2018 Fiat 124 Spider Abarth Review

The 124 Spider Abarth is Fiat's standalone performance variant of its classically-inspired 124 Spider range of convertible sports cars. While the standard model borrows cues from the original Spider of the '70s, the Abarth dials up the aggression but retains the timeless low-slung presence and rear-wheel drivetrain crucial to the 124's being. With foundations in the Mazda MX-5 Miata, paired with an uprated 164-horsepower turbocharged 1.4-liter engine, there's a standard six-speed manual to cater to enthusiasts or an optional automatic, while a performance-tuned suspension setup gives the 124 Spider Abarth an unequivocal character of its own. This roadster is no race-car with a 0-60 mph time of 6.4 seconds, but it's an alternative to the MX-5 and Toyota 86 for those who wish to possess a purists sports car on a budget. Starting with an MSRP of $29,295, the 124 Spider Abarth is comparatively more affordable than class rivals.

What's the Price of the 2018 Fiat 124 Spider Abarth?

As the standalone performance variation of the 124 Spider range, the Abarth holds the highest starting MSRP of $28,295 equipped with the default six-speed manual transmission. The six-speed automatic can be optioned for an additional $1,350, while all prices are exclusive of tax, registration, licensing, and a $1,295 destination fee.

2018 124 Spider Abarth Exterior

Dimensions

2018 124 Spider Abarth Performance

Handling and Driving Impressions

Along with the bellicose character the Abarth badge brings to the 124 Spider range is improved performance courtesy of the bespoke performance-tuned suspension and limited slip differential. Based on an already competent chassis, the LSD and sports dampers sharpen handling dynamics and improve ride quality, both under duress and at a casual cruise, while the near 50:50 weight balance and light mass gives the 124 Spider Abarth a sense of purity.

Body roll is present but is managed well by uprated suspension, giving the driver more feel as to how close the 124 is to the limits of adhesion. However, it requires delicate balance when cornering, as hamfisted inputs yield definite amounts of understeer, while only the most precise placement yields to a tightrope act along the line between adhesion and oversteer. Turn-in is sharp and the agile 124 responds well to sudden changes of direction, while the new dampers manage surface changes adeptly.

With limited suspension travel, larger bumps permeate the cabin substantially, and large crests can send the 124 seemingly soaring. But smaller bumps and road imperfections are absorbed effectively. Braking is a particular strong suit of the 124 Abarth, with sharp pedal responses and immediacy of stopping power. However, cabin insulation is lacking, and dirt hitting the undercarriage echoes through the cabin, as do tire and wind noise.

2018 124 Spider Abarth Interior

2018 124 Spider Abarth Trunk and Cargo Space

Warranty

Verdict: Is the 2018 Fiat 124 Spider Abarth A Good car?

The 2018 124 Spider Abarth is virtually unchanged from its 2017 derivative, but in a segment where updates are minor to competitors the fundamentals carry over. With an affordable price tag, the 2018 124 Abarth gives buyers the opportunity to get behind the wheel of a true driver's car without having to fork out supercar money. Performance is modest but exploitable, and the upgrades to the chassis make it keener than ever to deliver on the sensation of oneness with the driver. Sharp handling is however offset by an engine that relies too heavily on boost, bringing with it hefty dollops of turbo-lag and inconsistent responses, somewhat dulling the experience. However, it creates a sense of theater, and when evaluated in isolation, the 124 Abarth is one of the most entertaining sports cars around.

But is it good enough to overlook the benchmark in this segment, the MX-5 Miata? That's the rub, it doesn't do anything much better than the Mazda, and there isn't much to separate the two from a price perspective. Ultimately, the 124 is a fine driver's tool that compromises purity of power delivery for the sake of theater, while the fact that it's an Italian badged roadster rather than a cookie-cutter Japanese roadster may sway buyers looking for something out of the ordinary.

What Fiat 124 Spider Abarth Model Should I Buy?

With only one Abarth-badged 124 available, the decision is somewhat made for you. However, we recommend making the most of the 124 Abarth by equipping the Brembo four-wheel performance brakes for performance, while adding the Visibility Group for the fitment of LED headlights. Lastly, the Comfort and Convenience group adds much-needed safety and assistance systems like blind spot monitoring and an auto-dimming rearview mirror - the latter of particular importance when you're sitting at eye-level with everyone else's headlights. The available Bose audio system is a nice touch, but unnecessary in our opinion.

2018 Fiat 124 Spider Abarth Comparisons

2018 Fiat 124 Spider Abarth vs Mazda MX-5 Miata RF

The Mazda MX-5 Miata RF matches up against the 124 Spider Abarth closely in many aspects, particularly as they share a platform and are similarly priced. The RF does, however, receive more features such as rear cross traffic alert and the nine-speaker Bose stereo with its base setup, and in RF guise features a retractable hard-top roof to give it better insulation and a coupe-like design. Like the Abarth, it also receives performance enhanced mechanics including a retuned suspension, Bilstein dampers, limited-slip differential and a shock tower brace giving it equally phenomenal handling dynamics but a drive superior to that of the Abarths. Where the Abarth truly differs is in its use of a turbocharged engine, which hands the Mazda the advantage as the linear responses of an NA motor are better suited to the lightweight roadster's dynamics. It's this key difference that separates the two and sees us recommend the MX-5 RF.

2018 Fiat 124 Spider Abarth vs Toyota GR86

Convertible vs coupe, both the 86 and 124 Abarth occupy the back-to-basics RWD sports car department. But the 86 is the more practical of the two, giving buyers more cargo volume and a semi-usable rear seat too. But the Abarth boasts better lifestyle appeal, with a soft-top convertible roof and unique styling that many may prefer to the fairly sedate 86. Performance-wise, both are fairly similar, but the linear power delivery of the 86's NA motor is smoother than the peaky boost-dependent delivery of the Abarth. Both have endearing chasses and are competent through a set of twists, but it's the 124 that makes you feel more heroic, while the 86 has more composure and less theater - lending itself to more power on the aftermarket scene. Both vehicles are minimalistic inside, and although the 86 does receive a better standard audio system, it also doesn't feature Android Auto or Apple CarPlay functionality. Getting into an 86 is cheaper than the Abarth, by virtue of the Abarth topping Fiat's 124 Spider range, but as such it's better equipped as standard, while comparably specced 86s are just as expensive. Ultimately, if its performance you crave, the 86 is better at ten-tenths, while the Abarth strikes a balance between performance, enjoyment, and lifestyle appeal.