The Abarth 124 Spider Is The Hot MX-5 We’ve All Been Waiting For

Abarth has finally revealed its stunning version of the MX-5-based 124 Spider at the Geneva motor show. We love the 1970s paint scheme and its beautiful lines, but it comes at quite a price...
The Abarth 124 Spider Is The Hot MX-5 We’ve All Been Waiting For

Ever since the stunning Fiat 124 was released in November last year, we’ve been waiting for Abarth’s ‘hot’ version. Finally it’s here, and we’re not disappointed with the results. Revealed earlier today at the Geneva motor show, the Abarth 124 Spider has received a host of upgrades over the base car. The 1.4-litre MultiAir II four-cylinder engine has been given a power boost from 138bhp to 178bhp, the suspension has been reworked and the car has received a limited-slip differential.

Both automatic and manual transmissions will be available - the automatic coming with paddle shifters - but let’s face it, there’s only one sensible choice for petrolheads. And if you can row the gears quick enough, the little Abarth should be able to go from 0-62mph in a respectable 6.8 seconds, going on to a top speed of 143mph. This makes it significantly quicker that its 2.0-litre Mazda MX-5 brother, which is half a second slower.

The Abarth 124 Spider Is The Hot MX-5 We’ve All Been Waiting For

The Spider weighs 1060kg, has a 50/50 weight distribution and gets double-wishbone suspension up front and a five-link set up for the rear. The car also receives high-quality goodies like Brembo brakes with front aluminium callipers, a ‘Record Monza’ exhaust and beautiful 17-inch wheels.

On the aesthetics front, the car is a complete stunner. Reminiscent of the 1972 Fiat Abarth 124 Rally car, the Spider is treated to a matt black bonnet and bootlid. The car is also festooned with Abarth logos; a trend we usually hate, but for some reason they look ‘right’ here.

Inside, the car looks equally special, with swathes of Alcantara everywhere. Unfortunately, standard equipment is fairly basic with climate control and cruise control being the main stand-out features. However, you can spec a seven-inch infotainment system with sat-nav, Bluetooth and DAB as an option if you can’t live without gadgets.

The Abarth 124 Spider Is The Hot MX-5 We’ve All Been Waiting For

The Abarth Spider will go on sale in Europe in September and will be priced around £31,000, a significant premium over the range-topping Mazda MX-5, the £24,295 Sport Recaro. But then again, you get something that looks far more special.

Which one would you guys buy: the top-of-the-line MX-5, or the Abarth Spider? Let us know in the comments!

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Comments

Stubaru

Phil, say hello to your Itallian cousin.

03/01/2016 - 16:38 |
162 | 2

Automatically thought of my cousin Vinny

03/01/2016 - 23:19 |
16 | 0
Dr. DOHC VVT-i (Riley Sawyer)

In reply to by Stubaru

Technically, this is Junior’s Italian cousin

03/02/2016 - 00:07 |
4 | 0
Mr. Midnight

In reply to by Stubaru

*Sister… ;)

03/02/2016 - 06:28 |
2 | 0
Anonymous

I’d rather buy a 2.0 MX-5 and spend the saved £6700 on mods

03/01/2016 - 16:38 |
80 | 2
VStanced

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

Same! I prefer the way mx5 looks too

03/01/2016 - 16:50 |
14 | 2
Anonymous

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

or wait a couple of years and buy the fiat for practically half the price of either :D who buys a new car knowing they’re gonna be modding the hell out of it anyway?

03/01/2016 - 22:50 |
4 | 0
Jesse Carmichael

Does it come with a high performance hair dryer at that price, or is it an extra?

03/01/2016 - 16:38 |
0 | 4
Austin F

Enough said

03/01/2016 - 16:40 |
12 | 0
Anonymous

I don’t care if it’s a hairdressers car I want it.

03/01/2016 - 16:41 |
2 | 2
Anonymous

No, it’s not.

03/01/2016 - 16:45 |
0 | 2
Anonymous
03/01/2016 - 16:46 |
34 | 4
Unknown

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

That looks amazing!

03/01/2016 - 23:09 |
2 | 0
SupercarClub

Is it just me or does the front of this car look like a datsun 240z?

03/01/2016 - 16:56 |
2 | 2

I thought exectly the same! :D

03/01/2016 - 18:36 |
0 | 0
Freddie Skeates

euphoria achieved

03/01/2016 - 17:01 |
22 | 2
Duke RocketBunny Nuggets

I wasn’t à big fan of the f124 in it’s stock trim, now damn, that version is just bonkers, à work of art

03/01/2016 - 17:09 |
2 | 2