High fuel efficiency and low tailpipe emissions are set to help make the next new car from Chrysler a big hit with user chooser drivers.

But second-glance Italian styling promises to be the factor most likely to seal the success of the Delta in the corporate sector, believes Chrysler UK sales director Rob Hatfield.

The re-badged Lancia hatchback model is expected to account for the lion’s share of more than 15,000 annual registrations the revitalised US firm is hoping to be achieving here by 2014.

“This model will be the biggest car available in the C-sector when it goes on sale in June and I think that factor will not be lost on the growing number of D-segment motorists who are now looking to downsize in view of rising transport costs," he said.

“We’re looking at being able to offer benefit in kind figures of £39 a month for 20% taxpayers and £78 a month for 40% taxpayers and I’m convinced these will put our 1.6-litre diesel version on a lot of corporate availability lists.”

Speaking at the launch of the Compass SUV – the first Chrysler model to be introduced since it became a Fiat Group subsidiary – Hatfield told Fleet News: “I recognise that we need to have the strongest residuals possible and to that end, we’re spending a lot of time with the market influencers to explain equipment levels and where we think our products will sit in the market. We are also holding talks with contract hire companies.

“I don’t have an objective for fleet share but the Delta will be our key business car. I think user choosers like to have a car on their driveway that appeals to their neighbours and are keen on styling that makes their choice stand out on the company parking lot. We’ll be offering a C-segment competitor that will certainly do that.”