All I can add is that a friend who has had a series of Mx5's wanted an Abarth so bad, he sold his Mx5 (in two days privately), travelled a huge distance to road test an Abarth (both autos), and was so underwhelmed by it that he came straight home and bought another Mx5.
He was a bit vague about why but did say he didn't rate the engine. Funny old world, because on looks the Abarth is streets ahead.
I don't think the auto suits the car at all, perhaps that was part of the problem ?
I came from the other direction - went for a test drive expecting to be underwhelmed by the engine and ended up buying the car. I've driven loads of MX5's and it was the additional performance of the Abarth and the gorgeous exhaust note that was a pleasant surprise. I've since had mine re-mapped and it's "just right"
The fact that it's rarity makes it a bit different was also a positive for me.
