2017 Fiat 124 Spider Offers Open-Air Thrills for the Everyday Driver

Before you slap the 2017 Fiat 124 Spider with a snarky term like the "Fiata" or "Fiazda," you need to drive it. This is not a mere rebody/rebadge job of the frisky Mazda MX-5 Miata. With an unobjectionable ride, decent seats, and a turbocharged engine under the hood, the 124 Spider could serve as an everyday driver—not just a weekend toy.

Plus, there's this: Since the 124 Spider is largely a Miata, and assembled at Mazda's plant in Hiroshima, Japan, in all likelihood this could be the most reliable Fiat currently sold in the U.S. Maybe ever.

Three trims are available: base Classica, upscale Lusso, or sporty Abarth. While the Classica makes due with 16-inch wheels and cloth seats, the Lusso ("luxury" in Italian) has heated leather seats, a leatherette lower dash, piano black trim, and 17-inch wheels. The Abarth gets an extra four horsepower, stiffer suspension, and a sportier exhaust sound.

All 124 Spiders come with Fiat/Chrysler's widely used 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. A six-speed manual transmission comes standard, while opting for a six-speed automatic tacks on an extra $1,350. In a depressing sign of the times for enthusiasts, Fiat estimates about 70 percent of 124 Spiders will be ordered with the two-pedal version.

We recently dropped the top on a 124 Spider, rented from Fiat, to get first impressions. 

With 160 horsepower and 184 lb.-ft. of torque, the 124 Spider is fairly hearty and revs willingly, with that torque delivering noticeably good punch from 3,000-5,000 rpm. The engine note is uninspiring, getting rattly at higher rpm, but it's never unobtrusively loud. The EPA estimates fuel economy at 29 mpg combined for the automatic, 30 mpg for the manual.

The six-speed automatic works reasonably well, beyond an occasional medium-throttle, rough upshift; mash the gas pedal and the shifts get quicker and crisper.

The 124 Spider's suspension geometry is identical to the Miata's, but tuned to a different character which results in less body roll and a more relaxed turn-in response. The Lusso version we drove was commendably compliant on back roads, considering the car's short wheelbase. Our tested Miata Club trim was noticeably stiffer, with a jittery ride. Pick up the pace and the Spider feels taut and eager to attack corners. Steering is well-weighted with a natural turn-in.

Slide into the Lusso's manually operated driver's seat and you'll appreciate its comfy cushions, adjustable thigh support, and body-hugging bolsters. Wider drivers might find they sit more on the bolsters, rather than between them, though.

In spite of the dual-layer top, wind and road ruckus inundate the cabin—raised voices are required for conversation. Although marginally quieter than the Miata, over 60 mph, it's still deafening. But the manual top is ease-of-use to the max; both opening and closing are a one-arm, single-latch operation—taking mere seconds.

While the body evokes some of the original 124 Spider lines, the cabin is dominated by Mazda switchgear and infotainment system. It's a shame Fiat skimped on the Italian flair inside. The bigger bummer is that 124 Spider owners don't have access to Chrysler's top-notch Uconnect infotainment system; you're left to toil with Mazda's rather convoluted version.

Interior storage cubbies are also nearly nonexistent. Good luck finding a place to stash just about anything for quick access. The trunk can swallow a small suitcase and a couple soft bags, but packing light will always be the answer.

Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic detection are available on Lusso and Abarth models. A rearview camera and rear parking sensors are optional on all trims, but forward-collision warning with automatic braking isn't available at all.

Pricing starts at $25,990 for a 124 Spider Classica with the six-speed manual, reaching $30,540 for an Abarth with the six-speed automatic.

Although the 124 Spider's cabin is crying out for distinction, the unique engine, composed ride, and decent handling dynamics make a case for this new Fiat. There's certainly nothing wrong with having another affordable two-seat, open-top sports car on the market.

Since this first drive was originally published, we bought our own 124 Spider.

Read the complete Fiat 124 Spider road test.