FIAT'S sexy-looking new 124 Spider will cost from £19,545 when it hits UK streets this autumn - 50 years after its namesake shook up the sports car scene of the Swinging Sixties.

Featuring a turbo-charged petrol and rear-wheel drive, the 124 has been designed at Centro Stile in Turin and takes its inspiration from the 1966 original.

Stand-out features a horizontal line running from the front wing up over the rear haunch and flowing towards the tail lamp.

And the position of its LED headlamps along with the hexagonal upper grille, also draw on the details of the classic roadster while the newcomer's bonnet emulates the twin power domes of the second-generation Fiat 124 Spider.

At the rear, there are ‘seagull' wings and sharp horizontal tail lamps plus an integrated rear spoiler and twin exhausts.

The soft top has spring-assisted opening and closing - eliminating the need for a power assist system - and even the Fiat's seat structure is designed with roof operation in mind.

Fiat says the rear windscreen frame has been designed to guide the wind above occupants' heads towards the rear of the car while special care has been given to the reduction of noise, vibration and harshness.

Beneath the bonnet is a 1.4-litre MultiAir Turbo petrol engine producing 140bhp and driving the rear wheels via a six-speed manual transmission. Top speed is 134mph and the spider can scorch from 0-62mph in 7.5 seconds.

Three trim levels will be offered - Classica, Lusso and Lusso Plus and even entry grade cars will include four airbags, air-con, a leather-trimmed steering wheel with audio controls, cruise control with speed limiter, 16-inch alloy, keyless engine start and a powerful infotainment system with USB, AUX and Bluetooth connectivity.

A seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system with DAB, WiFi, two USB ports and a multimedia control knob is available as a £500 option.

And the 124 Spider will be up for grabs in eight colours, with two pastel finishes (Passione Red and Ice White), five metallic shades (Volcano Black, Argento Grey, Fashion Grey, Magnetic Bronze and Italia Blue) and one tri-coat pearlescent finish called Urban White.

Prices start at £19,545 for the Classica version, with the Lusso model priced at £22,295 and the top Lusso Plus trim £1,000 more at £23,295.