What is it?

It might be wearing Chrysler badges, but that's about the only American content in what is otherwise a Lancia Delta just like the one sold in continental Europe. The Delta is an MPV crossover that works as Lancia's family hatch model. It uses the current range of small petrol and diesel engines seen in Fiats, though the petrol versions are the only ones likely to make the jump to the USA.

Why's it here?

The Chrysler-Lancia is essentially an MPV crossover and a toe-in-the-water exercise to see if US customers would buy the car. Fiat is already well advanced with its plan to sell the 500 in the USA, so further Italian-sourced models makes sense to help Chrysler's ailing fortunes. Chrysler needs new models fast and rebadged Fiat Group cars are the quickest and easiest way to do this.

Show stopper or floor filler?

We'll have to wait to gauge the reactions of the American show-going public to judge whether or not a Chrysler-ised Lancia will appeal to the US car-buying masses. Given America's new-found concern with fuel economy and interest in more compact cars, the Chrysler-Lancia could be an unexpectedly astute move, but it's not likely to be anyone's car of the show.

Full 2010 Detroit Auto Show report.