Jeremy Clarkson reviewed the Fiat 124 Spider in his latest column at The Sunday Times Driving. Clarkson wasn't so harsh with the Fiat but there's also scarce praise given. For Clarkson, it is just an inferior version of the Mazda MX-5 Miata in an Italian suit, and pricier too.
Fiat 124 Spider Review
Jeremy Clarkson had already tested the Fiat 124 Spider and its findings leave no good standing for the Italian roadster. Manufacturer colloboration can be good, but sometimes it could also result to similarities, comparison and the downfall of the other one. It is true that Fiat and Mazda have worked for their development, including sharing key components such as the platform and for this main reason, the Italian 124 Spider seems to just be a copycat of the MX-5 Miata - just inferior and even pricier.
"FIRST things first. The car you see in the picture this morning is not a Fiat 124 Spider. It has a Fiat engine and it says Fiat on the back, and it takes a couple of styling cues from the achingly pretty Fiat 124 Sport Spider from 1966. But, underneath, it’s just a Mazda MX-5. Just pricier," Clarkson stated.
In order to differentiate the Fiat 124 Spider from its MX-5 cousin, the company decided to adopt a number of specific changes including an increase of length and width, and a reduction of its height. Fiat even opted to inject more power by incorporating the engine turbo 170 hp 1.4 MultiAir. But these changes are not enough to satisfy the former Top Gear presenter.
On the positive side, Fiat 124 Spider is not really a bad car. In fact, compared to Clarkson's other car reviews, he is actually mellow in this one. It's just disappointing for Clarkson as he expected more and not just a copy of the already perfect Mazda MX-5 Miata.
"It sounds as if I have a downer on the 124, and I have, really, mainly because I was expecting it to be something that it isn’t. But, that said, it’s still a nice place to be."
Fiat 124 Spider vs Mazda MX-5 Miata
Clarkson explains how Mazda achieved the perfect recipe for a roadster concept using an analogy of a poached egg on toast. it is simple and perfectly executed. Just not the kind of car for an alpha male with chest hair.
That's where it was assumed that the Fiat 124 Spider was to come, but they have failed to meet the expectations of Jeremy Clarkson.. The 'Fiata' was described as a quieter and less fun version of the MX-5.
At the end of the day, the 2017 Fiat 124 Spider is a three out of five stars in Jeremy Clarkson’s view getting a 4 star in interior, 3 stars for handling, comfort, performance, costs and a 2 star for practicality. The 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata, on the other hand, is a five-star rating that also acts as “A cure for depression… You can’t be in a bad mood when you’re driving it.” according to Clarkson.
Like what we said on our car battle here, featuring Fiat 124 Spider and Mazda MX-5, the Fiat has been smart to try to get its fair share of fans from the MX-5, However, because of this, it sacrificed its own identity and become inferipr.
The variant Abarth , however, probably corrects some of these drawbacks, including their "soft and shaky character". If it is ok for you to pay a little more for this version, then this is the one to get.
Do you agree when Jeremy Clarkson's review? Sound off at the comments section below and watch the Fiat 124 Spider in action here.
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