The eye-catching new Abarth 124 spider will cost from £29,565 when it arrives here in the UK later this summer.

That price-tag is for the 1.4 TJet 170bhp manual version of the two-seater roadster which marks the return of the spider badge to Abarth and is the natural heir of the original model launched in 1972.

Equipped with a four-cylinder MultiAir Turbo engine, the newcomer can sprint from 0-62mph in 6.8 seconds and has a top speed of 143mph. It is available with a six-speed manual or the automatic Sequenziale Sportivo gearbox, the latter with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifts. And as the sound of the engine really matters in an Abarth, the Record Monza exhaust comes as standard.

Abarth says each car is tested and certified by one of the company’s own technicians, who applies a metal plaque showing the sequential number of each car – so it’s a unique number for every customer.

The new Abarth 124 spider has a three-gauge instrument binnacle featuring a large central rev counter, a speedometer on the right and a data display on the left allowing the driver to monitor all key driving information at a glance.

Standard equipment includes climate control system, cruise control, adjustable, electrically-folding door mirrors, and an infotainment system with ergonomic, selector dial on the centre console. The system features a 7-inch colour display, DAB digital tuner, MP3 player, two USB ports, AUX input, and Bluetooth connectivity.

There is also a stereo with four speakers while, for superior sound quality, a Bose premium sound system with nine speakers, including dual headrest speakers on both seats and a subwoofer, is available as an option. A satellite navigation system is also optional.

Full pricing sees the Abarth 124 spider 1.4 TJet 170bhp manual costing £29,565, with an extra £2,040 for automatic.

Gerry Southerington, Abarth brand manager, said: “The 124 spider is a new car and a new chapter in the exciting Abarth story. It’s what many of our existing customers have been waiting for, and I am confident we will now welcome a new group of owners into the Abarth family. Great looks, stunning performance and unique equipment will set the 124 spider apart from other roadsters and I am excited about this car’s UK launch.”