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Abarth 124 Spider Launched in Japan: 1.4L Turbo Alternative to the Miata?

The Fiat 124 Spider, which is the vanilla version of this car, is assembled by Mazda at the same factory as the MX-5 Miata. So, considering the Italians asked for a RHD version as well, it comes as no surprise that the Japanese market will also get an Abarth.
Abarth 124 Spider Launched in Japan: 1.4L Turbo Alternative to the Miata 9 photos
Photo: screenshot from Youtube
The unveiling took place just a few hours ago in the usual Abarth urban guerilla style. Even though the Abarth 124 is trying to pose as a youthful car, only older, more well-off buyers will be able to afford one.

In Japan, the MX-5 is only available with the 1.5-liter engine making 131 PS, so it's no match for the Abarth's 1.4-liter turbo. The Italians have tweaked their mill to 170 PS at 4,800rpm and 250 Nm of torque (25.5 kgm) at 2,500rpm. While it's fast, being capable of reaching 100 km/h in 6.8 seconds, we think the speedometer carved to 270 km/h is a tad optimistic.

The standard model costs 3,888,000 yen ($38,170 at the current exchange rate) and uses a 6-speed manual. There's also an automatic option (borrowed from the NC Miata) that costs 3,996,000 yen ($39230) and adds 20 kilos (44 lbs) to the overall weight of the car.

Speaking of which, we have to mention that even though the Abarth model is marketed as a lightweight sportscar, it's still 90 kg (198 lbs) heavier than the MX-5.

Compared to the regular 124 Spider, this track-focused model has a special setup for the double wishbone front and multi-link rear suspension. Bilstein dampers have also been installed, and Brembo brakes with four pistons ensure better stopping power.

As standard, the Abarth model features a cool body kit and gunmetal gray 17-inch wheels. The red and black Alcantara interior is also standard, although it's painfully obvious that everything except the badges was made by Mazda. Navigation is available, but it's another 216,000 yen($2120).

Although the Abarth is nice, we don't see anything wrong with buying the cheaper and much lighter MX-5, a comparative bargain at 2,494,800 yen ($24490).

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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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