When considering a fun, affordable roadster, the Mazda MX-5 Miata often tops the list. However, savvy car enthusiasts might stumble upon a compelling alternative: the 2017 Fiat 124 Spider. This stylish two-seater, born from a collaboration between Fiat and Mazda, offers a unique blend of Italian design and Japanese reliability. Initially overlooked by many due to Fiat’s subdued marketing efforts in the US, the 124 Spider warrants a closer look, especially in the used car market.
Italian Flair Meets Japanese Engineering
The Fiat 124 Spider shares its underpinnings and production line in Hiroshima with the MX-5, but it’s far from a simple rebadge. The most striking difference lies in the styling. Where the MX-5 embodies a more Japanese aesthetic, the 124 Spider proudly wears its Italian design language. Many find the Fiat’s silhouette more visually appealing, appreciating its distinctive front and rear fascias that evoke classic Italian roadsters. Beyond aesthetics, the 2017 Fiat 124 Spider offers several unique selling points compared to its Mazda counterpart:
- Distinctive Italian Styling: The 124 Spider boasts a unique and arguably more sophisticated design penned in Italy, setting it apart from the MX-5.
- Turbocharged Italian Engine: Under the hood lies a 1.4-liter Multiair turbo engine, delivering a robust torque curve that provides ample power across the rev range. The turbo spools up quickly around 2800 RPM, offering a responsive and engaging driving experience.
- Refined Suspension Tuning: Fiat’s engineers tuned the suspension for a slightly different character, resulting in reduced body roll and enhanced bump absorption compared to the MX-5, leading to a more comfortable ride without sacrificing handling.
- Robust Transmissions: Both the 6-speed manual and 6-speed automatic transmissions are derived from the stronger NC generation MX-5, ensuring durability and reliability.
- Enhanced Noise Insulation: The 124 Spider features thicker windshield glass and additional sound insulation in the soft top, contributing to a quieter cabin experience, especially at highway speeds.
- Upgraded Interior Touches: Slightly nicer seats, door panels, and dashboard materials elevate the interior ambiance compared to the base MX-5.
- Practical Trunk Space: The 124 Spider offers a marginally larger and more usable trunk, a welcome feature for weekend getaways.
- Exclusivity: Produced in smaller numbers than the MX-5, the 2017 Fiat 124 Spider offers a degree of exclusivity for those seeking something a bit different.
Potential Drawbacks to Consider
Despite its appealing qualities, potential buyers of a 2017 Fiat 124 Spider should be aware of a few disadvantages:
- Out of Production: Fiat ceased production of the 124 Spider, meaning only used models are available.
- Parts Availability: Fiat-specific parts, particularly body panels, trim pieces, and light assemblies, may become harder to source in the future compared to the readily available Mazda parts.
- Parts Pricing: Expect to pay a premium for Fiat-branded parts compared to equivalent Mazda components. Opting for Mazda parts whenever possible can lead to significant cost savings.
- Dealer Service: Service quality can vary. Owners without a dedicated Fiat/Alfa Romeo dealer nearby might face challenges with service at Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM dealerships, potentially lacking specialized Fiat expertise.
Trim Levels: Classica, Lusso, and Abarth
The 2017 Fiat 124 Spider was offered in three distinct trim levels, catering to different preferences:
- Classica: The base model, while functional, is considered somewhat basic, particularly in terms of infotainment and interior appointments. It came with 16-inch wheels and more rudimentary features.
- Lusso: The mid-range “luxury” trim, offering a more refined experience with heated leather seats and enhanced interior trim. It leans towards grand touring comfort.
- Abarth: The performance-oriented variant, boasting a limited-slip differential, strut tower brace, and Brembo brakes for sharper handling. The Abarth also features more aggressive styling, which might not appeal to everyone, and a sportier exhaust note. Notably, the automatic Abarth includes a “Sport” mode absent in the Lusso and Classica automatics, and it’s believed the manual Abarth also benefits from this mode.
The base Classica and Lusso models cleverly utilize wheel speed sensors for tire pressure monitoring, while the Abarth received dedicated TPMS sensors. All trims offered optional adaptive LED headlights, a desirable upgrade that significantly enhances the car’s aesthetics. While the Fiat-tuned suspension provides less body roll than the MX-5, neither car matches the tautness of coupes like the GR86/BRZ in terms of handling precision.
A Touch of Italian History
An interesting historical tidbit: the 124 Spider was initially intended to be badged as an Alfa Romeo Spider. However, due to a corporate decision stipulating that all Alfa Romeos must be manufactured in Italy, the Hiroshima-built roadster was ultimately badged as a Fiat.
Conclusion: Is the 2017 Fiat 124 Spider Right for You?
The 2017 Fiat 124 Spider presents a compelling case as a stylish and fun-to-drive roadster. It offers a unique blend of Italian design flair and Mazda’s renowned reliability. Its turbocharged engine provides a different driving experience compared to the naturally aspirated MX-5, and its distinctive styling sets it apart. While potential buyers should be mindful of parts availability and service considerations due to its discontinued status, the 124 Spider remains a hidden gem in the used sports car market, particularly for those seeking an alternative to the ubiquitous MX-5 with a touch of Italian passion. If you prioritize unique styling and a turbocharged engine in an affordable roadster, the 2017 Fiat 124 Spider is definitely worth exploring.
