It’s tough to look at the 2017 Fiat 124 Spider without thinking of the Mazda Miata. However, Fiat is able to provide quality where the Miata cannot.
The 124 Spider offers much higher quality materials, devoid of the hard plastics commonly found in the Miata. Of course, there also is no overlooking the 124 Spider’s performance, either. This little two-seater is a lot of fun to drive, especially in the in the line-topping Lusso trim.
In addition to using more soft-touch materials, Fiat made a concerted effort to block out noise. Fiat has achieved a nearly silent cabin by using an acoustic windshield, a thicker rear window, and more sound deadening material in several areas throughout the Spider.
This comes especially handy when you consider the Spider’s manual soft-top, which, could potentially bring in a lot of external noise pollution. The soft top on this model is a breeze to lower and raise, encouraging you to put it down on a bright day, even in unpredictable South Florida weather. Its soft top is a feature that is especially nice at higher speeds.
The Spider is a joy to drive, especially on the highway. Its compact size and apt response time makes it easy to zip through traffic. While it’s a bit of a tight squeeze, the Spider is still comfortable especially when you consider its small proportions.
The Fiat 124 Spider features a turbocharged 1.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, which touts 160 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. This year’s 124 Spider can gallop from a standstill to 60 mph in 6.8 seconds. Its turbocharged engine is rated at 25 mpg city, 36 highway and 29 combined for automatic transition. However, Fiat does offer a manual transmission option, as well.
Fiat’s model lineup consists of three trims: Classica, Lusso, and the Abarth. We were lucky enough to test-drive the luxury-oriented Lusso.
Features of the Lusso include but are not limited to: remote proximity keyless entry, ParkView rear back-up cameras, leather upholstery, touchscreen and technology package, Bluetooth, rear console with secured storage, auxillary outlet, rain-sensitive windshield wipers, illuminated entry, soft-touch upper instrument panel, enhanced accident response system and piano black interior accents.
If sporty is more your style, however, the Abarth should be up to your speed. The Abarth features Bilstein shocks, a unique exhaust system that adds four more horsepower to total 164, and sport pedals.
While many may compare the 2016 Fiat 124 Spider to the Mazda Miata, it should be noted that there are some key differences from the two. For one, the Spider emphasizes a more luxurious experience, employing higher quality materials and a quiet ride. With three trim options, the Classica, Lusso and Abarth, you can select which Spider suits your needs best whether that be more power, or less spending.
However, with the Spider, you’ll be getting a great price regardless of the trim. The 2017 Fiat 124 Spider is a fun soft top two seater that takes on the road fearlessly.
The suggested retail price for the 2017 Fiat 124 Spider Lusso is $33,635.
