Flashback to our First Look
Thanks to Autonation Fiat in Roseville, CA., (now closed) we had an opportunity to preview the brand new 2017 Fiat 124 Spiders just after being placed on the lot! David Slaton, General Manager, was kind enough to set things up with our club so we'd have dedicated parking for our beloved Fiats and have plenty of space to drive the manual and automatic models, and the Fiat 500 Abarth. We started with a preview in the air conditioned showroom which was nice since it was rapidly approaching 90 degrees at 10:30 a.m.! We then returned to the parking lot for a up close and personal look at the cars.
The preview
The 124s provided were a Classica with the 6 speed automatic in white with black leather interior, and a Lusso with 6 speed manual.
EXTERIOR: The styling is reminiscent of the original 124 with a much longer hood and shorter trunk. Photos do not do the car justice. It is a really attractively styled car. Most were immediately impressed with the new design. The lines were clean and in keeping with the general styling of the classic cars. It was truly a pleasant surprise how drawn we were to the look!
EXTERIOR: The styling is reminiscent of the original 124 with a much longer hood and shorter trunk. Photos do not do the car justice. It is a really attractively styled car. Most were immediately impressed with the new design. The lines were clean and in keeping with the general styling of the classic cars. It was truly a pleasant surprise how drawn we were to the look!
INTERIOR: Several of us had seen the new Miata and the Fiat is essentially a Miata inside. The fit and finish was very nice and the seats really provided wonderful seat comfort, side support and back support. As long as the seat isn't adjusted for a person who hugs the steering wheel like a child hugs a Teddy Bear, entering and exiting the car was quite easy. Once seated, you are held in place with a tight but comfortable cockpit. Visibility is very good with the top down and adequate with the top up. Just like the classic Spiders, the top is simple to manually raise and lower. Gauges are nice, clear and all controls were easy to use. The only exception was the push-button start because the car won't start without the brake pedal depressed. For old school car owners, it was a challenge initially but simple to operate once we realized it was no longer 1975.
The original Fiat Spiders had the small jump-seat behind the front seats - that is gone in the new 124 and is a huge loss because it limits how far the seats can recline and seriously reduces the interior storage space. If you want to bring some snacks or drinks for a long trip, be prepared to place them on the floor on the passenger side. There is NO storage space. The car also lacks a traditional glove box which is odd because it has sufficient room under the dash. They did put a small locking compartment between the two seats but it is not within reach while seated.
Once complaint was the display in the center dash which does not fold down. It seemed out of place.
The original Fiat Spiders had the small jump-seat behind the front seats - that is gone in the new 124 and is a huge loss because it limits how far the seats can recline and seriously reduces the interior storage space. If you want to bring some snacks or drinks for a long trip, be prepared to place them on the floor on the passenger side. There is NO storage space. The car also lacks a traditional glove box which is odd because it has sufficient room under the dash. They did put a small locking compartment between the two seats but it is not within reach while seated.
Once complaint was the display in the center dash which does not fold down. It seemed out of place.
TRUNK: What trunk? Don't expect to load a bunch of baggage or a set of golf clubs in the trunk. Small is the only word that could be used to describe it. It is sufficient for a carry-on bag and probably and overnight case. That's about it.
THE TEST DRIVES: What a blast! The new 124 Spider is really a fun car. As noted in many reviews, it does have some turbo lag which makes it a little slow initially, but it really screams when the turbo kicks in! Cornering was precise and it gripped well too. The ride was very comfortable with just enough firmness and just enough comfort. Everyone wanted to test the six-speed manual transmission - and it did not disappoint! Precise shifts, butter-soft clutch and lots of power. It was really, really fun to drive and you could keep the RPMs up so the turbo lag was minimal. The automatic was also a really fun option with an auto stick option which worked exceptionally well. The turbo lag was slightly more noticeable, but again would not be a problem in any normal driving situations.
The 500 Abarth was insane. That little car sounds fantastic and really accelerates! It was just a blast to hit the gas pedal and hold on tight!
The 500 Abarth was insane. That little car sounds fantastic and really accelerates! It was just a blast to hit the gas pedal and hold on tight!
OVERALL: The car was certainly a hit with the club members. The overwhelming majority of club members thoroughly enjoyed the new 124 Spider and a future purchase is definitely in the cards for several club members. No, it's not our classic cars, but who says you can't own a new one and an old one!...or two.
SPECIAL THANKS: The Sacramento Area Fiat Club thanks the entire Autonation Fiat team for their wonderful hospitality. We appreciate the free refreshments and food provided. Special thanks to David Slaton, General Manager.