2019 Fiat 124 Spider Abarth: A louder, but slightly softer Miata

The 2019 Fiat 124 Spider Abarth is the most performance-focused version of the Italian roadster. 

It shares a platform with Mazda's MX-5 Miata, but wears its own sheetmetal and is powered by a turbocharged I4. 

Fiat's 1.4-liter turbo I4 sets up shop under the Abarth's hood making 164 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. 

A slick six-speed manual transmission routes power to the rear wheel. Customers can also get the 124 Spider Abarth with a six-speed automatic gearbox for an additional $1,350.

With the manual, 124 Spider Abarth's drivetrain returns an estimated 26 miles per gallon in the city and 35 mpg on the highway. 

In Abarth form, the 124 rides on a suspension featuring Bilstein shocks and uprated springs.

To increase stopping power, a Brembo brake setup is offered for an additional $1,495.

For an angrier exhaust note, the 124 Spider Abarth can be equipped with a Record Monza Exhaust that tacks on $995 to the price tag. 

Infotainment functions inside of the Abarth are handled by a Fiat Connect interface that features a 7-inch touchscreen. 

The 2019 Fiat 124 Spider Abarth starts at $29,290, not including $1,495 for destination.