The Fiat 124 Spider and its close relative, the Abarth 124 Spider, both share their platform with the legendary, yet omnipresent, Mazda MX-5.
While the Abarth has been assembled to be more of a hardcore performance machine, the Fiat is built for cruising – and is the most chilled out of the trio of brands. It will still go like a train when you want it to, though!
While the Abarth has been assembled to be more of a hardcore performance machine, the Fiat is built for cruising – and is the most chilled out of the trio of brands. It will still go like a train when you want it to, though!
The Fiat uses the same 1.4-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine as Abarth’s 124 - except in the Fiat it produces 140PS, compared with the Abarth 124’s 170PS. As hinted at, notwithstanding it’s cruising focus, the model’s powerplant still spins with the characteristic Italian sports car spirit you’d hope for.
One of the best things about Fiat’s 124 Spider, though, is the sound it generates. Very subtle burbles emanate from the twin tailpipes when doing the zero to 62mph scurry, as I found out testing the car on a trip from Northamptonshire to Essex. The two-seater Fiat will reach the magical ‘62’ in 7.5 seconds, on its way to 134mph. Fold away the roof manually, by snapping open a simple clasp, and the Turin-born 124’s timbre is even more delightful.
Despite its lack of cabin room, it’s fairly comfortable and relaxed for two-up when moseying along country lanes. Turn up the dial, though, and the Fiat 124 Spider feels strong-willed and a little naughty at high revs. You are certainly cognizant of the turbocharger when you push on; indeed, the sports car is judiciously responsive - and the six-cogged manual transmission is slick and accurate.
Despite its lack of cabin room, it’s fairly comfortable and relaxed for two-up when moseying along country lanes. Turn up the dial, though, and the Fiat 124 Spider feels strong-willed and a little naughty at high revs. You are certainly cognizant of the turbocharger when you push on; indeed, the sports car is judiciously responsive - and the six-cogged manual transmission is slick and accurate.
One of the best things about Fiat’s 124 Spider, though, is the sound it generates. Very subtle burbles emanate from the twin tailpipes when doing the zero to 62mph scurry, as I found out testing the car on a trip from Northamptonshire to Essex. The two-seater Fiat will reach the magical ‘62’ in 7.5 seconds, on its way to 134mph. Fold away the roof manually, by snapping open a simple clasp, and the Turin-born 124’s timbre is even more delightful.
For an added measure of pleasure, the open-topped Fiat can turn quite aggressive when you properly tease it. It’s like a house cat - happy to purr away by the fireside most of the time, but it can pounce, bite and briefly turn feral when provoked.
For an added measure of pleasure, the open-topped Fiat can turn quite aggressive when you properly tease it. It’s like a house cat - happy to purr away by the fireside most of the time, but it can pounce, bite and briefly turn feral when provoked.
I taunted the car during my test and discovered that it’s not unhappy when driven hard, and it almost enjoys having its tail-end hunkered down over its back wheels. But, even when you aim it hard-heartedly into a corner and lose traction for an instant, the Fiat 124 reverts to playing agreeably. Working out what the hindquarters of the car are going to do quickly becomes second nature.
For the most part, the Fiat 124 Spider is a smile-inducer, although your grin might waver for a split second when you see the £25,605 ticket-price. Yes, it’s not an insignificant pile of cash for a strict two-seater lacking a ‘premium’ brand badge. But once you’ve cruised for a bit, listened to the euphonious tailpipes, experienced the chilled yet occasionally mischievous performance, and then felt the handling for yourself, you’ll understand that this sports car is worth every single bank note.
Pros ‘n’ Cons
For the most part, the Fiat 124 Spider is a smile-inducer, although your grin might waver for a split second when you see the £25,605 ticket-price. Yes, it’s not an insignificant pile of cash for a strict two-seater lacking a ‘premium’ brand badge. But once you’ve cruised for a bit, listened to the euphonious tailpipes, experienced the chilled yet occasionally mischievous performance, and then felt the handling for yourself, you’ll understand that this sports car is worth every single bank note.
Pros ‘n’ Cons
- Appearance √
- Sound √
- Handling √
- Pleasure √
- Room X
- Max speed: 134 mph
- 0-62 mph: 7.5 secs
- Combined mpg: 44.1
- Engine layout: 1368cc 4-cylinder turbo petrol
- Max. power (PS): 140
- CO2: 148 g/km
- Price: £25,605
Written by motorist journalist, Tim Barnes-Clay.
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