The NEW FIAT 124 Spider is launched to the UK media today!
The new FIAT 124 Spider is launched to the UK media today, June 7 2016, at the international media event in Verona, Italy. Styled with classic Italian flair and reviving a storied nameplate, the new FIAT 124 Spider brings the authentic, Italian roadster driving experience to a whole new generation of British enthusiasts.
Designed in the FIAT Style Centre, the front-end of the FIAT 124 Spider encapsulates the essence of its classic predecessor in a modern and bold package - broad and muscular but also elegant and perfectly proportioned. The profile view is pure classic roadster, with its long wheelbase, a cockpit hunkered low near the driven rear axle and a long bonnet, all tied elegantly together by a horizontal line that emerges from the front wing, kicking up over the rear haunch and flowing toward the tail lamp, aping the distinctive bodywork of the original FIAT 124 Spider
The nose of the new FIAT 124 Spider also takes its inspiration from the 1966 original with the style and position of the LED headlamps and the hexagonal upper grille all drawing heavily from the details of the classic roadster. The bonnet of the new sports car also emulates the twin power domes of the second- generation FIAT 124 Spider (a functional design feature necessitated by the fitment of larger engines) while the rear view is defined by two main features: the swallow-tail rear wings, the upper surface of which cascade inward toward the decklid, and the sharp horizontal tail lamps with their distinctive ring shape. An integrated rear spoiler enhances the aerodynamic performance of the new FIAT 124 Spider, while twin exhaust outlets are a reminder of its sporting pedigree.
The FIAT 124 Spider will be available to eight colours, with two pastel finishes (Passione Red and Ice White), five metallic shades (Volcano Black, Argento Grey, Fashion Grey, Magnetic Bronze and Italia Blue) and one tri-coat pearlescent finish: Urban White.
To minimise weight, improve longevity and encourage spur-of-the-moment open air driving experiences, the multi-layer canvas hood is a manual unit that can be operated in seconds using minimal force and without the driver having to leave their seat. Doing so reveals a cabin built to the highest standard from a variety of top-quality soft-touch and premium materials, painstakingly laid out and fine-tuned to ensure the perfect layout of pedals, steering wheel and gear lever with a clear view of the three-dial instrument cluster with a purposeful central rev-counter.
The steering wheel, too, is ergonomically designed to feel more comfortable in the hand and is wrapped with high-quality leather, while the light mesh structure seats and exclusive shape of the trim and foam parts were designed to guarantee the highest level of comfort. The door panels are trimmed with high-quality, soft-touch materials and beautifully detailed with satin-chrome elements.
Under the FIAT 124 Spider’s distinctive bonnet you’ll find the brand’s proven 1,368cc MultiAir, turbo-charged four-cylinder engine which delivers 140hp and 240Nm of torque to the rear wheels via six-speed manual transmission and compact rear differential. The FIAT 124 Spider is capable of accelerating to 62mph/100km/h in just 7.5 seconds and has a top speed of 134mph/215 km/h.
The FIAT 124 Spider's suspension uses a double-wishbone layout in front and a multilink in the rear, specifically tuned for greater stability while braking and turning, while the dual-pinion electric power steering system has been specifically tuned to give the Spider a responsive, Italian feel. Combined with the lightweight architecture and balanced weight distribution, the turbo-charged FIAT 124 Spider offers a dynamic and exciting driving experience without compromising comfort and refinement, thanks to the adoption of an acoustic front windscreen and additional insulation treatments.
The new FIAT 124 Spider offers an extensive range of active and passive safety devices. A voice-controlled infotainment system (with Bluetooth), LED rear light clusters, four airbags, TPMS, cruise control, a speed limiter and ESC with ABS and EBD are all standard, as are seat belts with pre-tensioners and Constant-Force Retractors (CFR) to control the degree of force applied by the belt onto the occupant and then gradually release it in a controlled manner. The body, made from high-tensile materials, has dedicated structural elements designed specifically to dissipate and absorb energy in the event of impact, aided by a steering column designed for energy absorption and a non-intrusive pedal box. A rear parking assistance system, a reversing camera, keyless entry and automatic lights and wipers also improve safety, security and convenience, where fitted.
Three trim levels will be offered in the UK: Classica, Lusso and Lusso Plus. Standard equipment on the entry-level Classica version includes an impressive array of features including four airbags, air conditioning, a leather-trimmed steering wheel with audio controls, a leather-trimmed gear knob, cruise control with speed limiter, 16-inch alloy wheels, keyless engine start and a powerful infotainment system with USB, AUX and Bluetooth connectivity. A seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system with DAB, WiFi, two USB ports and a multimedia control knob is available as a £500 option.
The mid-range Lusso version is equipped with that seven-inch infotainment system as standard, but adds satellite navigation with 3D maps and the Parkview rear parking camera as well. It is also equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels, heated leather upholstery, automatic climate control, front fog lamps, keyless entry, chrome exhaust tips and a premium silver finish on the windscreen frame and rollover bars.
The top Lusso Plus model builds on the excellent specification of the Lusso model by adding adaptive LED headlamps, LED DRLs, automatic lights and wipers and a nine-speaker BOSE sound system (including stereo headrest speakers on both seats).
Prices for the FIAT 124 Spider starts at £19,545 OTR for the Classica version, with the Lusso model prised at £22,295 and the top Lusso Plus trim just £1,000 more at £23,295. For more images and to keep up to date with latest news on the new FIAT 124 Spider, as well as other models in the FIAT range, please visi