2017 Fiat 124 Spider Review
Posted on January 27, 2020
Transform any journey from boring to thrilling with the 2017 Fiat 124 Spider. Not only has the legendary roadster's name made a return, so has the exhilarating experience that thrilled a generation of drivers. In addition, the new version packs quite a few amenities and technologies that will satisfy modern shoppers.
Trim Levels
Fiat offers three trim levels for the 2017 Fiat 124 Spider, accommodating a variety of tastes and preferences. The base version is called the Classica, providing stylish value. Next up is the Lusso, which adds quite a few cutting-edge features for a more premium experience. Performance enthusiasts will be most interested in the Fiat 124 Spider Abarth. It comes with aggressive design flourishes, which are backed up with several mechanical modifications.
Classica
Shoppers who are looking for a good value find just that with the 2017 Fiat 124 Spider Classica. With body-colour side mirror caps and windshield surround, the car looks anything but budget-friendly. LED taillights and 16-inch silver aluminum wheels complete the exterior look. On the inside, a leather-wrapped steering wheel continues the upgraded vibe, along with a Bluetooth connectivity system that works for hands-free phone calls as well as streaming music from a device.
Plenty of thrills come via the 1.4-litre MultiAir 16-valve turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine. When drivers really punch it, 160 horsepower and 184 lb.-ft. of torque provide strong acceleration for a truly spunky experience. A short-throw six-speed manual transmission makes for quick and fun gear transitions, while a 6-speed automatic with paddle shifters is available.
Lusso
Even more premium elements are added to the 2017 Fiat 124 Spider Lusso, giving it a distinct Italian flair. Soft leather upholstery adds greatly to driver and passenger comfort, while standard seat heaters are welcoming on cold mornings and brisk evenings with the top down. With the Fiat Connect 7.0 centre and a lower passenger instrument panel, drivers have more information at their disposal. Silver roll bars and a rearview camera are sleek reminders of the modern safety measures Fiat incudes with the roadster.
Among the luxurious exterior touches is a silver windshield surround and more aggressive 17-inch aluminum wheels. Dual chrome exhaust pipes add a nice detail to the rear, while fog lights grace the front end of the car, boosting visibility in poor weather. Drivers also enjoy the convenience of automatic headlights, plus rain-sensing wipers.
Abarth
Pumping up the excitement to a level that's contagious, the 2017 Fiat 124 Abarth is a truly hot roadster. It all starts with some aggressive designs, like the famous Abarth badges, 17-inch Gun Metal wheels and side mirror caps, plus black details like the side skirts. Four chrome exhaust tips strongly hint at the edginess of this trim level. Under the hood is a Sport cover for the engine. Both the driver and passenger are held firmly in place by the sport seats, with large leather bolsters and soft microfibre inserts.
Backing up those looks is a more aggressive engine tune, boosting peak output to 164 horsepower. A front strut tower bar sharpens steering response, and a mechanical limited-slip differential provides tighter handling you can easily feel. Hefty Brembo brakes keep everything under control, giving drivers the confidence to take on any road or track.
Prima Edizione Limited Edition
Mark the 50th anniversary of the original Fiat 124 Spider with the limited edition Prima Edizione model. The only paint colour is a Bonzo Magnetico (Titanium Flash Mica) for a truly unique appearance many will envy. The driver and passenger sit on supple Saddle Brown leather seats, complete with a 50th anniversary badge.
Several amenities are included as part of the limited edition vehicle. Among them are auto-dimming, heated side mirrors and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-path detection for additional safety and assurance.
As a complete offering, the Fiat 124 Prima Edizione is a stylish way to celebrate a true automotive icon. Production is limited to a mere 124 units, making the convertible a true collector's item that will be valued for years to come.
See for Yourself
The 2017 Fiat 124 Spider is the type of vehicle that's best appreciated from behind the steering wheel. Check out our inventory and then contact us to schedule a test drive.