The North American Fiat 124 Spider was launched simultaneously with the European models, arriving in the market just in time for the summer.
US models will come with a 160hp version of the turbocharged 1.4-litre engine instead of the 138hp in the models launched in Europe, with the Abarth version offering 4hp more for a total of 164hp instead of the 168hp in the old Continent. Confused? Me too.
The Italian brother of the Miata comes with two choices of transmissions: a six-speed manual or an optional $1,350 six-speed automatic gearbox. The new 124 Spider is also tuned to offer more refinement than its Mazda sibling, with Fiat adding extra sound deadening in the soft top, making it more comfortable with the roof up than the Miata.
Entry level Classica models start at $24,995 (plus $995 destination) offering 16-inch alloy wheels, black cloth seats, Halogen front lights and LED tail lamps among others with the mid-range Lusso priced at $27,495 (plus $995 destination), adding 17-inch wheels, leather seats in Black or Saddle, a leatherette-wrapped cluster brow and lower instrument panel.
Those looking for the most potent Abarth version will have to spend at least $28,195 (plus $995 destination) for the privilege of the extra 4hp but also for the Bilstein sport suspension, mechanical limited-slip differential, front strut tower bar, Sport Mode selector and sport-tuned chrome quad-tip exhaust and unique exterior looks.
Fiat 124 Spider
Fiat 124 Spider Abarth
