Fiat 124 Spider 2015

[Advantage]

Based on the new MX5's underpinnings, Fiat recently revealed their 124 Spider for the current market. It will use Fiat's turbocharged 1.4 engine in place of the Mazda unit and should be with us by the end of next summer. Funky little thing.

Autocar clicky

 

 

 

[Bravo73]

The mechanicals are bound to be great (being an MX-5) but, IMHO, the Fiat stylists have made it a fugly little thing. It looks like some weird cross between a Chrysler and an older generation MX-5. Fail.

[DanR]

I like it. Maybe living in oz where most cars are from Korea, Japan or the usual VW, BM and Merc commuter car, it's an appealing contrast.

The proportions of the wheels to body are better than the MX5 too.

[theelanman]

just looks like an MX5 with an overhanging boot lid......

I hope the engine makes it interesting....however as mazda are putting 2ltr lumps in their so surely this is slower

sorry...that was the old mx5....the new one has a 1.5ltr jobbie...think its 130hp

http://www.mazda.co.uk/canvas/all-new-showroom/mx-5/overview_page/Gallery/Design/Overlay/07_796x438_Overview_Gallery_Overlay_Design.jpg

[Jacques]

Looking at the pics, I like it. Nice lines inside, nice bonnet, nice proportions of the Wheels, and nice interrior. Would take it over the Mazda version. Nice instrumentation and blend of Brown leather and aluminium (or look alike). Nice central console, and very short gearstick. It also seems to be possible to use the 3 round knobs while being in a high gear, contrary to some, say Aston martin?

I like that more Companies are trying to let Loose these sort of cars, as it's been many years since it was widely last popular. In my Humble view, a sportscar does not have to be a multi milion carbon out of this world thing to be a nice sportscar. Lesser will also do fine, and probably also sell better to most people. Weather or not this is used as a self markwting thing for the owners, is another debate,but more sportscars on the streets, is not a bad thing in my eyes. And there's an actual chance that I can overtake it in my 25 year old Lotus Esprit

Bring it on

Cheers,

Jacques.

[C8RKH]

I like it too - small turbo petrol engines are a growing trend and the 1.4t will be  match for the 1.5 MX5. I believe we will be getting a hot Abarth version and that should be really interesting. Made alongside the MX5 on the same production line I believe so reliability and build should be very very good. I'd buy one, in metallic red with cognac leather interior.....

Interestingly, I think it was Autocar that had the recent MX5 video road test, 1.5 and 2.0 on test on track and they preferred the smaller engine car, just said it was a better all round handling car and only a smidgen slower on the track.

[Jacques]

My oh my, I can't spell. Maybe Little Red Riding Hood cast a spell ? Very sorry for the silly spelling several places.

Kind regards,

Jacques.

 

[C8RKH]

On 25/11/2015, 22:56:26, Advantage said:

Based on the new MX5's underpinnings, Fiat recently revealed their 124 Spider for the current market. It will use Fiat's turbocharged 1.4 engine in place of the Mazda unit and should be with us by the end of next summer. Funky little thing.

Is it just me or did the same guy who styled the 124 interior above style the Ferrari 458 interior below - I think they are very similar....

 

[TBD]

Hmmm, Japanese design and Italian build quality? Not sure that is the right way to do things. 

Now, Italian design and Japanese build quality does sound much better. 

[Bravo73]

8 hours ago, C8RKH said:

Is it just me or did the same guy who styled the 124 interior above style the Ferrari 458 interior below - I think they are very similar....

The interior has been lifted directly from the MX-5 (save for the Mazda badge):

So, the only real 'styling' that the Italians did was to pick similar colours to the 458!

[C8RKH]

Interestingly Jonny it was my understanding that it was actually a Fiat designer (ex Pininfarina) who designed the new MX5 / 124 interior as a part of the collaboration programme. I guess I must have been wrong if you have better info?

Those side window airvents are straight out of the 458!

And Thomas, I don;t think anything to worry about re quality as all MX5/124's are, I believe, built in Japan on the same lines.

[nello]

Yep the 124 will be built alongside the MX5 in Japan.................... Not the first FCA Japanese co-development as Fiat co-operated with Suzuki for the Sedici. IMO - good to see the 124 name back but they could have tried harder to make it look less MX-5'ish..................

[Loose Cannon]

Sorry I don't really follow new cars much but WTF are Fiat doing basing their cars on Mazdas? Are Fiat on a downward slide financially? The last time they had a nice convertible (Barchetta) there seemed to be an explosion of design creativity and confidence, this looks like a case of why bother.

[C8RKH]

Isn't it all just business - cost and risk management?  Build it alongside MX5 and save a fortune on new tooling, assembly, design etc. Base it on a proven mechanical platform and put both together you get less risk of failure (commercial and mechanical) and less cost (to develop and build).

Unfortunately, the world these days is largely run by flooking finance managers and accountants with MBA's who are about as imaginative, expressive and passionate as a frog that's been lying squashed in the road for a week. They focus only on cost and risk mitigation and hang everything else. It's one of the reasons why I would never join a golf club or buy a Porsche as they are usually occupied by accountants - To be clear, the world does not need any more accountants. A cull would be acceptable!

[CaptainSlow]

I like it a lot and prefer the styling over the MX5 ND. Given the volumes in which the MX5 have been produced there's clearly a market for products in that price & performance range.

Would have been interesting if Lotus had teamed up with Mazda to develop an entry level Elan. Based on the MX5 but with the Toyota engine from current Elise, a bit of Lotus styling and uprated suspension. Many of us love to see high-spec Evora variants and maybe even a new Esprit. But that will not broaden the customer base significantly. An entry model have potential to do just that. When bit manufacturers share platforms why shouldn't a small company try the same?

[Bravo73]

15 hours ago, C8RKH said:

Interestingly Jonny it was my understanding that it was actually a Fiat designer (ex Pininfarina) who designed the new MX5 / 124 interior as a part of the collaboration programme. I guess I must have been wrong if you have better info?

You could well be right. I was only going on pictures lifted off t'interweb.

[C8RKH]

Yup, I could be wrong too. The internet is full of shitey, wrong, information even when it is stated as being "fact" - in fact, usually that's when I start to worry about the info on the internet, when it is stated as being in fact, correct!

[softlips]

I really like it. Love the styling TBH. 

[auRouge]

On 27 November 2015 at 10:42:59, C8RKH said:

Is it just me or did the same guy who styled the 124 interior above style the Ferrari 458 interior below - I think they are very similar....

 

It does look similar! but that isn't a 458 interior. It's Fiat motor group and the halo car will always be an inspiration????

This is a 458 interior... They've lost the stupid 90s esk "in case you forgot" tacky manufacturers badge!?? 

Cheers,

A?

[Jacques]

Erm... don't really how to say this withour offending someone out there.

Honestly, apart from materials, I find the new Fiat 124 nicer inside, than this Ferrari pictured above.

Jacques.

[auRouge]

Ha! I'll mention it to the owner?

Back on topic, I like this little Fiat roadster.. A lot!

Fiat interiors are better than most would believe. Quality.. Well you get what you pay for but Fiat's leather quality is better than most in my experience.

Would you buy one instead of a Mazda MX5? Don't know! Its a great looking thing.. I hope lots do so I can admire them!

Photos of my old Abarth and Coupe interiors back in the day attached.. They've always had a little something extra????? 

[nello]

Agreed Rouge...............my daily runner still looks OK considering she's 17 years old