Along comes a spider! We say ciao to the new FIAT 124 Spider writes Geraldine Herbert
What is it? Its 50 years since the original 124 Spider was unveiled at the Turin motor show. It was a car that captured the very essence of pure driving enjoyment and now its back with a modern twist to shake things up in the two-seater market.
First impressions of the new Fiat 124 Spider? With perfect sportscar proportions the exterior pays homage to the original, touches such as the style and position of the LED headlamps, and the hexagonal upper grille, both draw heavily from the details of the classic roadster.
What about the interior? Inside there is little to distinguish it from Mazda’s MX-5, the car it is based on, but the 124 does have new instrument panels, steering wheel and gauge design. The dash looks good and all the fittings seem good quality.
Under the bonnet? Powering this diminutive sports car is 1.4-litre petrol engine that will launch the 124 from 0 to 100km/h in just 7.5 seconds and has a top speed of 215 km/h. But the 124 spider is not about power or speed, but rather it reminds you that life is a journey and not a destination.
Fiat 124 Spider on road? A low-slung driving position makes it very comfortable and the small steering wheel feels sporty. Out on the open road it delivers perfect grip and control plus you get a super slick six-speed manual gearbox. A wind deflector and well-positioned heaters will keep you nice and snug with the roof down and that engine sound will be music to your ears.
How much? Three trim levels are offered: Classica, Lusso and Lusso Plus. Classica starts at €31,495 and comes with 16ins alloys, air con, 7ins radio touchscreen, cruise control. Trade up to the Lusso grade for €34,295 and add sat nav with 3D maps, rear parking camera/sensors, 17ins alloys, heated leather seats, auto climate control, front fogs, chrome exhaust tips. The top of the range Lusso Plus start at €35,795 and comes with adaptive LED headlamps, auto lights/wipers and 9-speaker BOSE sound system.
How safe? The Fiat 124 Spider is as safe as any car its size can be. There are a range of active and passive safety devices, plus because this it is a roadster the body is designed specifically to absorb energy and lessen the impact in the event of an accident .
3 words to describe the Fiat 124 Spider? Pure; Balanced; Gorgeous
For more information check out Fiat.ie, the Fiat Ireland Facebook page or follow them on twitter here
Geraldine Herbert
29th November, 2016
