In July 2015, the first batch of Mazda MX-5 Miata roadsters arrived in the United States by sea. Almost a year since that moment, the Fiat equivalent to the Miata is making its way to U.S. dealerships.
“After much anticipation, the all-new Fiat 124 Spider is here in the U.S. and will start to arrive at Fiat studios next week,” declared Bob Broderdorf, the director of Fiat North America. Just in time for the convertible season, the 2017 Fiat 124 Spider is the perfect alternative to those who want something different.
Priced from $25,990 including destination charge, the Fiata is not just a Mazda MX-5 Miata in drags. For starters, it oozes sexiness thanks to its Italian design that resembles the original 124 Spider. Even though the Italian and Japanese half-brothers share the 90.9-inch wheelbase, the Fiata is almost five inches longer due to its more generous front and rear overhangs.
The trunk is also bigger, but not by much: 4.94 cuFT vs. 4.59 cuFT. Concerning weight, the 2017 Fiat 124 Spider in its most basic specification (Classico) trips the scales at 2,436 pounds. That’s 104 more than the Japanese roadster. Most of that extra weight comes from the additional sound deadening and the engine.
Under the long, alluring hood lies a 1.4-liter turbocharged four-banger with 160 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. Yes, it is similar to the engine that equips the Fiat 500 Abarth and Jeep Renegade. 0 to 60 mph (96 km/h)? 6.8 seconds, which is eight-tenths down on the MX-5 Miata with the 2.0 SkyActiv-G engine.
Depending on the transmission (six-speed manual or auto), the 2017 Fiat 124 Spider drinks 91-octane gas and is able to return 29 or 30 mpg, respectively, combined. For those who want the full course, the 2017 Abarth 124 Spider is the one to go for. Boasting 164 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, the range-topping model starts from $29,190. The Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring, for comparison, starts from $30,900.
After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well. Full profile
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