2019 ARIEL ATOM 4

This Ariel Atom 4 is a sensational lightweight sports car, built to a high factory specification, and offered by the first owner. It is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged Honda Type R engine producing 320hp, coupled to a slick six-speed manual transmission. The odometer shows just 1,741 miles from new.

Launched at the 2018 Goodwood Festival of Speed, the Ariel Atom 4 featured a new chassis and suspension, as well as upgrades to the steering and brakes. It uses the impressive K20C1 powertrain from the latest Honda Civic Type R, along with aerodynamic enhancements to the bodywork to improve outright performance. This example was first registered on 1 August 2019, and is believed to be only the third Atom 4 ever made, at the start of customer car production.

The factory specification for this car included the standard Bilstein dampers, as well as the optional limited-slip differential, adjustable traction control with Launch Control function, and the three-stage variable boost controller. The car is also fitted with the AP Big Brake kit for the front and rear, along with the handbrake upgrade, and black powder-coated alloy wheels. Its chassis is finished in satin black, there are stainless steel fixings throughout, and the bodywork has aero deflectors in front of the cabin, as well as machined aluminium wing mirrors.

In the cabin, there are lightweight composite bucket seats, fitted with four-point harnesses and belt pads for both driver and passenger. There are also driver and passenger footrests. Its instrument panel is finished in carbon-fibre, and there is also a 12-volt auxiliary feed and USB socket. The roll bar could not be fitted at the start of production, so the car went back to the factory to have it added two months later, bringing its total price to over £51,000.

The bodywork and paint are in excellent condition, as you would expect from a car that is less than one year old. There are no scuffs or other damage to the chassis frame, and the bright red bonnet section and air intake cover are in great shape. Its gloss black alloy wheels are still pristine.

There are a few small marks from use in the cabin, including wear to the foot pedal pads, and some bobbling of the Alcantara steering wheel trim. All of the switchgear works perfectly, and there are no faults with the clear digital display.

When the car returned to have the roll bar fitted in October 2019, it was also given its running-in service at approximately 500 miles. The car remains in superb mechanical condition throughout, and its first MOT test will not be due until 2022. The wheels are fitted with Avon ZZS tyres in size 195/50 R16 at the front and 255/40 R17 at the rear, all of which are in excellent condition with plenty of tread remaining.

At launch, Autocar magazine piled praise upon the Atom 4, with its verdict stating: “A turbocharged engine has boosted the car’s usability as well as its roll-on performance with little entailed compromise, while Ariel’s other chassis and suspension tweaks have proven well worth making. The Atom retains so absorbing a dynamic character that it can be enormous fun on both road and track, when so many of its close rivals simply can’t do both”.

This Ariel Atom 4 is a stripped-back sports car with blistering performance, offered by the first and only owner. It is presented in virtually as-new condition, with not much more than running-in mileage, and with a great selection of factory-fitted options. If you have always wanted to have an Atom in your collection, and want to beat the substantial waiting list for this new model, then now is your chance.