New 2016 Fiat 124 Spider Lusso first drive review

Auto Trader verdict:

It may not be the fastest or the most sharp kid on the block, but the 124 Spider does not provide genuine driving sensation with a very attractive price.

Yes, the chassis is very good is able to handle a lot more performance than the small engine 1.4-liter can dish out - so we look forward to driving a more powerful version in the future - but, as it stands, in the right way, 124 is an absolute hoot ,

Obviously, there is the specter of the Mazda MX-5 lurk in the background, so we suggest you try both cars before. It can only be a win-win situation.

Need to know:

• Japanese engineering meets Italian styling
• Powered by a 1.4-litre turbocharged engine
• On sale September; priced from £19,545

car manufacturers think of different ways, but kindred spirits may not be easy explanation comes to mind.

All the more surprising, then, that the Mazda has agreed to hand the basics of regular MX-5 roadster her to help build the all-new Fiat 124 Spider. Philanthropic attitude is all the more amazing when you consider Mazda has effectively build the MX-5 dynasties and completely dominated the two-seat roadster class for decades, while Fiat has just flounder in this sector.

You have to think back to the last time England won the World Cup to remember the introduction of the original 124, while more recently, the pretty-as-a-picture Barchetta fall from grace, is spectacular. Priced to compete against MX-5, the Barchetta is based on the simple front-wheel-drive hatchback Punto and is available in left-hand-drive only. To his credit, it offers a stylish, wind-in-the-hair automobile for the masses, but unfortunately, it is also suffering from an epic level rocking body and the failure of variable valve timing.

So much for the history lesson.

Mechanically, the new Fiat 124 Spider near-identical to the latest version and the much-touted of the MX-5, but there are some important differences. Although the two cars running side-by-side down the production line Mazda, whose exterior metal truly bespoke, so that they bear little resemblance to each other visually. Fiat also smidgen longer and a tad wider around the buttocks, so you get a boot slightly larger, but still just large enough to store a couple of overnight bags.

In addition, instead of using 1.5-and 2.0-liter naturally aspirated engine Japanese companies, 124 is powered by the same 138bhp 1.4-liter turbocharged engine found in the 500 Abarth. Moreover, unlike the Mazda, which is attached to a six-speed manual transmission, Fiat will be available with a choice of six-speed automatic gearbox when it launched version more powerful 168bhp 1.4-liter engine later this year.

Well, pretty neat, actually.

If you come from a motor with a metal roof, it will take you a little time to get accustomed to 124 for low-speed rocking body. To be fair, though, almost every open-top car with the disease to a level that is greater or smaller, and 124 suffered less than most. Then, once you're over this 'surprise and delight' start, it's very easy to fall in love with the 124.

Vibrate is particularly noticeable at low speeds with the roof down; and, although the fabric roof, he has built a hard panel, which serves as a tonneau cover when the lid down, as well as adding some extra rigidity when the roof up.

Once you're up to speed, though, even with the roof down, a variety of surface imperfections seem to have far less impact on the balance of this 124. Perhaps this is because, once you thrumming along at a decent lick, you're having too much fun to see the odd earthquake or two.

In isolation, 124 did not feel connected directly to the street as a cousin Mazda - only the twin tests based in the UK will prove or disprove this theory - but it's still neat and tidy handling cars. With a natural feel attached, it is easy to bomb along a winding country road, rotating around the rear axle in a real old-fashioned, seat of the pants kind of way.

At the same time, the balance front-to-back neutral and body roll is negligible, also feels very agile. As a bonus, under heavy braking, there is little evidence to throw bodies forward and many quit power.

Indeed, the steering has a wee bit of a soft edge, but at the same time, it is fast and responsive, so that the nose of the car follows your input loyal and enthusiastic. As a result, no need to resort to spinning dervish-style elbow-banging when dealing with tight bends.

The car is also blessed with a very decent turning circle, something that’ll no doubt come in handy when you need to a do a quick U-turn down the High Street. 

Despite all this good work, Fiat may have dropped a bit of clanger by insisting on using its own engine. 

On paper, the little turbocharged four-cylinder unit produces more torque than Mazda’s naturally aspirated equivalent, but that’s not really saying a lot. That’s because anyone who has ever driven an MX-5 (of any vintage) will tell you that, although the engines are happy to rev long and hard, they’re not exactly blessed with excessive low-end grunt. 

Sadly, the Italian engine is also pretty dead below 2000rpm, before the turbo spins into life; and, what seems like an overly tall second gear means you often find the motor bogging down in traffic and particularly when encountering uphill hairpins. Equally, whereas the Mazda engine is screaming and goading you to thrash it ever harder, the Fiat's has flat-lined and effectively given up the ghost long before it reaches the upper echelons of the rev counter. 

Inside, Fiat has lifted the cabin almost wholesale from the MX-5, and the only differences are a Fiat badge on the steering wheel, revised door panels and upgraded material for the dash. 

The Fiat's cabin also has the same space-robbing bump as the Mazda in the right-hand footwell, and it's not overly blessed with legroom as the seats don't go that far back. Also, because the steering wheel can only be adjusted for height and the seats are short of lumbar support, if you’re planning that touring holiday, then best try a few longer journeys to see how you get on before you setting off on your odyssey.

Should I get one?

The 124 offers a whole lot of style and no little substance for not a lot of money. It’s a sharp-looking drop-head motor that provides barrels of fun and genuine seat-of-the-pants thrills.That said, it’s clear the excellent chassis is capable of handling a lot more power than the little 1.4-litre engine can dish out. 

Even as things stand, however, the 124 is worthy of any sports car fan’s consideration, albeit with one proviso: ignoring the pint-size boot, ergonomically, the 124 will not suit everyone. Taller folk especially should take an extensive test drive to be sure they can live with the limited interior space and cramped driving position. 

Key facts:

• Model: Fiat 124 Spider Lusso
• Price: from £22,295
• Engine: 1.4-litre 4-cyl petrol engine, six-speed manual
• Power/Torque: 138bhp/177lb ft
• 0-62mph: 7.5sec
• Top speed: 134mph
• Economy: 44.1mpg
• CO2/BIK tax band: 148g/km/26%
• Boot: 140 litres

Also consider:

Mazda MX-5 

Up until now, the Mazda MX-5 was the default choice for drop-top buyers after something fun to drive and easy to live with. Now, though, we suggest you drive the 124 Spider before you decide. 

Mini Convertible 

The soft-top Mini is great to look at inside and out, and it strikes a good balance between driving fun and passenger comfort, However, it still produces more body flex than its two-seater rivals. 

Audi TT Roadster 

It’ll mean pushing the boat out, but if you can run to it, the Audi TT Roadster is every bit as convincing as the Coupe. Consequently, you’ll get bags of performance and sharp-handling fun.

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