Lancia to re-enter UK in 2008

• Return follows an absence of 14 years
• New Delta small family car spearheads launch
• Fulvietta-based coupe likely to be next new model

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Lancia has officially confirmed that it will return to the UK in 2008 after an absence of 14 years.

The move, tipped by whatcar.com last year, will coincide with the launch of the new Delta. The Ford Focus-sized five-door hatchback will appear in near-finished concept form at the Paris Motor Show later this month.

When the production Delta is launched, it will have a range of turbocharged petrol and diesel engines delivering at least 120bhp and up to more than 200bhp. It is based on the same platform as the new Fiat Bravo, which will be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show next spring to replace the Stilo.

The Delta is the first in a new line of Lancias that will all be engineered for right-hand drive. The second new product will be a sporty coupe based on the attractive Fulvietta concept shown in 2003.

Lancia was last in the UK in 1994 with the hot Delta Integrale and Thema executive car. Lancias will be sold alongside Alfa Romeos when they return to the UK which is part of a plan to increase sales 250%, to 300,000 cars a year, by 2010.