2017 Fiat 124 Spider Lusso

2017 Fiat 124 Spider Lusso

Test Drive

Written by Marco Carvajal

Photographs by Katerina Krjanina

Fiat sports car comeback…the 2017 Fiat 124 Spider..back in the game

Introduction

The 124 Spider 

Originally introduced in 1966, the classic retro FIAT 124 Spider is back in the market. Now you can buy a car with a classic look but with everything brand new and with many enhancements. The 124 Spider comes with a turbo engine and according to Fiat this is the most powerful four-cylinder car in its class. As I start to test drive this car and learn about it I find it very appealing, especially if you like a retro look with a modern touch, very fast, very light, very cool sport look and with amazing low price for less than $28,000.

1.4L MultiAir Turbo Engine Delivers 160 HP and 184 LB-FT of Torque

As I drive the FIAT 124 Spider Lusso, I can feel its Italian and European history. Very fashionable inside with beautiful Italian styling and luxurious finishes, and with a beautiful exterior sporty design. Fiat sports car comeback…the 2017 Fiat 124 Spider..back in the game.  As a great bonus it comes with a convertible top! For hose who love compact sports cars, convertibles and enjoying the sun and fresh air, this can be your dream car.

Fiat

The car manufacturer FIAT was created in Italy in 1899. FIAT in Italian means Fabbrica Italiana Automobili Torino. The company Fiat Automobiles S.P.A. is the largest car producer in Italy, it is a subsidiary of FCA Italy S.P.A., and since a few years ago it is part of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles.

Fiat has about 100 years of history in the US. In 1908, the Fiat Automobile company established an assembly plant in the U.S., to start producing FIAT in the U.S. a year later, starting production with the Fiat 60 HP and the Fiat 16-20 HP. However, the factory was shut down when the United States entered World War I in 1917. These first American Fiat cars, were created long before Chrysler, which was formed in 1925.

Then about 35 years later Fiat returned to North America in the 1950s, selling the original Fiat 500, Fiat 600 Multipla, Fiat 1100, Fiat 1200, and Fiat 1300. But at that time the sales where not as high as expected by Fiat and the company left the U.S. market again.

But Fiat had the return to the U.S. market on its plans and in January 2009, the Fiat Group acquired a 20% part of the US automaker Chrysler LLC.  Fiat returned to America but this time with the support of Chrysler, enabling Americans to enjoy Italian cars again. After this merge with Chrisler, the first Fiat brand model that appeared in the United States was the internationally popular Fiat 500, worshiped and blessed throughout the world, but not so popular in the U.S. as the brand didn’t have presence here for many years, however I feel that with a some time and marketing, Fiat is gaining more popularity among U.S. consumers, becoming more popular and unique. Especially those consumers who live in the U.S., but come from other countries are now able to enjoy the interesting Italian cars that Fiat is offering.

Prices and Versions

The 2017 Fiat 124 Spider is available in 3 main different versions, with a price range from $24,995 to $28,195.

The 3 versions of the Spider are Classica, Lusso and Abarth. I am driving the Lusso that has the mid range price from the 3 different versions at $27,495

Lease

In March 2017 when I am writing this review, there is a lease promotion for $317 x month for the 2017 Fiat 124 Spider Lusso, however the price can change depending on many details including the model and features.

The 124 Spider is available in three versions: Classic, Lusso (Luxury) the one I am driving now, and Abarth

Engine

The FIAT 124 Spider Lusso, has a nice 160-horsepower turbo engine very strong for its size and weight. It has a responsive four-wheel independent suspension and electric power steering.

The 1.4L MultiAir Turbo Engine Delivers 160 HP and 184 LB-FT of Torque

6-Speed Manual RWD Transmission

A six-speed manual transmission optimizes clutch operation for responsive driving. It makes shifting very smooth. The ergonomically positioned clutch pedal only requires a light amount of force, for a nice precise control over the rate of shifts and acceleration.

