The new 2017 Fiat 124 Spider was first revealed in the 2015 LA Motor Show. The roadster is based on the Mazda MX-5 but its design aesthetic is a clear hat tip to the original 124 Spider from 1966. Up front, the updated 124 utilizes round LED daytime running lights and hexagonal grill. At the back, “Fiat has fitted its version of Japan’s favorite roadster with rectangular tail lamps and a small spoiler built into the trunk lid,” Digital Trends noted. See their full coverage with pictures here.
As for the exteriors, Auto Express noted that the new 124 Spider is defined by two main features: “seagull” wings that “fall inwards towards the bootlid, and sharp horizontal tail lamps, which echo those on the new Fiat 500 supermini.” Strong hints of the car's sporting potential can also be seen with the small spoiler and twin exhausts.
Inside, however, is a completely different story. Interiors are very reminiscent of the Miata's minimalist and back-to-basics cockpit. The center console is driver-oriented and features a three-spoke steering wheel. A seven-inch display controls the infotainment system. Like the MX-5, the 2017 124 Spider's roof is controlled manually with no electric option.
The car has a few strange details. For one, the Italian car will be assembled in Japan, right beside the Miata with whom it shares its design. Raphael Orlove of Jalopnik asked Fiat boss Olivier Francois, “The car is produced in Japan. The engine is made in Italy. How does that work?” To which the non-Italian head of Fiat replied, “It does.”
Orlove wanted to know more. He asked a product specialist is the engine really is made in Italy, to which she replied “Yes. They are all made in Termoli, east of Rome.” And as for the complete product, “Yes. Final assembly is in Hiroshima.”
Whether the engines are delivered via sea or air was not clear. The product specialist also did not know the specifics of the shipping procedures. For now, the world can be rest assured the the new 2017 Fiat 124 Spider will have a 1.4 liter turbocharged MultiAir petrol engine from the Fiat 500. It has 138bhp and 240Nm of torque.
It will go on sale on second half of next year and will probably be priced at £20,000.
