2nd Fiat 124 Spider THROUGH THE RANGE

Roadster offers fun and performance. Yet it’s pipped as a package by the MINI Convertible

CLASSICA is the entry-level trim in Fiat’s 124 Spider line-up, but even then, at £21,055, the car is £1,260 pricier than the MINI. This will be less of an issue if you’re buying on finance (see Through the Range, opposite), although for the cash you only get a similar level of kit.

Much of the desirable equipment on the MINI is included in options packs, and you’ll have to add similar kit on the Fiat. A seven-inch touchscreen with DAB costs £750, but Bluetooth, air-con and cruise control are standard. If you want nav you’ll have to upgrade to Lusso spec, as in our pictures, starting at £23,085. It’s not available as an option.

The rest of the interior is pleasant, however. The basic architecture is carried over from the Mazda MX-5 on which the car is based, and while it’s a lot more cramped than the MINI and isn’t constructed from such high-quality materials, the Fiat feels sporty and driver-focused.

This is what the 124 Spider is about, and the steering really makes it. The MINI’S system is quicker, but the Fiat’s is weightier.

Given the light kerbweight of just 1,050kg – 155kg lighter than the MINI – this is how the 124 achieves its agility. The suspension set-up feels softer than the Cooper’s, so there’s actually a little more roll in bends, but this means you feel the dampers take up the slack and know just how much grip is on offer.

The answer is plenty, as with the MINI, but the Fiat adds adjustability into the mix thanks to its rear-drive configuration. The rear wheels are powered by a 1.4-litre turbocharged fourcylinder engine that produces 138bhp and 240Nm of torque. Those figures are similar to the MINI’S, then, but the 124’s low weight meant it was much quicker at our test track.

Helped by strong traction and a sweet six-speed manual transmission, it sprinted from 0-60mph in 7.3 seconds, while it was also considerably quicker in gear. The 6.7-second time from 50-70mph in sixth was a particular highlight compared with the MINI’S 11.3-second effort.

But while the 124’s engine is gutsy, it still lacks some high-rev thrills due to its turbo, even if having the roof down adds to the experience. The MINI is no better at higher revs, though.

Otherwise, the Fiat is a comfortable, refined car that rides with composure. Only the most severely broken tarmac causes it to crash, because the progressive damping and low weight mean the 124 Spider skips over ruts and ridges.

Which trim level suits you?

THERE’S just one engine in the 124 Spider range, but four trim levels to choose from. This starts with the Classica model we’ve tested and on identical terms to the MINI this car will cost you £216 per month. It doesn’t get much kit, but that’s an affordable price thanks to Fiat’s sizeable £2,750 contribution.

Next up is Lusso trim, which adds the seven-inch infotainment screen with nav as standard. It also features climate control, heated seats and keyless operation. This will cost you £263 per month.

The Lusso Plus model brings a Bose stereo and LED headlights, but bumps the monthly price up to £287, so it’s not quite as good value as the regular Lusso car.

Finally, S Design gets sporty black 17-inch alloy wheels, black mirrors and windscreen surround and a decal pack for the doors, but at £345 per month it seems pricey.