and sedans. Lancia has more recently been promoted as Fiat Group’s mid-level luxury offering but the brand’s roots lie in motorsport, especially in rallying.

As for its current models, like the Delta hatchback, Lancia is launching the new ‘Executive’ flagship aimed at customers seeking greater comfort than the regular range. The Executive is distinguished by its two-tone bodywork (body in Light Bronze and “Eclipse” gloss black roof), special two-tone diamond-edged alloy rims, gold badging, wraparound head restraints, and a dashboard finished in Frau Pieno Fiore beige leather with special chocolate brown edging.

Luxury items include parking sensors, dual-zone automatic climate control, a sunroof, satnav and a refrigerator compartment. Power comes from a new direct-injection 1.8L TurboJet four-cylinder petrol turbo with an available 200hp (147kW), with drive sent to the front wheels via a six-speed automatic.

The same powertrain is also featured in the new Delta ‘Hardblack’. Modified slightly by Fiat Powertrain Technologies (FPT) for application in this sportier variant, the compact engine delivers up to 236lb-ft (320Nm) of torque and is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with sequential control. The power unit sees the Delta Hardblack accelerate from 0-100km/h in about 7.4 seconds and reach a top speed of 230km/h.

2009 Lancia Delta Executive and Hardblack