The 2017 FIAT 124 Spider Starts at $24,995

It’s been almost 50 years since the original FIAT 124 Spider came out. This summer, the Mazda MX-5 Miata‘s Italian cousin is coming back for the 2017 model year in three trim levels: Classica, Lusso, and Abarth.

The first two models are powered by a 1.4-liter MultiAir Turbo I4 with 160 horsepower and 184 lb.-ft. of torque; the performance-focused Abarth features the same engine tuned to produce five more horsepower. All 124s will be available with a six-speed manual gearbox that’s good for 26 city / 35 highway mpg or a six-speed automatic transmission that delivers 25 city / 36 highway mpg.

Starting at $24,995, the 124 Spider Classica is available in six colors and comes standard with the six-speed manual, a dual-tip exhaust, 16-inch alloys, black cloth seats, halogen headlights, and LED taillights. The cabin is fitted with soft-touch materials on the instrument panel and noise-reducing insulation in multiple areas. Upgrading to the six-speed auto brings the starting price of the Classica to $26,345.

In Lusso (“Luxury”) guise, the 124 Spider comes equipped with standard 17-inch wheels, silver paint on its A-pillar header and roll-bar cover, and chrome exhaust finishers. The heated seats come wrapped in either Nero (black) or Saddle leather and are complemented by Piano Black interior accents. Seven colors are available for the exterior.

Lusso prices start at $27,495 for models with the manual transmission. Ticking the box for the automatic bumps the price tag up to $28,845.

For enthusiasts, FIAT offers an Abarth variant of the 124 Spider. That brings the choice of five exterior colors and features such as unique front and rear fascias, 17-inch Gun Metal aluminum wheels, a Bilstein sport suspension, a limited-slip differential, a front strut tower brace, a Sport Mode selector, and a sport-tuned exhaust system with quad chrome tips. Options include a hand-painted hood stripe, a Brembo braking system, and Recaro seats.

With the six-speed, the Abarth comes in at $28,195; the automatic increases the price by $1,350.

Each of the first 124 FIAT Spiders sold will be known as a $35,000 Prima Edizione Lusso. They’ll be individually numbered and come with commemorative badging as well as an exclusive Azzurro Italia (Blue)/Saddle exterior/interior color scheme. According to FCA, “Consumers who purchase a Prima Edizione also will receive limited-edition items, including a matching blue leather bag, journal with pen and a poster showcasing original design illustration with vehicle dimensions.”

While the 2017 FIAT 124 Spider offers more horsepower and significantly more torque than the Miata at similar price points, it will be interesting to see how the Italian car’s odd styling and extra weight (2,476 pounds with the automatic vs. 2,381 pounds) will affect its popularity at dealerships.

*Prices do not include $995 destination charge.

Chime in with your thoughts on the forum. >>

via [FCA]

Follow @derekshiekhi

Derek Shiekhi

Derek Shiekhi's father raised him on cars. As a boy, Derek accompanied his dad as he bought classics such as post-WWII GM trucks and early Ford Mustang convertibles.

After loving cars for years and getting a bachelor's degree in Business Management, Derek decided to get an associate degree in journalism. His networking put him in contact with the editor of the Austin-American Statesman newspaper, who hired him to write freelance about automotive culture and events in Austin, Texas in 2013. One particular story led to him getting a certificate for learning the foundations of road racing.

While watching TV with his parents one fateful evening, he saw a commercial that changed his life. In it, Jeep touted the Wrangler as the Texas Auto Writers Association's "SUV of Texas." Derek knew he had to join the organization if he was going to advance as an automotive writer. He joined the Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) in 2014 and was fortunate to meet several nice people who connected him to the representatives of several automakers and the people who could give him access to press vehicles (the first one he ever got the keys to was a Lexus LX 570). He's now a regular at TAWA's two main events: the Texas Auto Roundup in the spring and the Texas Truck Rodeo in the fall.

Over the past several years, Derek has learned how to drive off-road in various four-wheel-drive SUVs (he even camped out for two nights in a Land Rover), and driven around various tracks in hot hatches, muscle cars, and exotics. Several of his pieces, including his article about the 2015 Ford F-150 being crowned TAWA's 2014 "Truck of Texas" and his review of the Alfa Romeo 4C Spider, have won awards in TAWA's annual Excellence in Craft Competition. Last year, his JK Forum profile of Wagonmaster, a business that restores Jeep Wagoneers, won prizes in TAWA’s signature writing contest and its pickup- and SUV-focused Texas Truck Invitational.

In addition to writing for a variety of Internet Brands sites, including JK Forum, H-D Forums, The Mustang Source, Mustang Forums, LS1Tech, HondaTech, Jaguar Forums, YotaTech, and Ford Truck Enthusiasts. Derek also started There Will Be Cars on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.

Twitter