Fiat unveils its Mazda MX-5 twin

[Express]

Fiat unveils its Mazda MX-5 twin



New 124 Spider brings turbo power.


David McCowen
November 18 2015




Fiat reveals its Mazda MX-5 twin, the 124 Spider. Photo: Supplied



















Meet the Mazda MX-5's Italian cousin.

Fiat has unveiled the new 124 Spider, a two-seat convertible that shares its bones with the latest version of Japan's best-selling convertible.



The new Fiat 124 Spider. Photo: Supplied


Designed in Italy but built in Japan with an Italian engine, there are two key differences separating the 124 Spider from Mazda's offering.

The main one lies under the bonnet, where Mazda's pair of 96kW and 118kW 1.5-litre and 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated engines have made way for a compact and turbocharged motor shared with Fiat's Abarth 595 hot hatch.

Retuned and adapted to suit the Mazda's rear-wheel-drive layout, the 1.4-litre four-cylinder motor makes a handy 119kW and 250Nm that should make it punchier on the road than Mazda's twins.

Available with a choice of six-speed manual or automatic transmissions, the new motor offers significantly more mid-range punch than Mazda's alternative, producing more torque much earlier in its rev range than the MX-5.

The second change is its looks. Styled in Turin, the 124 Spider features design details intended to separate the model from its Japanese cousin, such as fresh LED lamps at the front and rear and a new bonnet with twin "power domes".

The Spider features a silver windscreen frame as opposed to Mazda's black-painted version, and the rear numberplate is mounted high, between the tail lamps and not low on the bumper.

The back of the Fiat also features twin chromed exhaust pipes on either side of the bumper, a shark fin antenna and conspicuous Fiat badge that sits proud on the bootlid.

The redesigned rear hides an extra 10 litres of boot space over the Mazda, helped by a larger body that is nearly 140mm longer and 47 kilograms heavier than the car it is based on.

Like the MX-5, it has a manually operated soft top which can be opened and closed easily in just a few seconds.

On the inside, Fiat promises "Italian craftsmanship and premium materials throughout", with a touch of colour and quality materials to enhance occupant comfort. It has an adapted version of the Mazda's infotainment system – complete with controls by the driver's elbow – along with similar seats that feature speakers mounted within their headrests.

Featuring the same double wishbone front suspension and multi-link rear as the Mazda, Fiat's entry-level 124 Spider Classica has the same-sized 16-inch wheels and 195mm-wide tyres as Mazda's 1.5-litre offering, while the more expensive Lusso shares its 17-inch wheels and 205mm-wide rubber dimensions with the 2.0-litre MX-5.

Set to go on sale next year for an as-yet unannounced price, the 124 Spider is set to be the first model in a family of Fiat roadsters likely to include a high-performance Abarth version.


2016 Fiat 124 Spider specifications

Price: TBC

On sale: 2016

Engine: 1.4-litre four-cylinder turbo

Power: 119kW at 5500rpm

Torque: 250Nm at 2500rpm

Transmission: 6-speed automatic or manual, rear-wheel drive

Fuel use: TBC

http://www.drive.com.au/motor-news/f...17-gl1bke.html

[GASWAGON]

Fix It Again Tony!!!!

[Danny]

What an awful design. Boring, overweight and American looking.

Doesn't look like it was desinged in Italy at all... Looks like it copped the chrysler/dodge design language.

An opportunity which in reality has sailed well clear of the mark.

[BadMax]

Looks like a Chrysler Crossfire smashed up the **** of an MX5. WTF were they thinking?

[nstg8a]

Still better looking than the squinty eyed donor...

[Bossxr8]

Horrid. But would be a pretty good piece of gear with the hot Abarth motor they use in the 500 Tributo Ferrari etc. Has the power this chassis is screaming out for.

[Franco Cozzo]

I reckon that looks wicked, at least there is a forced induction variant of the MX5 now.

[Simple6]

I think it looks unreal!

I'd take that over an MX-5 any day (especially with that engine on offer).

[Wretched]

wow that is uninspiring. Kind of looks like a mini Crossfire, that's not a good thing.
Give me the MX5 any day.

[Dave R]

I don't mind it. Prefer the Italian flavour over the donor MX5. Would rather a smooth bonnet though.

[nipper575]

I think it looks reasonable and has styling cues from the original. Personally not for me but I can see what they were going for.

[nstg8a]

Fiat definitly did a better job than Mazda I reckon. The Miata just looks weird.

[MethodX]

Sell baby sell.
Doesn't look bad.... come on Fiat a V6 version please.

[chevypower]

Originally Posted by MethodX

Sell baby sell.
Doesn't look bad.... come on Fiat a V6 version please.

A twin turbo, direct injected 3.6 V6 Pentastar would be nice

[MethodX]

Originally Posted by chevypower

A twin turbo, direct injected 3.6 V6 Pentastar would be nice

Indeed.
give it some different sheet metal and give it to Lancia... that brand has been neglected for too long.

[Vesper Martini]

It looks just like the previous model MX5 with a different body kit

[mik]

It doesn't have that horrible smiley face, so that is a win for me.

Sent from my SM-N910G using Tapatalk

[stig_3754]

Mx-5 >>> 124

[Qwerty321]

Personally I think the Fiat looks nicer, it's got a very mustang looking front end. That said, Mazda spare parts are a dime a dozen and Fiat parts are an arm a piece, so I would make a beeline straight for the MX-5. Actually scratch that, both cars don't appeal to me in any way shape or form, not my kind of car, but you know what I mean.

[nstg8a]

I preferred the previous model, looked a lot classier.

[FG50T]

Love it. Doesn't look American to me at all except for the regulation orange in the front lamps. Having already owned the Abarth 500, the Abarth 124 is going to be insane fun.

[K.P.]

I love it! Quite definitely Italian, but in an international flavour.

The only time I have sat in an MX-5 was my aunt's mmm 2009 that she got rid of within 6 months. It was incredibly claustrophobic with the roof up with me being 6 foot tall.

I keep wishing (speaking of more affordable Italian makes) that Alfa-Romeo would rediscover "sexy" without it being $75,000 and up ie the 4C. Alfas have gone from being sexy, brooding and mildly sinister to, well, cute. Alfa...cute. I miss evil Alfas!