You don’t have to break the bank to get the Fiat 124 Spider

By Lulu Chang May 1, 2016

2017 Fiat 124 Spider — Miles Branman/Digital Trends

The barrier to entry of cool just got a little lower — at least, in terms of price. Fiat is planning on releasing its much anticipated 2017 124 Spider this summer, and while everything about this car may scream luxury, its price tag is surprisingly…well, affordable. The roadster, which was developed in tandem with Mazda’s MX-5 Miata, was thought to be unveiled as the more expensive alternative to the Japanese company’s ride, but while it’s an alternative, it’s not actually more expensive. The 124 Spider Classica, the base model, starts at just $25,990, including the destination fee. That means it’s just $80 more than the Miata.

Despite the fact that the Spider boasts a 160 horsepower engine capable of producing 184 lb-ft of torque, a six-speed manual transmission, 16-inch alloy wheels, and a super sleek design, it’s being priced to sell — and sell well. Even the higher end versions of the car aren’t much more expensive. The Lusso, the second-tier version, will sell for $27,495 in the U.S., whereas the premium Abarth is $28,195. Sure, you can make your Spider a bit more expensive by adding a six-speed auto transmission at $1,350, but even so, fans of the car might be pleasantly surprised at how attainable modern luxury is.

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“Our mission at FIAT is to deliver Italian design and heritage in vehicles that are fun to drive,” said Olivier Francois, the Global Head of FIAT Brand, FCA. “The all-new 2017 Fiat 124 Spider brings these elements together and comes loaded with open-air fun, stunning Italian design and the proven turbocharged MultiAir 1.4-liter engine.”

If you’re a super Spider fan, you may consider the 124 Spider Prima Edizione Lusso, a limited edition model of which there will be only 124. Complete with a commemorative badge, an individual numbering system, the special Azzurro Italia paint job (it’s a blue car, guys), and premium leather seats, this version will set you back $35,995. So act quickly if you’re looking to be one of just 124 — these guys probably won’t be around for long.

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