Abarth 124 only for Australia

Fans of affordable open-top Italian sportscars will have to make do with a single powered-up variant of the new Fiat 124 Spyder.

That’s the latest news from Fiat Chrysler Automobiles Australia (FCAA) which today has confirmed it will import only the Abarth version of the new MX-5 based two-seater.

The Abarth 124 Spyder was launched at this year’s Geneva Motor Show. The two-seater is powered by an upgraded 126kW/250Nm version of the 1.4-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder that also features in the Fiat variant.

Australian buyers will be able to choose from a six-speed manual or six-speed Sequenziale Sportivo paddle-shift automatic. Standard equipment is expected to include a mechanical limited-slip differential and, ‘Abarth by Bilstein’ dampers, stiffer anti-roll bars (than the Fiat version) and Brembo brakes with aluminium front callipers.

FCAA says the Abarth version of the 124 Spyder represents the “best opportunity” for the vehicle family Down Under. It has no plans to import the standard Fiat version.

This positioning is likely a reference to the company’s ability to price the standard Fiat version competitively, when compared to Mazda’s aggressive pricing of its MX-5 offering.

FCAA head of product strategy and marketing, Zac Loo, told motoring.com.au: “From our perspective, speaking to the performance bent of Australian consumers, that’s what we’re going to go after. It [the Abarth 124 Spyder] speaks to exactly what you want in that type of product.

“We think it will be an excellent expression of a roadster that speaks to the heritage of the 124 and Abarth,” Loo explained.

Pricing and specifications for the new Abarth 124 soft-top are not expected to be announced until next month (May), with the car due to land Down Under in the final quarter of the 2016 calendar year.

FCAA also announced its cheapest-ever Abarth 595 this week. Priced from $27,500 (plus ORCs), the model will fill the gap between the Fiat 500 Lounge and Abarth 595 Turismo. Order books open this month.