Comeback of an endearing tradition
FIAT 124 SPIDER With the Italian roadster Fiat 124 Spider is always summer. And because the top closes so well, also in winter. Since the production of the Barchetta was almost secretly discontinued in 2003, there has been no fresh-air runabout at Fiat. With the new Spider, Fiat picks up styling elements that we know from its forebear. The [...]
With the new Spider, Fiat picks up styling elements that we know from its forebear. For example, the hexagonal radiator grille, the power humps on the hood and the typical horizontally arranged taillights. And the longitudinally installed in-line four-cylinder engine with rear-wheel drive is also back.
The 124 Spider rolls off the production line in Japan with its Japanese brother, the MX-5. The only similarities with the Mazda MX-5 are the concept, the dimensions and the dashboard design.
140 turbo hp show effect during sprints
For the powertrain, Fiat relies on its own 1.4-liter turbo, which, installed longitudinally with its 140 hp, turns the open two-seater into a speedy runabout. The sporty effect is underlined by the electrically assisted steering, which allows the Spider to be driven precisely over winding country roads. The 6-speed automatic transmission (costs an extra 2000 Swiss francs) blends harmoniously into this mix.
Loose space for the weekend luggage
An easy-to-operate mechanism allows the fabric roof to be opened and closed by hand in just a few seconds. That's the way it should be - no electric drive for the soft top can do it. The open roof construction rests in a space-saving trough behind the roll bars and does not take up any space in the trunk. This makes it easy to stow away luggage for a weekend.