Touring Suspension. Front: Double Wishbone, Rear: Multi-Link.

Exterior

Similar to the classic Fiat 124 predecessor, the new 124 Spider has been designed with a beautiful retro classic roadster style and a long hood. The cabin is designed to balance the overall style and shape of the car.

The front end of the 124 Spider comes with headlight “eyelids”. It also has an hexagonal grille design similar to the original 124 spider.  This Fiat is very curvy, the design is elegant, retro and sport. If you like compact cute convertible cars then this is a winner.

The 124 Spider is available in three versions:

• Classica
• Lusso (Luxury), the one I am driving now.
• Abarth

The first 124 2017 Spiders are offered on a special first luxury limited edition “Prima Edizione Lusso” with a numbered commemorative badge, exclusive Azzurro Italia blue paint, and also premium leather seats in Saddle finish.

Some of the Exterior Features are:

• 205 / 45VR17 3-Season Performance Tires
• 17-Inch x 7-Inch Premium Silver Aluminum Wheels
• Convertible Roof with Acoustic Headliner
• Exterior Mirrors
• Body-Color Mirror Cap
• Power Mirrors
• Body-Color Door Handles
• Automatic Headlamps
• Bi-Function Projector Headlamps
• Front Courtesy / Map Lamps
• Front Fog Lamps
• LED Tail-Lamps
• Side Repeater Lamps
• Trunk Lamp
• Wiper Systems
• Rain Sensitive Windshield Wipers
• Premium Silver Header Trim
• Body-Color Side Sills / Skirts

Fiat brought us a piece of Italy to America with the 124 Spider.

Interior

The interior of the 124 Spider Lusso is attractive and stylish, with an Italian taste.

These are some of the interior features:

• Rear Console Lockable Storage
• Two Front Moveable Cupholders
• Trunk Dress-Up
• Windows & Locks
• Power Windows with Front One-Touch-Down Feature
• 150 MPH Primary Speedometer
• Instrument Cluster
• Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel
• Piano Black Interior Accents
• Soft-Touch Upper Instrument Panel
• Wrapped Instrument Cluster Hood
• Wrapped Lower Instrument Panel
• Additional Interior Features
• 12-Volt Auxiliary Power Outlet
• Leather-Wrapped Shift Knob with Manual Transmission
• Passenger-Side Sun Visor with Mirror
• Premium Silver Rollbar Cover

Seats

• Leather Trimmed Seats
• Front Seats Headrests
• Heated Front Seats
• Manual 6-Way Driver / 4-Way Passenger Seat
• Occupant Detection System

Audio & Uconnect Multimedia

• Sound System
• Integrated Voice Command w/Bluetooth
• Pandora, Aha, and Stitcher Apps
• Steering Wheel Mounted Audio Control
• 4 Speakers
• Sound Systems AM / FM Bluetooth® Radio with 7-Inch Display

Navigation is optional on the 124 Spider Lusso, but it is NAV-Capable

a retro look with a modern touch, very fast, very light, very cool sports look

Conclusion

The FIAT 124 Spider is a remake of its classic version from the 60’s. It is a compact convertible roadster automobile for 2 passengers. It has a very good price for a luxury sports convertible for less than $28,000 with a lot of nice features standard.  Fiat is able to give to the American consumers a taste of Europe, specifically from Italy. Beautiful Italian design, luxury Italian stylish finishes in the interior. It is definitely a unique car.  The 124 spider is offered in 3 different versions, one of them the Lusso (Luxury) the one I am showing in this article.

In terms of power and engine, the 124 Spider come with a turbo engine with 160 HP.

If you go for looks, it is very appealing, especially if you like a retro look with a modern touch, very fast, very light, very cool sports look. A very fashionable inside with beautiful Italian styling and luxurious finishes, and with a beautiful exterior sporty design.

Thank you to Fiat you don’t need to travel all the way across the Atlantic to feel Italy, Fiat brought us a piece of Italy to America with the 124 Spider.