A few years ago, Lancia announced it would be bringing back the Delta brand. I, like many others, didn’t believe them. I was still unsure when the company announced that its famous “HF” badge, which stands for “High Fidelity,” would be returning, especially for sports models. What has been exciting about Lancia over the last 30 years? Stellantis’ use of the protest fans’ memories didn’t sit well with me. Anyway, the company is back to competing in the lower levels of the sport, and the Ypsilon HF is a solid card. This has caught my attention. The brand will also give them one when they say that the “Delta with the ‘HF Integrale’ label” will be released next year. This part is from Lancia’s most recent news release, which discusses a new Ypsilon HF rally car designed to meet Rally6 standards. The HF name is “back and ready to take a central role in the brand’s vision of the future,” according to Lancia. The new Delta and Gamma sedans will both have this name. Initially, it will be electric, but not always. Lancia has been teasing the new Delta’s release for 2026, although it may be hard to recall, given the significant changes that have occurred since the beginning of the decade. It looks like they have kept their word. In this line of work, that alone is admirable. However, the all-electric estimates for 2020 have been completely revised. Also, Stellantis’ stablemate Peugeot hasn’t ruled out making a gas-powered version of its new e-208 GTi, so a Delta HF Integrale with a combustion engine is still a possibility. Lancia has also hinted that the Gamma might come in a hybrid form. Still, when it comes out next year, the Delta HF should be a two-motor EV. It is a twin of the Vauxhall Mokka, so we don’t see many small Stellantis cars around here. But platforms aren’t everything. Ultimately, Lancia’s body type will determine whether this Delta is successful or not. Most people can tell the difference between current hatchbacks and SUVs by the amount of ground clearance they have. If Lancia doesn’t mess it up, it could look good and drive well. Of course, that’s a bold statement to make when car companies are trying to revive old favorites. We shouldn’t have to wait too long to find out what Lancia has planned for this new Delta, since we don’t know much about it yet. The original Delta Integrale is better, but what else could beat it? I only ask that you put in a real effort. With the company coming together once again, I’d like to think that its heart is in the right place.
