Fiat unveils its version of the Mazda MX5.
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Fiat has unveiled its new 124 Spider model, which is based on Mazda’s MX5 model, at this year’s LA Motor Show.
First introduced almost 50 years ago, the new model features a rear-wheel drive layout, with a 140bhp 1.4-litre MultiAir turbo-charged petrol engine and new suspension. Mated to a six-speed manual transmission, the model produces 240Nm of torque. The suspension of the Fiat 124 Spider is comprised of a double-wishbone front and multilink rear arrangement, with a rear set-up engineered to increase toe-in under high cornering forces for improved stability.
Exterior design inspiration is taken from the 1966 original, with a horizontal line emerging from the front wing, kicking up over the rear haunch and flowing toward the tail lamp, while the style and position of the LED headlamps, and the hexagonal upper grille, both draw heavily from the details of the classic roadster. A rear spoiler and twin exhaust can be seen to the rear.
Inside sees low-slung seats with a lightweight net structure and unique foam shape, trimmed in premium upholstery. There is also a three-gauge instrument cluster with a central rev-counter, alongside soft-touch materials and unique detailing and technology such as seven-inch touchscreen display with USB ports, reversing camera and Bose sound system.
The soft top features a spring-assisted opening and closing, with automatic window lowering and raising when the header-rail lock levers. The soft top is fitted with a headliner inside the vehicle for improved sound absorption and there’s a rear package mat to provide further sound absorption and insulation.
