THE new Abarth 500C convertible with manual gearbox will cost £16,856 when it hits the streets this week - and it's cheaper than the current car with ‘Competizione' paddle-shift transmission.

In keeping with the Fiat-owned brand's philosophy of ‘Making the Ordinary Extraordinary', Abarth has taken the convertible model and added the option of a five speed manual transmission, for those drivers who don't like paddle shift.

Along with an electric hood with glass rear window and third brake light incorporated into the spoiler, the car receives kit like seven airbags, xenon headlights, parking sensors, Blue&Me hands-free system, leather steering wheel and alloy wheels.

Options include automatic climate control, leather sports interior, bi-colour paint, red brake callipers and coloured Abarth side stripes and mirrors.

Power comes via a 135bhp 1.4-litre Turbo T-Jet engine, which provides the convertible with a top speed of 128mph and a 0-62mph time of 7.9 seconds. Fuel economy is 43.5mpg on the combined cycle and the car has a CO figure of 155g/km.

The Abarth 500C also features Dualdrive electrically assisted power steering with ‘Sport Mode' while stopping is courtesy of front ventilated and rear disc brakes.