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Fiat Unveils the 124 Spyder

(Credit: © Fiat)

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Fiat Unveils the 124 Spyder

2017 Fiat 124 Spider

2017 Fiat 124 Spider (Credit: © Fiat)

We knew it was coming, it was just a matter of when it would arrive. I am talking, of course, about the all-new Fiat 124 Spider. This roadster made its debut at the L.A. Auto Show this week, and I think Mazda may soon start having second thoughts about lending its chassis to the Italian automaker.

As you can see from the images, the Fiat did a pretty fine job separating the 124 Spider from the MX-5. In fact, my eyes can’t find much that appears to be shared with the Miata. From the profile, the 124 Spider’s silhouette somewhat resembles the Mazda, and the doors and top appear to be direct donors, but that is expected. Otherwise, the fenders, particularly the rear ones, hark back to the 124 Spider of yesteryear, as do the headlights and the grille.

2017 Fiat 124 Spider

2017 Fiat 124 Spider (Credit: © Fiat)

Much like the Scion iA, which is a rebadged Mazda2, the Fiat 124 Spider’s interior is almost 100 percent Mazda. I was really hoping that Fiat would avoid this design faux pas, but it obviously didn’t feel up to the task of refitting a more Fiat-like cabin on the Miata’s platform. Really, the only way to know this is a Fiat and not a Mazda is the emblem slapped in the obviously Mazda-sourced steering wheel.

Standard features inside the cabin seem nearly identical to those in the MX-5 Grand Touring. They include leather seats with heating, Keyless Enter ‘n Go, a 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, and multimedia control.

Under its hood, however, is where the differences between the MX-5 and the Fiat 124 Spider return. Under here, Fiat installed a 1.4-liter MultiAir turbocharged four-cylinder that produces 160 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque – increases of 5 horsepower and 36 pound-feet of torque. The latter number will likely make the Fiat a far more exiting car to drive than the Miata.

The power hits the rear wheels by way of a six-speed manual gearbox or an optional six-speed auto.

2017 Fiat 124 Spider Prima Edizione Lusso

2017 Fiat 124 Spider Prima Edizione Lusso (Credit: © Fiat)

For early birds, Fiat is offering a special-edition version of the 124 Spider that encompasses the first 124 units of the new roadster. This special model, which is called the Prima Edizione Lusso (pictured above), will come with an exclusive Azzurro Italia paintjob, premium leather seats, and an individually numbered badge.

Pricing is not available, but I would figure the 2017 Fiat 124 Spider will start somewhere around the MX-5 Miata Grand Touring’s $30,065 base price. The 124 Spider will start hitting showroom floors in the summer of 2016.

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