Fiat 124 Spider
2018 (18) - 1.4 Multiair Classica 2dr
Fiat 124 Spider
2016 - 1.4 Multiair Anniversary 2dr
Fiat 124 Spider
2016 - 1.4 MultiAir Lusso Plus Euro 6 2dr
The Fiat 124 Spider is a small, affordable two-seat sports car with chic looks and an interior that feels more luxurious than you might expect for the price. It uses many of the same components as the Mazda MX-5 and is proving to be just as well made and reliable. Like the Mazda, the Fiat is huge fun to drive, though its suspension is slightly softer, so you get a more comfortable ride. Add in its low running costs and the 124 Spider could easily be your everyday car, rather than just a weekend toy.
The 124 Spider was sold from 2016 to 2019. It was a brand-new model but the name had been used before, on a classic Fiat sports car that was launched in the 1960s.
You have five trim levels to choose from – Fiat calls them Classica, Lusso, Lusso Plus, S-Design and the special-edition Anniversary model.
There’s just one engine available – a 1.4-litre, turbocharged petrol unit that feels really responsive and gives you rapid acceleration. You can choose between a manual or automatic gearbox. The manual offers extra engagement for the driving enthusiast, but the automatic changes gear smoothly and might be a better option for those who want a more relaxing drive. (If you like the 124 Spider but want an even sportier, more powerful model, check out the version sold by Fiat’s sister brand, Abarth.)
Every 124 Spider model has air con, Bluetooth, DAB radio and electric windows. The Lusso also gives you sat nav, heated leather seats and parking sensors, while the Lusso Plus gets a more powerful Bose stereo and adaptive LED headlights on top. S-Design and Anniversary models have the same features as the Lusso but add unique styling details. The roof folds down manually rather than electrically, but it’s very easy to operate.
The 124 Spider is one of the most fuel-efficient sports cars you can get. According to official figures, it can give up to 44mpg with a manual gearbox, or 42mpg with an automatic. Vehicle Excise Duty (car tax) and insurance costs are also low for a sports car.
The 124 Spider’s main rivals are the Mazda MX-5 and Abarth 124 Spider. Other two-seat sports cars include the BMW Z4 and Mercedes-Benz SLC, though they’re a step up in price. The Fiat gives you a driving experience that’s a lot of fun with an interior that has a touch of luxury at an affordable price.
The interior of the 124 Spider is snug but comfortable for two adults. There’s plenty of room to stretch out your legs, though shoulder room can feel tight and taller people might also find headroom restricted with the roof in place. A very effective heater makes the interior nice and cosy in colder weather, even when the roof is folded down. The boot is big enough for a couple of soft bags for weekends away and there’s storage space on a shelf behind the seats when the roof is being used.
The 124 Spider is the only sports car Fiat has made in recent years. But Fiat does have one other convertible in the form of the 500C. There’s also a high-performance version of the 124 Spider, made by Abarth.
Safety organisation Euro NCAP didn’t assess the 124 Spider. However, it has the same body structure as the Mazda MX-5, which scored a four-star rating, so the 124 Spider should protect the driver and passenger well in an accident. Safety features include four airbags and a speed limiter.
