Return of the Spider

Published on 19 November, 2016

Fiat decide that now's as good a time as ever to relaunch their own iconic little roadster

Overview

The other big Fiat launch this week was the return of the 124 Spider. November might not be the obvious choice of month to launch a convertible but that didn’t stop us taking it for a spin with the top down. Granted it was with a hat and scarf on. And after the drive – a very wide grin.
After the huge success Mazda enjoyed last year with the MX-5, Fiat decided now was as good a time as ever to relaunch their own iconic little roadster.
While they might share a platform, the take on design has been very different and the Spider’s sculpted lines are in stark contrast to the soft curves of the MX-5. It’s definitely a meaner looking machine.
Under the bonnet
It feels a bit meaner on the road too. The 1.4l 140hp MultiAir turbo under the hood makes it go a little faster than the 1.5l Mazda and it’s also much torque-ier affair offering 240Nm to the MX-5’s 150.
€€€s
Unfortunately it will cost a bit more too. Entry price for the 124 Spider is €31,495. That’s for the ‘Classica’ trim which includes 16 inch alloys, cruise control, seven inch radio with Bluetooth and a leather steering wheel. Upgrade to Lusso for 17 inch wheels, SatNav, reversing camera and heated leather seats (€34,295) Or Lusso Plus for LED adaptive headlights, automatic lights and wipers and a Bose sound system (€35,795).
https://www.carsireland.ie/reviews/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/160301_Fiat_124_Spider_02.jpg
Again, full video test drive on the way soon as we live in hope of an exceptionally sunny January.

Sinead McCann

Sinéad is our resident car tester who has the unenviable (-ok, slightly enviable) task of reviewing all the latest new cars to hit the market. You can follow her on Twitter @smcani and on Instagram @whatshedrives