Pricing for the new Abarth 500C convertible sports car, with manual gearbox, has just been announced,  and it’s cheaper than the current car with Competizione paddle-shift transmission.

This is the latest new version to join the well-established Abarth line-up, launched in the UK in July 2008.

In keeping with Abarth’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 do not wish to take advantage of the ‘Competizione’ 'box.

Priced at £16,856 OTR, the Abarth 500C manual is around £1,000 cheaper than the automatic version.

Along with a electric hood with glass rear window, and third brake light incorporated into the spoiler, the car receives a host of other equipment.

This includes seven airbags, xenon headlights, TTC (torque transfer control), parking sensors, Blue&Me hands-free telecommunications system, leather steering wheel and alloy wheels.

A full range of options includes automatic climate control, leather sports interior, bi-colour paint, red brake callipers and coloured Abarth side stripes and mirrors.

Proof that the 500C is a true Abarth comes in the form of its 135bhp 1.4 16v Turbo T-Jet engine, which provides the convertible with a top speed of 128mph and a 0-62mph time of 7.9 seconds.

The unit returns 43.5mpg fuel economy on the combined cycle and has a CO2 figure of 155 g/km.

The car features Dualdrive electrically assisted power steering with ‘Sport Mode’ while stopping is courtesy of front (ventilated) and rear disc brakes.

“With the choice between hatchback and convertible versions and in manual or Competizione form, we now have an Abarth 500 to suit all requirements and driving conditions,” said Ivan Gibson, head of Abarth in the UK.

“And with the option to take on the 160bhp Esseesse specification, open top performance motoring has never been more accessible.”