The much anticipated new Fiat 124 Spider has finally taken a bow at the LA Auto Show and it’s a beauty. Although unashamedly based on the new launched Mazda MX5, the Fiat goes its own way in a number of key areas.

Fiat 124 Spider: Exterior Design

The basic 2 door, 2 seat, long bonnet shape and configuration of the latest generation Mazda MX5 has been retained but the stylists at Fiat Centro Stile have cleverly weaved in a little Italian magic. The ‘face’ of the little roadster is quite different to its Japanese cousin. New headlights and a cool egg-crate grille lend it a distinctly retro vibe. This is only enhanced when you cast your eye over the bonnet to see twin power ‘domes’ partly scooped and partly protruding from the long lid.

Further back more changes are noticed with the the aluminium colour windscreen surround and an interesting upwards kink in the door line. At the rear there are more differences including a large boot (surprisingly it is a whole 10 litres bigger than the MX5s trunk in capacity), different lighting and a twin exhausts, capping of the Italianate/Retro theme.

 

Fiat 124 Spider: Interior Design

As you would expect from a car that has been given an Italian makeover the interior has received special attention. In comes beautiful Italian leather seats and changes to the dashboard styling. Fiat describe the interior as featuring “Italian craftsmanship and premium materials throughout” and we think that it certainly looks like a great place to sit.

Fiat 124 Spider: Mechanical Specification

The big news mechanically is that the Spider has a completely different heart to the MX5. Under the scooping/bulging bonnet lies Fiat’s little 1.4 Multijet Turbo screamer that also features in the Abarth 595 pocket rocket.

Modified specifically for the rear wheel drive layout of the 124 Spider, the 1.4-litre four-cylinder engine will punch out  250Nm and 119kW which, considering the lightweight of the car, should be a lot of fun. It should also give it a distinctly different character to the Mazda MX5.

Gearbox-wise, there will be a a choice of six-speed manual or automatic transmissions. We’re predicting that the manual box will the be the one to have.

Fiat 124 Spider: Facts & Figures

Make: Fiat

Model: 124 Spider

Price: TBC

Release Date: Early 2016

Engine: 1.4-litre four-cylinder turbo

Torque: 250Nm at 2500rpm

Power: 119kW at 5500rpm

Drive: Rear wheel drive

Transmission: 6-speed manual or automatic

Body Type: Convertible

Seats: 2