Not heard of Abarth? You can be forgiven. It’s Fiat’s performance arm – originally a third-party specialist tuner, but bought by Fiat many years ago and resurrected in 2007. So far, it’s concentrated on churning out bonkers versions of Fiat’s 500 city car, but now its engineers finally have something a bit more substantial to work with – the rear-wheel-drive 124 Spider.
Prices and deals
Prices start at £29,565 – a substantial £10,000 more than the entry-level 1.4-litre turbo Spider, and nearly £6,000 more than the top-of-the-range 2.0-litre Mazda MX-5 it shares a platform with. Abarth is currently offering the 124 on personal contract hire for £299 per month over four years, following an initial payment of £6,877.
What are its rivals?
Obviously, it’s easy to compare it with the regular Fiat 124 Spider and the Mazda MX-5. It’s more powerful and ultimately more focussed than both, although Abarth says it’s also gunning for the more expensive BMW Z4 and Audi TT.
What engine does it use?
The Abarth 124 Spider uses the regular turbocharged 1.4-litre MultiAir engine, with power boosted from 140hp to 170hp. Torque gets a small boost to 184lb ft.
How fast?
It’ll hit 62mph in 6.8 seconds (half a second quicker than a 2.0-litre MX-5), and is good for a top speed of 143mph.
Is it comfortable?
While the Abarth 124 Spider’s cabin isn’t uncomfortable per se, those of a larger build might find it a bit wearing on longer journeys. If you can fit in, it’s quite a snug place to be.
Will I enjoy driving it?
Oh yes. With the same chassis as the Mazda, it’s a wonderfully delicate car to drive – hugely responsive to tiny steering inputs, and massively confidence-inspiring. With a mechanical limited-slip diff, it has no qualms about getting its power down as you exit corners. Even on track at Silverstone, it didn’t feel out of its depth. It sounds better than the standard model, too – thanks to its standard Record Monza exhaust system.
Fuel economy and running costs
The charm of the regular Fiat 124 Spider and its Japanese cousin is the fun driving experience on offer in exchange for relatively little outlay, in terms of buying and running costs. That’s true with the Abarth version, too. It returns an official combined 44.1mpg – the same as the regular 140hp model.
What’s the interior like?
Abarth has made a few minor tweaks to the 124’s interior to give it that scorpion touch – there’s a smattering of red stitching, as well as ‘racing’ Alcantara and a red rev counter. There’s also a red stripe on the top of the wheel, as well as a metal numbered plaque attached to the bulkhead between the seats.
Is it practical?
Nope. It’s something we’ve constantly moaned about when reviewing the Mazda MX-5 and regular Fiat 124 Spider. We don’t expect family estate levels of practicality, but is a glove box too much to ask? At least the 140-litre boot will fit a weekend bag or two.
Tell me about the tech
All models come with a seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system (borrowed from the MX-5), as well as a Drive Select button. This sharpens the throttle response, makes the steering even tighter, and provides a bit more give in the traction control.
What about safety?
Although the 124 hasn’t been tested by Euro NCAP yet (in Fiat or Abarth forms), the Mazda MX-5 scored a four-star rating – mainly let down by its lack of collision-avoidance tech.
Which version should I go for?
If you’ve decided on an Abarth 124 rather than a regular Fiat 124 or Mazda MX-5, there are many further options. You can choose whether to have the black bonnet or go for a slightly more understated look, and choose between a manual or auto gearbox. We’d go for the former.
What’s the used alternative?
There’s nothing really like this on the nearly-new market. We could recommend an MX-5, but the third-generation Mazda wasn’t anywhere near as good as the latest model or its Italian brethren. If Italian convertibles are your thing, look at Fiat Barchettas or Alfa Romeo Spiders.
Should I buy one?
We’re going to be a little non-committal here… There’s no denying, if you want a real driver’s car, the Abarth 124 Spider is very good. But, at nudging £30,000, it’s getting a lot more expensive than the no-frills entry-level Fiat 124 Spider or Mazda MX-5. And, if you’re prepared to spend the money, you can buy a top-spec MX-5 and take it to specialist tuning company BBR. They’ll do wonderful things to it.
Pub fact
Want to take an Abarth 124 rallying? A motorsport version was shown at this year’s Geneva Motor Show, with the 1.4-litre engine ditched in favour of a 1.8 turbocharged lump mated to a six-speed sequential ’box. It produces a considerable 300hp, but performance figures haven’t been announced.