Fiat finally released pictures of the its new 124 Spider, along with information that it will be powered by a 1.4-liter turbocharged four good for 160hp (US) or 140hp (Europe). So while the new car is based on the Mazda MX-5 Miata, complete with an almost-identical interior, the distinct styling and drivetrain promise a different ownership and driving experience to the diminutive Japanese roadster.
How well could this car do? I don’t think even Fiat expects it to sell in huge numbers, given that even the Miata, the archetypical small roadster, manages only around 15,000 a year across Europe and the US. Rather, the role for the 124 Spider is to act as a halo product for Fiat’s range of small “500” retro-styled cars. As such sales in the region of 5,000 per year are probably realistic, though it is possible that the 124’s distinctive style sways more buyers than that. I’m curious to hear what you all think:
