FIAT 124 Spider Abarth 2020 Review

Like other roadsters of its era, the original Fiat 124 offered charm, style and the freedom of open-top motoring. It was also plagued with the same mechanical gremlins as its contemporaries. When it came to comfort and convenience, it was hardly a step up from bicycling.

Today's 2020 Fiat 124 Spider retains its predecessor's charm and minimizes its drawbacks. Credit goes to its DNA. Under the 124's nouveau retro bodywork, it has the same underpinnings as the Mazda MX-5 Miata, although the Fiat uses its own engine, transmission and unique suspension tuning.

It's fair to say that the 124 would be better off sticking with the Miata's powertrain as well. While it's easy to understand why Fiat would want to put its own stamp on things, the reality is that the Miata's engine is more powerful and engaging when you rev it up to its redline. Mazda seems to have done a better job of suspension tuning as well — the Fiat rides more roughly.

The Miata is the better car here, and the latest Ford Mustang convertible might tempt you with its surprisingly well-rounded nature. Still, the 2020 Fiat 124 Spider, just like the classic models from the 1960s and '70s, is an undeniably fun roadster that can turn ordinary grocery runs into invigorating autocrosses.

Which 124 Spider does MatoCar recommend?

The 2020 Fiat 124 Spider is available in three trim levels: the relatively bare-bones Classica, the more comprehensively equipped Lusso and the aggressive Abarth. All three trims are powered by a turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine (160 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque in Classica and Lusso trims, 164 hp and 184 lb-ft in Abarth trim).

Power goes to the rear wheels through either a standard six-speed manual transmission or an optional six-speed automatic.

The base Classica trim comes with the essentials — such as air conditioning, a rearview camera and Bluetooth — as well as some nicer touches, such as keyless entry, push-button start and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. There are compromises, though. The steering wheel raises and lowers but doesn't telescope, for example, and the infotainment display is a tiny, little thing at just 3 inches wide.

The Lusso trim comes standard with leather, heated seats, an upgraded infotainment system with a 7-inch display, and the Technology Group features. The Fiat 124 Spider Abarth adds to the Lusso's features with a performance-tuned suspension, limited-slip differential and selectable drive modes. Boosting the Abarth's sporting bona fides are optional Brembo brakes, an upgraded exhaust system, and Recaro leather and simulated-suede sport seats.

The Lusso and the Abarth also offer a couple of option packages with features such as navigation, a Bose sound system, blind-spot and rear cross-traffic warning systems, and rear parking sensors.