Review Fiat 124 SPIDER CONVERTIBLE "2016 - )

Fiat 124 Spider is a glamorous roadster convertible looks competitive with the most popular of all time, the Mazda MX-5. And considering the quality of the competition, it is useful that the 124 share most of the mechanical with its rivals.

Auto Trader expert verdict:

Although share some componentry with the Mazda MX-5, Fiat 124 Spider managed to have its own character. Where do you buy will depend on which one you prefer to see, pure and simple, but either way, you'll get a great little roadster fun to drive and glamor to see.

Pros

Looks chic and exotic

Great fun to drive

Slightly plusher interior feel than MX-5

Cons

Turbocharged engine feels disappointingly flat

Some ergonomic issues

Turbocharged engine could be more efficient

It's no secret Fiat 124 Spider shares partly mechanical - along with a whole heap of other things - with the Mazda MX-5. However, given the two cars are very similar in many ways, it's surprising how different they look. While Mazda all sharp edges and jagged angles, lines Fiat softer and more curvaceous. Round headlights and wide grille further softened by a bulge in the bonnet and the front curve and rear wing, and a chrome finish for the windscreen surround and rollover hoops add an extra dose of sass. All models have wheels, but you have to upgrade to the second rung Lusso trim for front foglamps, and top-end Lusso Plus trim for adaptive LED headlamps.

If you are ever near an MX-5, 124 cabins will be familiar fare, but there are one or two subtle differences can be found. They are not located in the layout; it was absolutely identical, which means the dashboard controls and touch screen infotainment system (standard on two of the three trim) are easy to use, but a button on the steering wheel can be more clearly marked. The difference lies in the materials on the dashboard and the door, which has a soft finish. They do not look much posher than the corresponding panel in the Mazda, but feel it. Low-slung driving position feels appropriate sporty, but while there is a lot of adjustments on the steering column, you can not change the base height of your seat, just a corner. This may result in some drivers feel a little awkward in their seats, especially if they are high. The view in front of the car clearly quarters, but a small rear window visibility to the rear mean you can do better when the roof is up.

Practicality

Not a deal-breaking area of ​​importance for any roadster, but even so, 124 do a proper job. 140-liter boot has enough room for a couple of soft weekend bags, and the cabin has enough space to keep some adults thin quite comfortable. There is a bit annoying bulge in the passenger footwell for the packaging of transmission, but it should not detract from your comfort too much. Snap-on cupholders in the center console is much less thin than they look originally, and one of them may be moved to an alternative position with the knees of passengers. Useful. Fabric roof does not have an electrical mechanism - you simply unclamp it from the top of the windshield and threw it back - but it is easy to operate and means that you can fold up or restore a roof very quickly. However, improvements are not exactly perfect when you are driving in an open mode, because you feel pretty much buffeting from the wind. It is quite crowded with the roof in place, too.

Ride and handling

Although using the MX-5 mechanically giving Fiat an excellent basis from the beginning, the company insists on implementing its own settings for things such as suspension and steering to provide 124 itself 'Fiaty' feel. The difference can be felt if you really concentrate - suspension feels more appropriate fractions and steering do not quite have the same level of connection - but the main character of the car remains the same. Rear-drive layout, combined with a strong grip, tight body control and perfect balance means it's great fun throwing the car from one corner to the front when blatting across the country. Journey remains mostly chewy, too, even in cities where urban routine and hollow mopped impressive either. If you want your roadster become the ultimate precision instrument, Mazda will probably suit you better, but 124 provides no shortage of fun.

Performance

Rather than using the same gasoline engine naturally aspirated as the MX-5 - which both require a lot of revs for best effect - Fiat decided to bless 124 with a 138bhp 1.4-liter turbocharged unit for an extra dose responsive. Unfortunately, the effect is not entirely successful. Fewer revs required to get the Spider creeping at a decent level, but as a turbocharged engine went, it still needs to rotate at a fair old rate before the boost chimes true. And until that happens, the acceleration you feel is a little on the lackluster side. Mazda engine delivers more linear build-up of speed, and revving them is half the fun. That said, voice hoarse Fiat engine is very interesting, and as at Mazda, who short-throw gearshift is one of the most satisfying you'll find in any car.

Operating costs

Not surprisingly, Fiat 124 Spider cost the same amount to the MX-5, but you will be able to snaffle Mazda for a bit less. In theory, small-capacity turbocharged engines Fiat should make it more economical than the naturally aspirated Mazda, but in reality, there is not much difference, with official figures 124 return of 44.1mpg and CO2 emissions of 148g / km

Reliability

The prospective owner can take heart from the 124 that links with the MX-5, a car that is often praised for its reliability and longevity for years. Total Mk1 MX-5s you still see rolling on where bears evidence of hardiness. Only time will tell if the latest MX-5 and 124 may be in accordance with the standards established by their ancestors. According to Warranty Direct Reliability Index, Fiat did not do too badly in the reliability stakes, either. brand currently sitting in a very solid position at the top of the manufacturer rankings.

124 Spider gets most of the safety equipment you would expect in a car like this, but do not go expecting to go the extra mile. Four airbags and stability control are provided, but did not get a whole lot smarter than that. Car accidents have never been tested by experts in the Euro NCAP, but the Mazda MX-5 has, and it achieved four out of five stars available.

Equipment

The range starts with Classica trim, and this version provides you with the instructions of air-con, leather steering wheel, keyless go, Bluetooth and cruise control. Lusso models cost a fair chunk more, but we'd say a decent upgrade because it gives a lot of things to be desired including DAB radio, climate control, rear view camera, leather upholstery, heated seats and rear parking sensors. Lusso trim Plus adds automatic lights and wipers and upgraded sound system.

Why buy? Our rating 

 

You’ll absolutely love it.

Quite simply because you prefer its looks to those of the Mazda MX-5. Although they share pretty much everything, the two cars do manage to have distinct characters, but the aesthetics will still be the major reason you pick one over the other. The Mazda is the sharper car to drive, while the Fiat is more stylish and laid back. Whichever one you choose, though, you’ll absolutely love it.

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