Fiat 124 Spyder, the Italian sibling of the Mazda MX-5 is here

The new generation of the Mazda MX-5 has been one of the revelations of the year. Its launch has been the reissue of a format that the Japanese master better than anyone.

Now, thanks to one of those synergies typical of the automotive industry, it is the FCA group that launches its own roadster, under a more than evocative name, 124 Spyder.

The union of Fiat and Mazda has resulted in this wonderful two-seater convertible named 124 Spyder. The brands have tried to blend the best of both worlds: the solidity and reliability that have always characterised the Japanese roadster, with the style and soul worthy of the finest Italian craftsmanship.

To achieve this compromise, the bodywork of the 124 Spyder has been developed so as to resemble the MX-5 as little as possible. In fact, on the outside there are few details that hint at the origin of this small Italian convertible. The front features a large, sharp mouth flanked by small headlights with LED technology.

The multi-spoke alloy wheels add a sophisticated touch to the whole, along with the windscreen surround in a different shade. The rear stands out for its small light clusters and a double exhaust outlet, one on each side, in the style of the previous MX-5.
In the interior there is no change at all. The Italians have simply taken the MX-5 dashboard and transplanted it into the 124 Spyder, with the exception of the logo at the centre of the steering wheel and the instrument cluster lettering, specific to the Italian market.

Mechanically, the 124 Spyder retains the fantastic chassis of the MX-5’s fourth generation, which guarantees immediate responses and plenty of driving fun. However, the great difference with its Japanese sibling is the engine, since in Fiat they have discarded the SKYACTIV naturally aspirated engines and fitted under the bonnet an engine of their own design.

The chosen unit is the 1.4 Turbo four-cylinder that already powers other vehicles of the brand, above all the Abarth. It is the same engine found in the Abarth 500 and Abarth Punto Evo, delivering 160 CV. It can be paired with a 6-speed manual gearbox or a 6-speed automatic.

Source | Fiat