When the scorpion meets the Spider

THE LATEST SPIDER IS A SMALL, REAR- WHEELDRIVE SPORTS CAR THAT IS A RECIPE FOR FUN

The newly launched Fiat 124 Abarth spider has a big dollop of Italian 1960s retro cool factor, and a fair slab of 1970s European rally heritage.

Priced from $ 52,990 for the six- speed manual and $ 54,990 for the six- speed automatic, the New Zealand model is specced up with rear parking assistance, blind spot monitoring, cross traffic assistance and leather seats.

“The Abarth 124 Spider is not just an amazing performance vehicle, but the return of one of the world’s most iconic nameplates to New Zealand roads,” said David Smitherman, chief executive officer of Fiat Chrysler New Zealand.

“It offers the perfect blend of performance, handling and road holding, and style to ensure that it is, once again, the epitome of everything that a sports car must be.”

The 124 Abarth Spider is powered by a turbocharged 1.4- litre petrol engine producing 125Kw of power and 250Nm of torque. That’s more torque than the standard Fiat 124 Spider.

It’s been 50 years since Fiat launched the 124 Spider and the