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2017 Fiat 124 Spider Revealed: the "Fiata Turbo" Is Here

That's right, the first Fiat with rear-wheel-drive in a very long time is finally here. The 2017 model year Fiat 124 Spider may be just a re-bodied Mazda Miata, but the Fiata, as we like to call it, also comes with a turbocharged engine, in contrast to its Japanese brother.
2017 Fiat 124 Spider 30 photos
Photo: Fiat
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Starting off with the bad news, we have to admit the styling is polarizing at best and ugly at worst. While everybody criticized the new MX-5 for looking weird, they grew to love it over time. The same thing is unlikely to happen here, though.

Using the same wheelbase and overall chassis proportions as the ND roadster model, Fiat crafted a body that's supposed to remind us of the old 124 Spider. From the front, we see that they tried to imitate round headlights, but they look awkwardly placed next to that Chrysler-like grille.

The back end is a little better. It has more conventional taillights than the Miata, and they look like they came off a Dodge Viper. The trunk, meanwhile, has gained a spoiler shape.

Fiat has not messed around with the interior and left ALL the Mazda bits intact, except for the badge, of course. That's not a bad thing, considering the ND touches ergonomic perfection from the point of view of a keen driver. The press photos show a black interior and a Saddle leather alternative that works nicely with blue paint. This color combination belongs to the Prima Edizione Lusso model that will be available at launch with numbered plaques to mark its exclusivity.

We also noticed the menus of the MZD Connect system have been left intact, being a constant reminder that this car is, in fact, Japanese.

Where the Italian Job differs is under the hood. The Skyactiv engine has been plucked out and replaced with a 1.4-liter motor that's turbocharged. Similar to an Abarth, it produces 160 bhp (119 kW) and 184 lb-ft (250 Nm) of torque. Of course, the big difference when compared to the hot Fiat 500 is that, here, the four-banger is mounted along the axis of the car and sends its power to the rear wheels. Transmission choices will include a 6-speed manual or an optional 6-speed automatic gearbox. We don't know if they are Mazda gearboxes, but we're honestly hoping they are because Fiat engineers are kind of… rusty when it comes to RWD.

Although the Fiata Spider is making its debut today at the Los Angeles Auto Show, it won't be available to buy until the summer of 2016.
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About the author: Mihnea Radu
Mihnea Radu profile photo

Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida.
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