The Abarth 124 Spider is cast from the same die as the Fiat 124, and to improve it Abarth has used the same tactic as it did to change the Fiat 500 into the Abarth 595. In other words, it has added lithe looks, noise and, most importantly, muscle.
The Abarth 124 Spider uses the same platform as Mazda’s MX-5 and Fiat’s 124. However, while the Fiat has been constructed to be more of a cruising vehicle, the Abarth is more hardcore – and the most performance driven of the three brands.
The Abarth uses the same 1.4-litre, four-cylinder turbo- charged petrol engine as Fiat’s 124 – except in the Abarth it produces 170PS, compared with the Fiat 124’s 140PS. The Abarth’s power unit spins with the proper Italian sports car vigour you’d hope for. It feels wayward and entertaining at high revs – and you’re aware of the turbocharger when you push on. The sports car is quick to respond and the gear change is rapid and exact.
The best thing about the 124 Spider, though, is the noise it makes. Popping burbles emit from the quad tailpipes when doing the 0-62mph gallop, as I found out testing the car at Silverstone Circuit, in Northamptonshire. The two-seater Abarth will reach the magical figure in 6.8 seconds, on its way to 143mph. Fold the roof, via a simple fastener, and the Abarth 124’s sound is even more delectable.
For an added dose of pleasure, the Abarth 124 has a Sport setting. Hit the button and things become louder, tighter and faster. The throttle feels more insistent, and weight is also added to the steering, making you feel even more united with the road – or race track. The 124 Spider feels most pleased driven hard, with the tail-end hunkered down over the rear wheels. Even when you go too brutally into a bend and lose traction for a jiffy, the Abarth 124 continues to play nicely. Working out what the rump of the car is going to do soon becomes second nature.
On the whole, the Abarth 124 Spider is a grin maker, although your beam might falter for a moment when you see the price-tag – £29,565. Yes, it’s a large lump of cash, but once you’ve heard the melodious tailpipes, felt the performance and experienced the handling for yourself, you’ll appreciate that this car is worth every single bank note.
PROS ‘N’ CONS
Appearance √
Noise √
Handling √
Excitement √
Licence loser X
FAST FACTS
Max speed: 143 mph
0-62 mph: 6.8 secs
Combined mpg: 44.1
Engine layout: 1368cc 4-cylinder turbo petrol
Max. power (PS): 170
CO2: 148 g/km
Price: £29,565