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2017 Fiat 124 Spider and 1968 Fiat 124 Spider

A.J. Mueller

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2017 Fiat 124 Spider Lusso

A.J. Mueller

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2017 Fiat 124 Spider Lusso

A.J. Mueller

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2017 Fiat 124 Spider Lusso

A.J. Mueller

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2017 Fiat 124 Spider Lusso

Jim Frenak - FPI Studios

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2017 Fiat 124 Spider Lusso

Jim Frenak - FPI Studios

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The times are few and far between when we get to drive a true roadster with only two seats and an open top, being as there are not that many on the market today. But as of 2017 there is a new Italian roadster that has come back from the past, as many of us can remember the original Fiat Spider from years gone by.

Fiat, after making a debut a few years ago once again in the U.S. market with a line of very small cars known as the 500, they then added an over the top Arbarth to that line that comes with all kinds of power and fun. The nest addition was the 500L a four door version of the original 500, and if that were not enough they also added the 500X which is a 4 wheel drive SUV again resembling the original 500. So it only made sense that it was time to come up with something a little different, that of course being the sports version of a Fiat in the 124 Spider.

In the process they teamed up with Mazda to create the small roadster using many of the same ingredients inside the 124 that are also found inside the Mazda MX-5 Miata. Don’t let this dissuade you from taking a look at this new Italian as that is where the similarities end, after that the new Fiat is all Italian and designed to be a contender in this market.

The engine is produced solely by Fiat and added during production is a 1.4 liter turbocharged power plant, which is smaller than the 2.0 liter offered in the Miata, and somewhat smaller than the original 1.4 liter included with the Spider. It does produce more horsepower 160 vs 150 in the Miata and 184 pound feet of torque; stepping up to the Arbarth version of the 124 will get an extra 6 ponies, but keeps the same torque number. For the week we averaged right around 30 mpg, which would be a good thing as the Spider wants to be filled with premium.

Power is sent to the rear wheels via a 6 speed manual transmission or via an optional automatic transmission which is what was included in our test drive. Last November we had the opportunity to have a week with the Miata with a manual and for the entire week we kept finding ourselves trying to clutch the Fiat although none was present. We agree that the true roadster experience should be enjoyed with a clutch and a manual shifter so save the extra $1,350 and go with the manual experience!

On the interior the Fiat gets new seats, door panels, instrument panels, steering wheel and gauge graphics that are different from what would be found in the Mazda counterpart, other than that most that have driven the Mazda will find the two quite alike with the center control for the infotainment system and volume control for the sound system with the screen rising out of the center of the dashboard.

Technology abound in the new Fiat but has different controls and look that what we are used to in a Fiat vehicle, it sides more with the Mazda family, that is not a bad thing as it is very easy to use and control, at the same time allowing the driver to keep hands on the wheel to keep the responsive little roadster going strong.

Bluetooth is standard and easy to connect with and a Bose stereo is an option that included speakers in the headrests. Talking on the phone and listening to the stereo were both accomplished with ease even with the top down, voice commands also still worked quite well with all the extra noise.

That being said this is where the similarities end and the Fiat becomes all Italian and loses any other Asian influence that may have lingered; in fact, the top is even made with a heavier fabric to help reduce road noise when it is in the up position. With the top down the road and other noises are all part of the roadster experience.

The body shape and lines of the new Fiat are an extension of the old iconic Fiat that was made popular from the late 60’s until the early 80’s when production was stopped until now when the company has chosen to again make a sports roadster, and has kept the price a point that most anyone can enjoy the thrill of having the top down and driving on the open road.

The design is sleek and just rounded enough so that heads are turning to see what kind of car it was that just went by. From pretty much any angle it is going to be a head turner, we really liked the new rear end as the designers have put unique stamp it using a rectangular oblong taillight that is surround with LED accents lights, and dual chrome tailpipes add just the extra speed appeal.

Since we happened to have our week with the 124 Spider during the last nice week in mid-October, our Saturday was spent with the top down and driving around the valley while the temperatures were warm enough to enjoy the air. It didn’t take us long to understand why roadsters are in a class all to themselves. With everyone checking out the 124 and us getting asked many questions, mostly about what kind of car it was, whenever we stopped. We found it to be very enjoyable to have a unique car for a week that garnered such attention.

The Fiat had great pickup and with the turbo included, it was not only a looker, but also a very engaging drive when accelerating, and especially when cornering on canyon roads. Since the 124 is much smaller than most vehicles it seems easier to handle as it slices through the curves, which is probably true, smaller is easier to keep under control.

About the only complaint that we had during the week was the fact that we are getting older in age and it was sometimes difficult to climb in and out of after a long ride, but Fiat kept calling for us to come and go for a ride so we found a way to keep getting in and out.

The Italian designed seats were very nice and fit us perfectly causing Deanne to comment how well they kept her in place, even when Craig was maybe cornering a little too quickly on some of these rides. Of course in the Lusso they are also heated, also a nice addition as in the morning temperatures were in the high 30’s.

On the safety side our test ride came with a customer preferred package that included blind spot monitoring that we found to be very helpful, especially on the freeway as we were much smaller than most of the surrounding traffic and it was easy to know when they were close on either side. This package also comes with a park sense system that provided rear cross path detection, making backing easier.

The new Fiat 124 Spider is one of the most engaging cars that we have tested to date and would make a great addition to anyone’s garage, its like a blast from the past with all the modern technologies that we have come to love. This seems to be the modus operandi for Fiat take what worked in the past as a touch of modern sprinkle in some fun and you have a recipe for success. See the new Fiats today at Ken Garff Fiat in Salt Lake at 198 South 500 East, 888-819-3570.

Base Price: $27,495

Price as Driven: $31,335