2017 Fiat 124 Spider pays homage to the original model
Fiat brings its 124 Spider roadster back nearly 50 years after the iconic Italian convertible was first introduced to buyers in the United States.
According to Fiat, the old 124 Spider was “widely considered the best affordable mass-produced sports car of its generation.” Introduced to the American market in 1968, U.S. buyers scooped up more than 170,000 Fiat 124 Spiders from 1968 to 1985, and nearly 8,000 of them are still registered.
Back in the mid-1960s when Fiat chose the design firm Pininfarina to build the 124 Spider, the car cost $3,265, which was a low price tag even at the time. The car’s affordability was one of the primary reasons the car was so popular back then.
Today, as Fiat pays homage to the original 124 Spider, the 2017 model has a relatively affordable starting price of $24,995. In fact, all models of the Fiat 124 Spider start below $30,000.
The 2017 Fiat 124 Spider roadster revives its nameplate with contemporary Italian style and performance. The vehicle continues Fiat’s effort to increase its presence in the U.S. after the company returned to U.S. shores five years ago with the Fiat 500.
The 2017 Fiat 124 Spider is offered in three trims: Classica, Lusso, and the higher performance Abarth. The little Italian rear-wheel-drive roadster is actually assembled at the Mazda plant in Hiroshima, Japan, and is powered by a turbocharged MultiAir 1.4-liter engine that delivers up to 164 horsepower and 184 lb.-ft. of torque. Buyers have a choice between a six-speed manual or Aisin automatic transmission.
The new Fiat 124 Spider shows off an aggressive, sporty appearance but takes its styling cues from the original model. “Everything (about the design) was done with a purpose: to pay homage to the history of the brand,” said Bob Broderdorf, director of the Fiat brand in North America. Speaking to automotive journalists at the West Coast launch of the new roadster, Broderdorf said the 124 Spider is “another unique offering from Fiat” designed to appeal to Millennials and Generation X.
Although we spent only a short time driving the new 124 Spider, we found it has a refined ride and responsive throttle, especially with the standard six-speed manual transmission. Shift throws are short and the clutch won’t wear out your left leg. We were also able to drive a model with the automatic transmission and paddle shifters, and it performed smoothly as well.
Inside the cabin of the performance-oriented Abarth, we found details like red stitching, a wrapped instrument cluster hood, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a matte black instrument panel bezel, and aluminum-accented sport pedals. Leatherlined microfiber seats are standard while leather seats in a combination of black and red are available.
Available connectivity in the 124 Spider is via Fiat Connect 7.0, which includes an AM/FM radio, HD radio, an MP3 player, six speakers, two USB ports, auxiliary input, and Bluetooth hands-free calling. The 7-inch touchscreen, which displays the vehicle’s rearview camera, was crystal clear. Fiat Connect 7.0 has optional SiriusXM Radio and navigation, as well as optional Bose sound with nine speakers.
The manual soft top was easy to operate from the front seat unless you have shoulder problems. Just unlatch it and push it back towards the trunk.
The 2017 Fiat 124 Spider has a range of standard and available safety equipment and systems including a full complement of air bags, anti-lock brakes (Brembos available), automatic headlights, blind spot monitoring, daytime running lamps, a backup camera with cross path detection, fog lamps, and rain-sensing windshield wipers. The 2017 Fiat 124 Spider has not yet been safety tested.