After a long series of teasers and spy shots, Fiat finally revealed the new 124 Spider. Designed at Centro Stile in Turin, Italy, the new 124 Spider takes its inspiration from the 1966 original and is based on the same architecture as the popular Mazda MX-5.
A horizontal line emerges from the front wing, kicking up over the rear haunch and flowing toward the tail lamp, aping the distinctive bodywork of the original car, while the style and position of the LED headlamps, and the hexagonal upper grille, both draw heavily from the details of the classic roadster.
The interior of the new Fiat 124 Spider, in keeping with the exterior, using low-slung seats with a unique foam shape and trimmed in premium upholstery, aligning the driver with the sporty steering wheel. The three-gauge instrument cluster with its central rev-counter and soft-touch materials complete the look.
The operation of the soft top uses spring-assisted opening and closing – eliminating the need for a power assist system – and automatic window lowering and raising when the header-rail lock levers are operated.
With the roof retracted and the side windows rolled down, the aerodynamics around the rearward-mounted windscreen frame of the Fiat 124 Spider have been optimised to guide the wind above the heads of occupants and towards the rear of the car.
Particular care has also been given to the reduction of noise, vibration and harshness, with tuned engine mounts, isolation of the transmission and differential as well as suspension components of differing resonances. Wind noise is combated with the adoption of an aerodynamically-efficient design for the rear edge of the hood, A-pillars and header. And there is mor eto that: even the seatbelt mounting position is located to minimise wind noise while driving with the top down.
Under the bonnet lies Fiat’s venerable 1.4-litre MultiAir Turbo engine producing 140 hp and 240 Nm of torque, driving the rear wheels for the first time via a six-speed manual transmission.
The standard infotainment unit offers a USB/auxiliary input, six speakers and Bluetooth connectivity, while the enhanced version features a seven-inch touchscreen display, DAB digital radio, two USB ports, multimedia control, a reversing camera and a 3D navigation system, with phone calls, music and navigation all voice-controlled.
A Bose premium sound system with nine speakers, including twin headrest speakers per seat and a subwoofer, is also available as an option. The system also provides drivers with access to Aha and Stitcher Internet radio apps via Bluetooth connectivity.
