2024 Ariel Atom 4 finally available in Australia

After a five-year delay, the 2024 Ariel Atom 4 is finally available in Australia – but only 50 examples of the minimalist two-seat, open-wheel sports car will be sold Down Under, each priced at $179,990 plus on-road costs.

That may not dent the interest of the Atom’s patiently waiting local fanbase, which has registered more than 4000 expressions of interest since the lightweight track-focussed roadster was confirmed for our market in 2018.

With so much interest and such few cars, customers will be selected from a lottery-style ballot later this month, entries for which will close at 4:59pm AEST on September 29.

The 50 lucky customers will then be called upon to pay a $10,000 deposit to secure their build slot and eventually customise their vehicle accordingly.

Built from the ground up to be fast, minimalist and engaging, the Ariel Atom 4 is powered by a 239kW/420Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine pinched out of the old Honda Civic Type R, sending drive to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual transmission.

The forced-induction grunt combines with a dainty 595kg kerb weight and semi-slick tyres to dispatch the 0-100km/h sprint in a claimed 2.8 seconds before pushing on to a top speed of 265km/h.

Exposed double-wishbone suspension at both ends features fully adjustable pushrods, Eibach springs and Bilstein monotube dampers, while stopping duties are handled by two-piston callipers acting on 278mm front and 253mm rear discs.

A limited-slip rear differential is included as standard to help keep things in check, while the driver is kept up to date on all key vehicle functions via a TFT display behind the steering wheel.

“A number of certification issues presented as obstacles to obtaining certification of the Ariel Atom 4 in Australia including emissions control, and other safety testing required for the Australian market which wasn’t necessary for other markets worldwide,” said local Ariel distributor Road+Track.

“Additionally, the Ariel Atom 4 quickly sold out of production capacity with the annual production of the Ariel Motor Company (UK) limited to around 120 units per year.

“Owners won’t notice any difference to performance or use of the cars but can be satisfied that their vehicle is certified for use on Australian roads.”

Anyone who misses out on the initial batch of 50 Atom 4s needn’t despair. Ariel says more product announcements will be made next year, ahead of the Atom and Ariel Nomad’s eventual replacements breaking cover.