Like ice in the sunshine - as soon as spring has awakened, Fiat opens the convertible season and unpacks its new 124 Spider Cabriolets. The goal of happy testing: Lake Starnberg. But the first tour of the day started in a limited Fiat 500 variant 695. The dream of all small car lovers with a tendency to lead feet. The heart laughed and the passenger braked bravely from the passenger seat. While the adrenaline was still pounding happily in your veins, the first sleek Fiat 124 Spider Cabriolets appeared on Lake Starnberg. Still from last year I remembered the smart cars very well. But now the Italian automaker has extended the series by two new models, as the expected sales "was still" unsatisfactory. Brave, where everyone is actually looking for the latest SUVs.
Sharp and sharper - Fiat 124 Spider S-Design and Abarth 124 GT
With two different versions of the same vehicle concept, Fiat now tries to take the helm and encourage the love of "topless". Thanks to rear-wheel drive and powerful engines, both convertibles now present interesting differences: the one with an elegant and sporty touch as a stylistic tribute to the 1966 presented historic Fiat 124 Sport Spider. The other is clearly dynamic, with performance setting benchmarks in the segment - just as the Abarth brand strategy has always been. Just in time for the start of the 2018 convertible season, Fiat is now launching the new Fiat 124 Spider S design and its grim brother, the Fiat 124 Spider Abarth 124 GT.
Based on the Lusso equipment variant, the new Fiat 124 Spider S design features extended standard equipment and numerous exclusive exterior details. The extended standard equipment includes LED headlights with cornering light technology, infotainment system Fiat Connect with 7,0 inch screen diagonal (17,8 centimeters), Bose sound system®, Leather steering wheel and sports seats, which are covered with a combination of leather and high-quality leather imitation. As far as the engine is concerned, a powerful 1,4-liter turbo petrol engine under the bonnet, which delivers 103 kW (140 PS), thumps under the bonnet. Whether four-cylinder engine with six-speed manual or automatic transmission: The Italian roadster accelerates from a standstill to speed 100 in 7,5 seconds (7,6).
Outside Hui, under the hood even more Hui
The Fiat 124 Spider Abarth GT comes with a little more steam. The four-cylinder turbo engine produces from 1,4 liters displacement strong 125 kW (170 PS). The engine can be combined with six-speed manual or six-speed automatic sports, which also allows manual gear changes. The Abarth 124 GT accelerates from standstill to just 6,8 km / h with manual override in just 100 seconds. Who wants to be pushed a bit more into the seats, may like the more powerful variant in the program - the Abarth 124 R-GT - lead to heart. Powered by an 1,8-liter turbocharged engine with approximately 220 kW (300 PS) power, the coupé is built according to the international FIA R-GT regulations and is therefore eligible to compete in all rallies up to the World Championship. Also equipped with a hardtop, the vehicle is delivered ready to race, including safety cell, bucket seats, harness straps and other components that are indispensable in rallying.
The special paint finish "Alpi Orientali Gray", the 17-Zoll light alloy wheels from OZ, the dual-mode exhaust system "Record Monza" as well as front spoiler and exterior mirror caps in gray make for a striking appearance. On request, the hood is painted matt black - just like the rally sports icon Fiat 124 Abarth. For the relaxed convertible weather around Lake Starnberg, we approved a Fiat 124 Spider S design in "Italia Blau". La dolce vita in Bavaria. That's how you live. The short tour "topless" also gave me a sun-kissed complexion. Sometimes the kiss was a bit stronger, which was noticeable only the next day. So shortly after the wintry Easter days you do not necessarily pack the sunscreen LSF 30. A small mistake, as it turned out.
And finally ... The embellished Fiat 124 Spider as well as the more powerful Fiat 124 Spider Abarth promise sportiness and well-groomed driving pleasure combined with classically beautiful retro design and functionality. Here you get loads of roadster fun for little money. The driving behavior has not changed to last year: both in a brisk driving style as well as relaxed cruising shows the Fiat 124 Spider sovereign and comfortable. Only the pedals are more for the narrow foot.