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Review Overview
Fiat 124 scores highly for performance, comfort and sales potential
The arrival of the 124 Spider in showrooms is a boost for the UK dealer network, which can look forward to future sales of stylish convertibles that gains its inspiration from the past.
Of yesteryear Fiat drop-tops the original 124 Spider, built between 1966 and 1980, was the most successful both in terms of sales and the perception of the brand. More than 5,000 are still on European roads today. So when looking to create a new halo model, gaining inspiration from the 1966 Spider was the clear way forward.
“The idea was a flagship for our aspirational family. The car shares the values of a 500, such as iconic design, being cool and fun, but matches all these elements in its own way,” said Pietro Carminati, product manager for the 124 Spider.
In a bid to deliver an effective driving package Fiat agreed a joint programme with Mazda, maker of the MX-5, the most sought-after roadster of the last 25 years. So, given that the Mazda and Fiat share a platform, does that mean the Spider is little more than a rebadged MX-5? On the contrary, according to Carminati.
“Yes our platform is shared with Mazda and we are very happy about it. When you develop a proper lightweight roadster there’s nothing better than starting with the best in the market over the last 25 years, rather than as some brands do, cutting the roof from a B-segment platform and then trying to restore the rigidity, adding weight to make it stiff.
“We produced a design that is clearly different, the styling created in Italy in Fiat’s design centre, but also in many technical aspects. We did not want to create a copycat of the MX-5, it’s a great car but we wanted our own take on what a modern Fiat roadster should and has to be.”
As a result the 124 Spider has suspension and steering that are tuned differently, while the engine is completely bespoke. The interior trim also has fine detailing and a quality feel.
Whereas the MX-5 offers naturally-aspirated 1.5 or 2.0-litre petrol units, the Fiat makes use of the brand’s own 1.4-litre MultiAir turbo, at 140bhp offering 20 horsepower less than the more powerful Mazda but with 240Nm of torque compared to the 200 of the MX-5.
“Our power is delivered in a totally different way,” Carminati said. “In real life 90% of the time you drive the car will be in traffic so having the power on offer from 2,000 rpm rather than having to rev above 4,000 rpm, makes it much more fun exiting a roundabout or a tight bend. But also if you want to sit back and enjoy the view you can while knowing that the power is there when you need it.”
There are three trims – Classico, Lusso and Lusso Plus – and prices start from £19,545, which is between the two engine sizes of the MX-5. There’s also a 170bhp Abarth version priced at £29,565.
An initial 124-strong anniversary edition, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the launch of the original 124 Spider, sold out before dealers started taking orders for the main range, and these are running ahead of expectations, with only 15% of customers choosing the entry-level Classico version. Fiat could be onto something.
Overall, the 124 Spider impresses from the moment you first lay eyes on it. Whereas its MX-5 rival suggests fun from the outset, the Spider presents a more grown-up, refined image.
Slipping behind the wheel feels oddly familiar to anyone that has sat in the Mazda, but also different, with Fiat trying hard to ensure that its flagship model can build its own reputation.
The soft-touch plastics, leather, chrome and black detailing combine to offer quality surroundings, while the driver’s seat is every bit as cosseting and focused as one would expect in a roadster.
The biggest difference between the two cars is on the road. The turbo engine of the 124 encourages you to drive it in a different way. The extra low-down torque allows progress through tricky bends, or indeed town-centre traffic, in a more relaxed fashion without having to resort to use of the gears.
On the other hand the 124 does not feel quite so dynamically sorted in the bends as the Mazda. It does not give the same steering feel through corners. Both cars tick the fun-to-drive box but while the Fiat is more relaxing, the Mazda is more fulfilling.
