A Christmas newsletter from Lancia France that refers to the brand's forthcoming C/D segment model as just the 'Delta' has added more weight to the swirling rumours about the car's name. The production version of the Delta will follow the prototype styling almost unchanged, with slight differences in the headlights, mirrors and rear bumper. The Lancia Beta was introduced in the early 1970s and as well as a saloon, coupé and convertible version, the most famous derivative was the stylish Beta HPE, a 'fastback' estate which won many admirers across the world. The second-generation Lancia Delta, introduced in 1993, saw a 3-door model designated as the Delta HPE introduced two years later. However it sold in small numbers.

A Christmas newsletter from Lancia France that refers to the brand's forthcoming C/D segment model as just the 'Delta' has added more weight to the swirling rumours about the car's production name.

Introduced to the world as the Lancia Delta HPE at last year's Paris Mondial de l'Automobile, after a sneak preview at the Venice Film Festival, this exciting new model aims to straddle both C and D segments, its Fiat Cento Stile-developed 'shooting brake' design offering ground breaking optimisation of interior and luggage space. It is also a key model as it will widen the range which is currently over reliant on the Ypsilon and Musa models.

The production version of the Delta will follow the prototype styling almost unchanged, with slight differences in the headlights, mirrors and rear bumper. The design is the work of Lancia Centro Stile, with striking details such as the flying bridge C-pillar and LED tail lights.

Largely based on the Fiat Bravo, the Delta will offer a larger stretched version of the Compact wheelbase. Measuring at 2700 mm, the wheelbase will in fact be closer in size to offerings from the D-segment. The Delta will also provide a higher roofline than the Bravo, despite sharing the same doorframes and windshield.

Inside the rear seat will feature an innovative sliding mechanism offering increased practicality and comfort. The Delta will represent a comfortable, stylish and practical alternative in the C-segment with dynamic styling and materials more upmarket than that of the Fiat Bravo.

Engines for the Delta will range between 120bhp – 220bhp, with Multiair and turbocharging technology. Other features for this upmarket hatchback will include Active Roll Control for ultimate FWD control. The engineering team is being headed by Simone Rosetta.

A launch is expected at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show, with RHD versions later being introduced to the UK and Japanese markets. The Delta has been engineered to break even at only 45,000 units, with a production target of 70,000 - 80,000 units per year.

The name, Delta HPE, was meant to symbolise the fact that the car would offer the best parts of two historically successful models: the C-segment Delta hatchback and the larger Beta HPE 'estate'.

Both models had large production runs, and are embedded into the consciousness of both Lancisti and the wider car owning world in general. The 5-door Delta hatchback was built for two decades from 1979, spawning the famous rally-bred Integrale, a hugely successful 'halo' model which came to symbolise this model. However the powerful, rally-winning Integrale as well as the fearsome GpB Delta S4 have both become synonymous with the Delta name and there have been some recent concerns within Fiat management that this association is at odds with the positioning of the new model. Incidentally the second-generation Delta, introduced in 1993 saw a 3-door model designated as the Delta HPE introduced two years later. However it sold in small numbers. The Delta name disappeared from Lancia's model range in 1999.

The Lancia Beta was introduced in the early 1970s and as well as a saloon, coupé and convertible version, the most famous derivative was the stylish Beta HPE, a 'fastback' estate which won many admirers across the world. Earlier this month Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne threw accepted thought that the new model, due to arrive in the European showrooms next summer, would destined to be called the Delta HPE. He hinted he was unhappy with the confusion of the name and suggested that the Beta tag could also be brought into the equation.

Now the newsletter from Fiat France would suggest that the HPE designation is to be dropped altogether from the name with the car to be known as just the Delta, reviving a much loved and successful name.