Fiat has announced full details and a UK price for the 124 Spider convertible, which was unveiled to UK journalists in Verona, Italy.
The Fiat 124 Spider shares the same platform as the Mazda MX-5 and takes a lot of styling cues from the 1966 Italian original of the same name. It features a multi-layered fabric roof that can be operated from the cabin and various sporty touches including twin exhaust outlets.
Power comes from a 1.4-litre MultiAir turbocharged four-cylinder, which develops 140hp and 240Nm of torque. This allows a 0-62mph time of 7.5 seconds and a top speed of 134mph. Fuel economy and CO2 emissions are a claimed 44.1mpg (combined) and 148g/km, respectively.
Suspension duties are taken care of by a double-wishbone layout at the front and a multi-link setup at the rear, much like the MX-5, and both tuned are for ‘greater stability while braking and turning’. Meanwhile the gears are shifted using a six-speed manual.
Three trim levels – Classica, Lusso and Lusso Plus – will be available, with the entry-level Classica offering four airbags, air conditioning, leather-trimmed multi-function steering wheel, leather-trimmed gear knob, cruise control, 16-inch alloys, keyless engine start and an infotainment system as standard.
The mid-range Lusso adds a seven-inch infotainment system (a £500 extra for the Classica), navigation with 3D maps, 17-inch alloys, heated leather upholstery, automatic climate control, front fog lamps, keyless entry, chrome exhaust tips, Parkview rear camera and a silver finish for the windscreen frame and rollover bars.
Atop the range is Lusso Plus, which adds adaptive LED headlamps, automatic lights, automatic wipers, LED DRLs and a nine-speaker Bose sound system with one speaker located in each seat headrest.
As for the exterior paintjobs, there’s a choice of eight colours comprised Passione Red and Ice White pastels and Argento Grey, Italia Blue, Fashion Grey, Volcano Black and Magnetic Bronze metallics.
A number of safety systems have been fitted to the open-top Fiat, including a speed limiter, seat belt pre-tensioners with Constant-Force Retractors that control the degree of force applied by the seat belt in the event of a crash and the use of high-tensile materials for the body.
Prices start from £19,545 for the Classica, £22,295 for the Lusso and £23,295 for the Lusso Plus, making the 124 Spider a tad pricier than its MX-5 rival but maybe the Dodge Viper-esque look (if you squint a bit) will make that a non-issue.
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