This is why the Fiat 124 Spider is the perfect beginner's car

To be honest, when I first heard of this car I didn’t like it very much. I found the looks a bit funny and unproportioned, the performance figures were nowhere near exiting and it’s a Fiat, so it will break down probably as soon as you leave the dealership’s car park. But after a while, the 124 Spider kept popping up on my screens, people started talking about it and so, I got intrigued. What is this thing that makes the people so excited about it? Did I miss anything particular? Well, I think I might have the answers now…

It is based on probably the best mini-convertible in the world.

Yes, yes, I know, everybody has talked about it being basically an MX-5 with a Fiat badge on the steering wheel and I won’t ramble on about it too much, I promise. But the fact that this car inheritied about 90% of the MX-5’s genetics, makes it a very promising piece of kit. The MX-5 is world-known for its pefect weight-distribution and well-engineered chasis. Combined with its great handling abilities and a foldable roof, the Japanese bug leaves you very little room for pointing out weak spots.
In addition to what seems to be car-wonderland already, Japanese car makers in particular are famous for building very reliable and long-lasting vehicles, a section Italian cars have struggled in for noumerous decades. Car-enthusiasts all over the world have fallen in love with the driving feel and feedback of the MX-5. And rightfully so, as it is one of the most rewarding cars to drive and with its remarkable gearbox, there is no question why the little Mazda has dominated the convertible sports car market for such a long time.

However, to get all of these outstanding features in a Fiat is something unheard of as most of Italia’s open-top cruisers were solely built to be shown off to your neighbours in Milan and then to call your repairshop because one of your doors has just come off.
With the 124 Spider though, for once, it really seems like we are getting the best of both worlds. A car with beautiful Italian styling, and sophisticated and durable Japanese engineering. As if that weren’t enough, for its low price it represents great value for money, as well. It just sounds too good to be true.

As it turns out, the looks are not that bad

Although I may have complained about the 124 Spider’s looks, after seeing lots and lots of pictures and videos, I do find it rather pretty. The styling is very much inspired by the original 124 of the mid-sixtees which is instatntly recognizeable, even at first glance. Whilst things like the slightly longer bonnet, the round headlamps or the front grill are almost identical to its predecessor, they do not feel out-dated, as they were given a beautiful and modern touch to make it look more fresh and lively.
Especially on the backside, I think, the designers have done an amazing job. The marginally tilted back-lights and its inwards-shaped shoulders give the car a more aggressive and yet, more luxurious look. Also, from the back, the car resembles a topless mini-version of the Maserati GranTourismo which makes it just that little bit more exquisite.

To me, in comparison to the MX-5, this car seems to be the richer one of the two. Where the Asian twin-brother lacks a bit in styling, the Fiat counters with a great deal of refinement, passion and delicacy, just a hugely polished stimulation for the human eye. It is the one that is more settled, more relaxed and does not have to be constantly pushed inbetween the 5.000 to 7.000 rpm rev-range. Its appearance never shouts at you with anger, though politely suggests to be taken for a ride along the coast, to enjoy the moment and take it all in which for most of the time will be my preferred setting in this car.

It is the perfect beginner's car

Now, this is where I think the Fiat 124 Spider is at its greatest. Its appeal is clearly to enable, especially for young people, the opportunity of a roof-less driving experience and at a price tag of about 21.000 pounds for a new one, it really isn’t that expensive for an Italian convertible sports car. Also, in a couple of year’s time, as depreciation hits, it will be a pretty affordable vehicle even for the rather small wallet of an early-twenties student.
Plus, its power output of a modest 140 bhp comming from a 1.4 litre four-cylinder tubo engine is enough to let the car teach you how to drive properly without it being too much and too challenging for a driving newbie. So, there really is not too much to go wrong if you’re being responsible, because if you’re not, you should not be driving anyways.
Furthermore the bootspace is fairly reasonable for a convertible of that size and as young people do not have to carry that much stuff around, there should be no problem with that either. Unless, if your kid is not as space-efficient, then this car might as well just teach it how to pack properly.
In addition to the power and the boot there is the gearbox which I mentioned earlier. Comming from the Mazda MX-5 with only very little tweeks and adjustments to it, it still is a joy to drive and encourages driving in a way that is truly intoxicating and it may be just one of these cars where new petrolheads are born in and find their new passion for the four-wheeled automobile which is all we want, basically.