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A good hot hatch provides one of the most versatile driving experiences you can find in a vehicle, with sports car levels of performance delivered with the practicality of a family-friendly hatchback – just look at the Honda Civic Type R for an example. Most are also cheap to buy and affordable to maintain. Alfa Romeo has a rich history of memorable hot hatches like the 147 GTA with its glorious Busso V6 engine, but it was sadly never sold in the US.

For the first time this year, MY2000 147s can be legally imported into the US under the 25-year rule, but we’ll have to wait another two years to lay our hands on the GTA. For those looking for a next-level hot hatch, opting for a collectible classic is always an interesting option. If money isn’t an issue, another rare and legendary Italian hatch with all-wheel drive would prove an awesome addition to any collection, and might even make you forget about that 147 GTA.

The Delta Integrale Was Lancia’s Hot Hatch Contender Of The Late 1980s

The model in question is the final evolution of the legendary Lancia Delta Integrale (pictured above), which was named the Edizione Finale (see gallery further down). Just 250 examples of the vehicle were ever produced, making it one of the rarest production hot hatches ever made. Interestingly, despite being the crowning achievement of the Delta, it was only meant to be offered for the Japanese market, though several cars were re-imported to Europe following delivery.

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The cars were built in 1994, after the second-generation Delta model had already gone on sale in 1993. The first-gen Delta was also badged as a Saab in Scandinavia and had a long production run of 15 years until it was discontinued in 1994 – the year the Edizione Finale came out. A range of front-wheel-drive HF versions arrived first, before the four-wheel-drive Delta Integrale model arrived in 1987. The variant underwent several revisions over the following five years, with the Edizione Finale being the ultimate evolution of the Delta Integrale.

Discussion

What is the best hot hatchback that we don’t get in the US?

There are many hot hatchbacks sold elsewhere in the world that are not available in the United States. We recently had the chance to try one, the Volkswagen Polo GTI. It’s smaller and less powerful than the Golf GTI, but it feels more nimble and old school. If it was sold in the US, would you consider it over a Golf GTI? Also, if you could pick any hot hatchback sold around the world – such as the BMW M135i, Mercedes-AMG A45, Renault Megane RS, or Toyota GR Yaris – what would you buy? 

The Edizione Finale Was The Most Powerful Road-Going Integrale Ever Built

The Integrale Edizione Finale already had good genes, as the vehicle was based on the Evoluzione II version of the Delta Integrale, which was unleashed in 1993, and featured several enhancements compared to the Evoluzione I. The aggressive wide-body kit remained, while its turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four engine was enhanced to produce a little extra grunt. Improvements included a more efficient fuel-injection system, an upgraded ECU, and a new Garrett turbocharger.

While the powerplant was kept identical on the Edizione Finale, Lancia played around with the engine-management system to liberate some extra grunt. The standard car’s 205 hp was increased to 246 hp, which allowed it to blast past the 60 mph barrier in around five seconds. It wasn’t just on the straights where the Edizione Finale could show the standard Evoluzione II the way, either.

Lancia Treated The Latest And Greatest Delta To Some Handling Enhancements

Alongside the engine tweaks, the Integrale Edizione Finale was treated to a new rear strut brace to go along with the front-mounted component that came with the standard Evo II. This helped to stiffen up the chassis further, improving suspension response and turn-in precision. To this end, a set of enhanced Eibach springs were also equipped front and rear.

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Aside from the performance kit, the interior of the vehicle was also spiced up. Racing-type Recaro bucket seats and a Momo steering wheel made an appearance, as did a set of aluminum pedals. To further make the Edizione Finale feel like a road-going racer, its standard ignition key was replaced with a push-button start feature. A set of 16-inch anthracite Speedline wheels featured, with the whole car finished off with a unique Bordeaux red paint scheme, which was detailed with yellow and blue stripes. As specials go, the Edizione Finale was a very special one indeed.

Interested Gearheads Will Need To Give Their Bank Accounts A Squeeze To Afford One

While the Delta Integrale Edizione Finale is extremely tempting due to being the fastest and one of the rarest examples of the breed, the word ‘rare’ goes hand in hand with ‘expensive.’ Even standard Integrale Evo IIs sell for around $100,000, with Classic.com, a site that collates auction listings from around the world, reporting that the average sale price for them is currently $101,665. Given the Edizione Finales’ extra exclusivity, expect to pay significantly more than this.

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As an example, a specimen located in the US failed to sell through Bring a Trailer in early 2025 for $95,000, despite having covered over 92,000 miles during its life. A further pair of examples, which had both covered over 70,000 miles, managed to fetch over $120,000 each when they went under the hammer in late 2024. Due to how usable the Delta Integrale was, finding an Edizione Finale with extremely low mileage is very difficult. Should you pull off a miracle and find one, expect to pay over $200,000 for the privilege of securing it for yourself.

The Delta Integrale Was The Final Car Lancia Ever Campaigned In Top-Flight Rallying

Aside from the model’s performance credentials and rarity, its racing pedigree is another element that adds to its exceptional value. The Delta Integrale became Lancia’s latest World Rally Championship challenger when the series introduced its new Group A rules after it was determined that the previous insane Group B ruleset was too dangerous. It didn’t help that it was very expensive too, with Lancia nearly going as far as building a dual-engined Trevi to take on the Audi Quattro. Group A cars came with lower-powered engines and more production-based foundations, making the standard Delta road car the ideal base.

The Delta Integrale’s Successful Six-Year WRC Record

• Six straight constructors’ titles (1987-1992)
• Four drivers championships (2x Juha Kankkunen; 1987,1991, 2x Miki Biasion; 1988,1989)
• 44 WRC victories

It did well, hitting the ground running when it made its debut in 1987. The Delta Integrale claimed every constructors’ title it gunned for, culminating in six straight championships, as well as four drivers’ titles during those years for Juha Kankkunen and Miki Biasion, who claimed a pair apiece. The Delta managed to win an amazing 46 WRC rallies during this rich period, before Lancia finally decided to quit the WRC arena in 1992.

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It is yet to return to top-flight rallying as of 2025, with only a Rally4 spec version of its Ypsilon HF hot hatch having emerged so far, giving the Delta Integrale the special title of being the last model from the historic brand to ever take on the top class in the WRC. With no future top-flight WRC contender currently on the horizon, the Delta Integrale is the closest you’ll get to owning one. And if you’re going to take the plunge, why not get the best; the Edizione Finale.

Sources: Lancia.