FIAT SPIDER ABARTH.A UNIQUE MIX OF ITALIANSTYLE AND JAPANESE ENGINEERING. engineering
Channel: Old Money
Date: 04/07/2019

More likely than not, if you're considering a Fiat 124 Spider, you're seeking more performance and engagement than the typical car. For that reason, we recommend the Abarth. It benefits from more athletic handling characteristics and upgraded brakes without a big jump in price from the midrange Lusso trim. No matter which model you choose, we would avoid the automatic transmission. The manual is supremely better and is probably one of the easiest to learn how to drive a stick shift, too.

Overall rating: 6.8 / 10
The original Fiat 124 had all the charm of its rivals from an era that included Alfa Romeo, Lotus, MG and Triumph. They all delivered the classic roadster charm of open-top motoring in a small two-seater. Like its contemporaries, the 124 was also plagued with mechanical gremlins, and when it came to comfort and convenience, it was only a step up from bicycling.

Fast forward to the present day and the recently revived Fiat 124 Spider keeps its charm and minimizes its drawbacks. Much of this has to do with its Japanese DNA. Under the nouveau-retro bodywork are the same underpinnings as the Mazda MX-5 Miata. Fiat does use its own engine and transmission, however, along with unique suspension tuning. For most drivers, the differences in driving dynamics are negligible. That leaves the decision to personal preferences and aesthetics.

Within the Fiat 124 lineup, you have three flavors to choose from: the basic Classica trim, the Lusso with more creature comforts, and the athletic Abarth. They're all fun to drive and engaging, but they're also all limited on passenger and cargo space, have a rough ride, and larger drivers will likely find the seats and cabin in general confining. We're also not fans of the automatic transmission. The manual is not only the best pick for the 124, but it's also one of the best in any class.

If the benefits outweigh the drawbacks for you, either the Miata or the Fiat 124 Spider will keep you happy. Otherwise, we suggest checking out other convertibles such as the Chevy Camaro, the Ford Mustang and the Mini Cooper S.

2019 FIAT 124 Spider models
The 2019 Fiat 124 Spider is available in three trim levels: the relatively bare-bones Classica, the more comprehensively equipped Lusso and the aggressive Abarth. All three trims are powered by a turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine. It produces 160 horsepower in Classica and Lusso trims and 164 hp in the Abarth, and 184 pound-feet of torque in all three. Power goes to the rear wheels through either a standard six-speed manual transmission or an optional six-speed automatic.

The Fiat's base Classica trim comes standard with 16-inch wheels, air conditioning, keyless entry, push-button start, a rearview camera, a height-adjustable driver's seat, a tilt-only leather-wrapped steering wheel, Bluetooth, and a four-speaker sound system with a 3-inch display screen. The Technology Group adds proximity entry and satellite radio. The Urbana Edition adds to the Classica special 17-inch black wheels, foglights, leather and microfiber upholstery, piano black exterior accents, matte gray interior accents, upgraded interior surfaces, and satellite radio.

Moving up to the Lusso trim gets you 17-inch wheels, automatic headlights, foglights, automatic windshield wipers, automatic climate control, leather upholstery, heated seats, the same upgraded interior surfaces found in the Urbana Edition, the Technology Group features, and the Mazda-sourced 7-inch infotainment system.

The Fiat 124 Spider Abarth adds to the Lusso's content a performance-tuned suspension and a limited-slip differential, along with a driving mode selector with Sport and Normal modes, leather and microfiber upholstery, a sport steering wheel, and a handful of unique interior and exterior styling cues. Notable Abarth-specific options include Brembo performance brakes and Recaro sport seats featuring a leather and simulated suede upholstery.

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