Say arrivederci to the basic philosophy of the Mazda MX-5 and ciao to the louder, more powerful and more expensive Abarth 124 Spider priced from $41,990 plus on-roads.

Although still built in Japan, the Abarth near-twin to the latest Mazda roadster attempts to throw softness and subtlety out its open top following the inclusion of quad sports exhausts, Bilstein monotube dampers with thicker anti-roll bar and Brembo brakes as standard.

Abarth 124 Spider interior

The result is a stronger 125kW at 5500rpm and 250Nm at 2500rpm for your extra $2500 over the $39,550 Mazda MX-5 GT – and as with that range topper there’s leather seats (with its own Alcantara accents), touchscreen audio, climate control and 17-inch alloys standard.

Abarth 124 Spider engine

There’s also a Sport mode that firms up steering and reduces stability control intervention, which Hiroshima doesn’t offer, while a dual-mode Monza exhaust is optional and promises to add the extra crackle for which the Italian brand is renowned.

Abarth 124 Spider rear

The Abarth 124 Spider starts rolling into local dealerships throughout October, with national driveaway prices of $43,500 manual and $45,500 auto. A 100-unit commemorative launch edition will kick off proceedings with contrast bumper inserts, tow-hook cover, unique mirror caps and ‘1 of 100’ plaque all at no extra cost.