Published:
17 February 2012Unsurprisingly, the new Chrysler’s engines also come courtesy of Fiat. The entry-level model gets the manufacturer’s older 118bhp 1.4-litre T-Jet petrol turbo lump, which is joined in the petrol line-up by a turbocharged 1.4-litre MultiAir unit. The diesel line-up comprises the 118bhp 1.6-litre MultiJet and ends with the 162bhp 1.9-litre oil-burner, which is available in range-topping Delta Limited trim only.
All cars in the range come with manual gearboxes apart from the 1.6-litre MultiJet diesel, which is offered with either a manual or ‘robotised manual’ transmission.
Although power is pegged at 138bhp, the turbocharged 1.4-litre engine in the petrol car means 170lb ft of torque is available from way below 2000rpm, which makes the car quite relaxing to drive. It’s more willing to accelerate through higher intermediate gears from lower speeds than a normally aspirated engine might be. A reasonably low kerb weight of 1445kg, as tested, helps too. There’s not diesel-rivaling tractability, but it’s much better than you might expect from such a small petrol motor in a relatively large car.
