The new 2017 Fiat 124 Spider, unveiled this week at the Los Angeles Auto Show, is a winning combination: an unmistakable classic exterior design, a snarling turbocharged power plant, and Mazda’s highly acclaimed MX-5 Miata platform.
The original Pininfarina-designed Fiat 124 Spider was introduced in 1966, nearly 50 years ago. It enjoyed a long run—with more than 170,000 units built between 1970 and 1985. The majority were produced for American market. A passionate owner community has carried the tiny roadster’s torch since its departure from our shores. On any given day, you’ll find a smattering of vintage 124 Spiders and a vast array of parts listed on eBay.
For those who dream of owning a vintage Fiat Spider, but are put off by the worries of reliability and the cost of maintenance, the new 124 provides a unique proposition: a retro design and thoroughly modern suspension (front double-wishbone / rear multi-link). While the Mazda Miata’s driving dynamics and durability are widely acclaimed, earlier versions of Mazda’s roadster lacked visual flair. That was fixed with the 2016 model. The new Miata’s crisp design has earned praise, but is anything but retro.
Meanwhile, the 2017 124 Spider—designed by Centro Stile in Turin, Italy—marries the old with the new. Its flanks, hood bulge, tail lights, and grille pays homage to the original.
Lift the new 124’s hood and you’ll find Fiat’s sweet little turbocharged MultiAir 1.4-liter four- cylinder engine nestled between the fenders—driving the rear wheels, for the first time. The tiny turbo four banger—swiped from the Fiat 500 Abarth—produces a healthy 160 horsepower and 184 foot-pounds of torque. This represents a significant improvement over the 2.0-liter naturally aspirated Skyactiv four in the 2016 Miata, which delivers 155 horsepower and 148 foot-pounds of torque. The tiny terror can be mated to a six-speed manual or automatic transmission.
The 2017 124 Spider’s dashboard and jog-wheel-controlled seven-inch LCD infotainment system have been lifted from the MX-5 Miata, along with the less-than-optimal snap in drink holders. The 124’s bucket seats, however, are unique. Available safety technology includes a rear backup camera with rear cross path detection and ParkView, blind spot mirrors, and adaptive front headlamps. The 124 provides a slew of the goodies that drivers expect today, but didn’t exist in 1979: heated seats, keyless entry, Bluetooth connectivity, and a nine-speaker Bose sound system with headrest speakers.
Fingers crossed the 2017 Fiat 124 Spider retains the 500 Abarth’s delightful exhaust note when it arrives next summer.
See Fiat 124 Spider Cars for sale on eBay.
