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An Italian convertible sports car will always generate high expectations and the 124 Spider doesn’t disappoint. That long nose, rear-seat cabin and short boot is a classic look and Fiat’s designers have done a good job of mixing in a helping of Italianate styling and a dollop of modernity
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The 124 Spider is fun to drive. The 1.4-litre engine offers enough performance, the steering is sharp and accurate, it handles well and the ride isn’t too bad
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Fiat’s engineers have tweaked the driving characteristics from the mechanically similar Mazda MX-5, but it's not been entirely successful: the MX-5 handles and rides better, is more engaging to drive and the gearbox is a lot easier to use
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The cabin has more of Mazda’s influence – especially in the dashboard layout and switchgear – but there are still enough European touches to give the Fiat its own identity (the tan leather seats in Lusso and Lusso Plus trim cars look particularly cool)
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The 140-litre boot is a bit snug, so you’ll struggle to get too much in there, although we did manage to get a decent-sized family shop in it.
