The Fiata Gets a Miata-Rivalling Price Tag

Fiat 124 Spider (Credit: Fiat)

The Mazda Miata-based Fiat 124 Spider—AKA the Fiata—debuted to decent fanfare as those who found the over-the-top styling of the new Miata appreciated the relative simplicity of the 124. It’s not boring-simple as it just lacks all of those crazy creases that the latest Miata features. The one issue that many Miata fans had with possibly switching to the 124 Spider was the potential of a significantly higher price tag. Well, Fiat has just released the 124 Spider’s MSRP, and it looks like Miata fans now have a legitimate option due to the 124 Spider’s similar pricing.

The base 124 Spider is the Classica and it comes standard with features like 16-inch alloys, Nero premium cloth upholstery, LED taillights, soft-touch materials, and light silver interior accents. Powering this model is a 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that cranks out 160 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque—5 horsepower and 36 pound-feet more than the Miata—for just $24,995. For those keeping score at home, that is only $80 more than the base Miata. With the optional six-speed auto transmission, the price jumps to $26,345.

The next trim level is the 124 Spider Lusso, which checks in at $27,495 with the six-speed manual transmission or $28,845 with the six-speed auto. This trim adds 17-inch alloy wheels, silver-colored A-pillar and roll bar covers, heated leather seats, a leatherette-wrapped gauge hood and lower dash section, and Piano Black accents.

The range-topping model is the 124 Abarth, and it will start at $28,195 with the manual transmission or $29,545 with the auto transmission. This model cranks the juice up to 165 ponies and adds in Bilstein shocks, a limited-slip diff, a front strut-tower bar, a sport-tuned exhaust system, and more.

The first 124 examples of this car sold will be called the Prima Edizione Lusso, and they will include high-end features like Azzurro Italia paint, premium leather seating, commemorative badging, a matching blue leather bag, a journal with a pen, and a poster of the car. This rig tops out at $35,000.

With prices that closely mimic those of the Miata, I cannot help but wonder how many Miataphiles will defect to Fiat.