Abarth 124 Spider from $42K

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles Australia has announced a $41,990 starting price for its Mazda MX-5 based Abarth 124 Spider.

The circa-$42,000 base price, which excludes on-road costs, applies to the six-speed manual version, making it $7500 dearer than Mazda's cheapest 2.0-litre MX-5 ($34,490) and $2440 pricier than the top-shelf MX-5 2.0 GT ($39,550).

However, FCA Australia is also offering drive-away pricing, which for the 124 manual is listed at $43,500, making it competitive with the MX-5 GT on the road.

A six-speed auto version with paddle shifters will also be available, priced $2000 higher at $43,990 plus ORCs, or $45,500 (drive-away).

To celebrate its first rear-drive convertible in years, FCA Australia is also offering the first 100 cars as commemorative Launch Editions, fitted with contrasting bumper inserts, tow-hook covers and mirror caps, plus a '1 of 100' launch-edition plaque.

As we reported when local specs were released earlier this month, Fiat's new Abarth-badged roadster – the only version of its new 124 Spider to be imported to Australia – will be officially released on October 7.

FCA claims it will deliver best-in-class performance and power-to-weight thanks to a MultiAir 1.4-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine producing a class-leading 125kW of power at 5500rpm and 250Nm of torque at 2500rpm – more than the 118kW/200Nm MX-5 2.0.

Other standard equipment includes sports suspension, mechanical limited-slip differential, Sport Mode, aluminium Brembo brakes, Bilstein dampers, thicker anti-roll bars, leather/Alcantara-clad sports seats, 17-inch Gun Metal aluminium wheels, Gun Metal exterior accents and four chromed sports exhaust outlets.

The rear-drive Japanese-made Italian roadster has a kerb weight of 1060kg, resulting in a weight-to-power ratio of 6.2kg/hp, 50/50 front/rear weight distribution and 0-100km/h acceleration in 6.8 seconds.

"The Abarth 124 Spider is not just an amazing performance vehicle, but the return of one of the world's most iconic nameplates to Australian roads," says FCA Australia President and CEO Steve Zanlunghi.

"And we're thrilled to reveal today that the most powerful vehicle in its class will offer incredible value in Australia, regardless of whether it’s in the performance-packed Abarth 124 Spider or the commemorative Launch Editions."