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Fiat’s 124 Spider will soon be in Australian showrooms, available only to local buyers as the up-spec Abarth model.
As such, customers can expect a range of performance goodies to not only enhance the 124 Spider but potentially grab the attention of would-be Mazda MX-5 shoppers - given the 124 is an MX-5 underneath.
For starters, the Abarth Spider gets a slight boost in power and a decent dollop of extra torque over the Mazda’s 118kW/200Nm 2.0 litre engine option, with 125kW and 250Nm on offer in the 124 Abarth from its 1.4 litre turbocharged MultiAir four-cylinder engine.
Underneath the 124 Abarth is a set of Bilstein shock absorbers and standard Brembo brakes, along with a chrome quad-tip sports exhaust or an optional Monza exhaust for “truly earth-shattering sound” (says Fiat).
As reported by TMR in our 124 preview from June, drivers can choose between ‘normal’ and Sport Mode with the flick of a switch.
Manual and automatic transmissions are available - both six-speed with paddle-shifters for the auto - and power reaches the road through the rear wheels and a limited-slip differential.
Other standard features include 17-inch Gun Metal aluminium alloy wheels with Gun Metal exterior enhancements, and there’s leather-and-Alcantara sports seats on the inside.
The 124’s sporting credentials are boosted by its 1060kg weight, which Fiat says makes for a best-in-class 6.2kg/HP power-to-weight ratio. The low weight figure also assists with the 124 Abarth’s 0-100km/h time, which comes up in 6.8 seconds.
The 2017 Fiat 124 Abarth Spider arrives in local showrooms from next month with pricing to be confirmed closer to launch, however customers can register their interest now.
MORE: Fiat Preparing Fixed-Roof 124 Coupe Off MX-5 Chassis
MORE News & Reviews: Fiat | 124 | Roadsters
