2017 Abarth 124 Spider: 7th place $0-$50K

Confession time… I had an absolute blast in the Abarth 124 Spider.

In fact, it was one of the few cars I snuck back out on track with for another cheeky session after testing was done.

Hell, thanks to a schnozz that would do a Roman proud, it even looks more resolved (apart from the fooling-no-one interior) than the Mazda. And yet… here we all are, discussing why the Abarth 124 Spider has come in second-last place. It’s a bit of a shock, actually.

How could this have happened? Numbers don’t lie. The data traces tell the tale – despite being one of the lightest cars on test at 1060kg, the 1.4-litre turbocharged Abarth’s relatively modest 125kW/250Nm isn’t enough for it to record less than seven seconds to 100km/h, or less than 15 seconds to 400 metres.

This poor showing right from the outset puts the Italian/Japanese hybrid on the back foot. The red ink isn’t done with yet, though.

In fact, its $41,990 sticker price hurts the Abarth the most, especially when it’s slower than a Toyota 86, which is a full $10K cheaper. It can’t even be saved by a set of judging scores that rank it in second place in the category.

The extra 50Nm over a 2.0-litre MX-5 don’t hurt, either, as long as its spinning above 2000rpm. That’s the beauty and reality of BFYB’s mathematics, though. On paper, the Abarth looked strong, but when the slide rule’s out, a lack of outright pace in the face of musclier foes puts it right here in seventh place.

SPECS Engine: 1368cc inline-four, SOHC, 16v, turbo Power: 125kW @ 5500rpm Torque: 250Nm @ 2500rpm Weight: 1060kg

TIMES 0-100km/h: 7.31sec (6th) 0-400m: 15.24sec @ 146.78km/h (6th) Lap Time: 1:43.7sec (5th)

SCORES Price: $41,990 Bang Index: 90.6 Bucks Index: 80.7 BFYB Index: 86.6

WARREN LUFF SAYS “It was more of a surprise packet than I anticipated. Through all the tight and twisty stuff, like so many small sports cars it’s a lot of fun.” “You can really slide the back of the car around. It’s got really good front end grip, surprisingly. It just cries out for another 100 horsepower. The chassis is way ahead of the engine. But in terms of fun, it does everything right.” “Brakes are good. Gearbox is quite good. You’d also like a seat that held you a bit better.”

JUDGES NOTES David Morley – 2nd: “I think I actually prefer this to the MX-5. Beefier engine counts” Dylan Campbell – 1st: “What a ridiculously fun, unhinged car. Wish it had an extra 50kW” Louis Cordony – 5th: “An aggro, yet charming, take on Japan’s brilliant roadster” Tim Robson – 1st: “Such a fun little jigger, but it just didn’t have enough firepower”