So first I have to give a warning. Convertible driving is not safe. Without the necessary sunscreen, you quickly look like a boiled lobster and innocent colleagues are simply folded up origami-like. But of course that does not detract from the fun. The tour with the new Fiat 124 Spider was set to begin in the City of Love. And although lately in Paris was not much felt, the Italians wanted to bring at least with their temperament and love for their cars a light in the present dark times on the ground. Peter also meant it well because he gave us a wonderfully sunny spring day. After a very French lunch where the stomachs could not be appeased, we faced Fiat's new creation. Here the Italian automaker revives the good old times. The design of 1966 is back, but only externally reminds the Roadster of past eras, because under the hood he shows himself from its most modern side.
Biggest car of the year 2017?
Since 2005 this award is given by Ledorga, a French organization of homosexual car lovers. For the European Gay Car Award Ledorga asks its members for their opinion and lo and behold: The new Fiat 124 Spider is probably the gayest car of the year 2017. But that is absolutely not to be considered negative. But on the contrary. Obviously the vehicle is of good style, style and sexiness. His sporting expressiveness has probably left a strong visual impression. Clear. This is also about seeing and being seen. And that can be the Fiat 124 Spider. He is really a feast for the eyes. The classic front is reminiscent of its beginnings in the year 1966. A sleek lines conjures up a beautiful silhouette and the elongated bonnet characterizes the sporty character. Truly seductive, even the interior is right on. Beautiful details around the partly digitized, partly analogue dashboard, result in a mixture of classic and modern.
High-quality leather nestles both on the steering wheel and on the gear knob. Exclusive leather seats with contrasting seams with low seating position and sturdy side support fill the vehicle interior. They are beautiful, but unfortunately nothing for longer car rides. The popo meter beats alarm here quickly. But who likes it a little harder, is in good hands. The trunk is also nothing for longer tours. With a volume of only 140 liters he was barely able to close with two suitcases and a backpack. Also, there are virtually no shelves in the interior. Bottle or cup holder? None. Only a mini-glove in the rear center console offers a little storage space. Otherwise, pardon, you sit there with his bottle, his cell phone or whatever else you would like to stow, alone. A reduction to the essentials is required here. Or you take a delivery service that always drives you after everything.
An 7 "touch-screen display with integrated DAB radio, the obligatory Bose sound system with speakers integrated in the headrests, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth® connection including USB connections and AUX-IN provide the musical guidance along with the road guidance on our tour from Paris to Deauville. Along the Seine. Topless, of course. My rider here, however, has the disadvantage. With his 1,93 meter he is unfortunately not created for the new Fiat 124 Spider. An origami master would not have been able to fold it up any better and so, in addition to the pain in the buttocks, there were some in the knees. Especially behind the wheel and even more with the top down. Fortunately, it was a bit more comfortable in the passenger seat for him. However, with my 1,72 meters I fit perfectly in the vehicle. A car, as made for me, apart from the risk of sunburn. Because the typical soft top made of fabric, which is an integral part of the Fiat 124 Spider, was always open. Including classic manual handling. Who is looking for the button to open it: no. Himself is the driver. A pull on the lever and Zack: the hood collapses backwards. And faster than an electric roof, which is only at a certain maximum speed to close or open and then felt need several hours. With a little effort, the roof must then be locked in place so that it holds. If you have enough power, you can do it while you're driving, but that's not recommended, especially when you're traveling alone.
Fascinating effervescence?
As soon as all the car writers had found their seats, our sunny road trip finally started. A crisp gearshift lets the Fiat 124 Spider get up to speed quickly. It is powered by its already known 1.4 MultiAir turbo gasoline engine with 140 hp, which is installed lengthways as in the original. Characterized by its slim curb weight of only 1.125 kilos, it easily manages 0 to 100 km / h in 7,5 seconds. We feel its power very quickly thanks to the short switching paths. But suddenly a voice from the off: "You are over the speed limit". We actually get to hear this quite often. Hey, the Fiat 124 Spider wants to play, it has to be chased away. Its 6-speed gearbox and 140 hp scream: Driving fun, woohoho! The fact that the foot is sometimes a little heavier on the accelerator is practically programmed. You just have to look after us and even if my hairstyle has just been restructured, driving slowly was simply not an option. Basta! The fault was the lack of a wind deflector, without which there is quite a draft in the little speedster. So if you don't want to put your headscarf on your head in the 50s fashion, you should get one as soon as possible. After the first stage, we quickly “stole” one from one of the other vehicles and from then on there was a pleasant calm. Amazing when you look at the size of the bulkhead. But, hey, as you know, size doesn't matter.
Along the Seine in a convertible. Doesn't that sound great? That could be the beginning of a wonderful friendship. Or a kitsch novel. I'm always in love. The roadster takes the romantic bends of Normandy with ease thanks to the electric dual drive power steering and the even weight distribution. The smooth chassis literally snuggles up on the road, which is only conducive to dynamism. The manufacturer specifies a consumption of 6,4 liters. But if you want to have a little more fun on the road, you can of course quickly get over it here. The dashboard appears a little confusing when looking for information on consumption. The analog speed display can be found on the far right and not in the middle as usual. The analog tachometer is positioned there. On the far left is the digital display that provides both consumption and all other important information that the inclined driver needs.
Of course, the navigation is displayed on the spacious display. Here you have to look every now and then more closely, because it is not always clear at which turn now you have to go down. Even if the lady from the off is really helpful, if she does not point out the speed. After a few aberrations, we even reached Deauville before anyone else who had surrendered to the beautiful surroundings around Normandy. Partly a little too much, as we were told later. With a blissful smile, we gave our little boy at the hotel entrance, in anticipation of being allowed to ride him again the next day. Because after a restful night, the back or knees should be more gracious again.
Conclusion: Hello, convertible community, you get here a worthy representative of your guild. The new Fiat 124 Spider promises sportiness and well-groomed driving pleasure combined with classically beautiful retro design and functionality. And he keeps the promise as well. A true modern beauty, reminiscent of the elegance of yesteryear. From 23.990 Euro is the Roadster to have. If you can not afford the necessary cash, you should at least get a test drive. Now, at the beginning of spring / summer, the perfect season for the tour is on the top. Do not you agree?
Driving Report: Simone Amores
Photos: Simone Amores & Fiat