Don’t dismiss the 124 Spider simply because other Fiats have not done well in our tests. Underneath the car’s bodywork - inspired by the Pininfarina-designed 124 Spider from the 1960s and ‘70s - is essentially a Mazda MX-5 Miata. As such it retains the Miata’s nimble, fun-to-drive essence, while bringing a turbocharged engine and decent seats. It also retains the Miata’s tight accommodations and elevated noise levels, making it more of a weekend toy than a daily commuter.
All 124 Spiders come with Fiat/Chrysler’s widely used 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder producing 160 horsepower, as opposed to the Miata’s 155-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder. But like the Mazda, you have a choice of a six-speed manual transmission or an optional six-speed automatic.
The 124’s turbo engine is fairly hearty and revs willingly, delivering noticeably good punch at mid-range revs. That engine sound is uninspiring, however, getting rattly the more you wind it out. A baby Ferrari with a stirring exhaust, this is not.
The six-speed manual offers crisp shifts and easy throws, and even the automatic works reasonably well, beyond the occasional rough upshift. We got a solid 31 mpg overall with the manual.
Even though the Fiat is six inches longer than the Mazda, and the suspension has been tuned differently, ride and handling are similar. Our Lusso version proved compliant for a sports car, but there’s no escaping the frequent jittering transmitted on rough roads. Pick up the pace and the 124 Spider feels eager to attack corners. Steering is well weighted with a natural turn-in, though it’s not exceptionally quick for a sports car and some body lean is noticeable.
Slide into the Lusso’s manually operated leather driver’s seat and you’ll appreciate its comfy cushions, adjustable thigh support, and body-hugging bolsters. But there’s no lumbar adjustment whatsoever, and several testers felt the seats were too narrow.
As with the Miata, raising and lowering the manual soft top is a simple, single-latch, one-arm operation that can be done from the driver’s seat in mere seconds. In spite of the easy-opening, dual-layer top, wind and road noise is relentless above 60 mph, making the interior as deafening as the Miata’s; raised voices are required for conversation.
While the body evokes some of the original 124 Spider’s lines, the cabin is dominated by Mazda’s switchgear and infotainment system. There are some extra soft-touch bits here that are not found in the Miata, but Fiat missed a chance here to give the 124 some real Italian flair. And, you’ll have to contend with Mazda’s rather convoluted infotainment system.
Interior storage cubbies are also nearly nonexistent, a common complaint in roadsters. Good luck finding a place to stash just about anything and get to it quickly. The trunk can swallow a small suitcase and a couple soft bags, but packing light will always be the answer.
A rearview camera isn’t available on the Miata, but it’s optional on the base Fiat 124, and standard on higher trims. Blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic detection, and rear parking sensors are also available, but forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking are not.
Pricing starts at $25,990 for a 124 Spider Classica with the six-speed manual, reaching $30,540 for the top Abarth with the six-speed automatic. Our manual Lusso rang in at $29,985.
Although the 124 Spider’s cabin is crying out for distinction, its unique engine with readily available power, sharp handling, and retro styling make a case for this new Fiat. There’s certainly nothing wrong with having another affordable open-top sports car on the market.