Auto Express – Fiat 124 Spider Review – Video

 

Auto Express featuring Fiat 124 Spider Review.

The 124 Spider springs from a tie-up not with one of the world’s largest automakers, but with Mazda, one of the smallest. It’s a reworked MX-5 Miata, although every exterior body panel is new and the Fiat looks nothing like the Mazda. Instead, it recalls the Tom Tjaarda–designed and Pininfarina-built original Fiat 124 Spider, which sold more than 170,000 copies over its 16 years here, reigning as Fiat’s all-time bestseller in America.

Under the hood lies the 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder from Fiat’s 500 Abarth, modified for longitudinal mounting. With 160 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, it is up five ponies and 36 pound-feet—at 2050 fewer rpm—compared with the naturally aspirated 2.0-liter in its Mazda sibling. But its 6500-rpm redline is 300 revs lower than the Miata’s.

The engine is coupled to a six-speed manual that comes from the previous-generation MX-5, the taller gearing of which better matches the output of the turbocharged four. The six-speed automatic is an Aisin unit, similar to the one that has been used in the MX-5 for several years. Those hoping for the much more powerful engine from the Alfa Romeo 4C will be disappointed that it doesn’t fit. Besides, FCA wants to reserve Alfa engines for Alfas. Fiat isn’t talking performance yet, but expect the 124 Spider to be very close to the Miata in straight-line speed. Its engine is slightly more powerful, but we’re guessing it weighs at least 100 pounds more than the Mazda, given the additional sheetmetal, turbocharger, intercooler, and older, 15-pound-heavier gearbox.