The Fiat 124 Spider, a stylish and spirited roadster, has garnered attention for its Italian design flair and engaging driving dynamics. While often celebrated for its manual transmission, the Fiat Spider Automatic variant offers a compelling blend of open-top thrills and effortless driving. For enthusiasts seeking a classic roadster experience without the clutch pedal, the automatic Fiat 124 Spider presents a unique proposition.
Originally conceived as a sibling to the Mazda MX-5, the Fiat 124 Spider shares its underpinnings but distinguishes itself with Italian aesthetics and a turbocharged engine. For drivers in the US market, the availability of an automatic transmission in the Fiat Spider broadened its appeal, offering convenience without sacrificing the joy of open-air motoring. While the manual gearbox is often favored by purists, the Fiat Spider automatic provides a smooth and accessible entry point into the world of roadster ownership.
One of the key attractions of the Fiat Spider automatic is its powertrain. Under the hood lies the 1.4-liter MultiAir turbo engine, an Italian heart that delivers a punchy and responsive performance. Unlike naturally aspirated engines, the turbocharger provides a surge of torque across a wide rev range, making the automatic Fiat Spider feel lively and eager, especially in everyday driving situations. The 6-speed automatic transmission, sourced from stronger NC generation MX-5 variants, is robust and well-matched to the engine’s characteristics.
Compared to the MX-5 automatic, the Fiat Spider automatic offers a slightly different driving experience. Fiat’s unique suspension tuning prioritizes a more compliant ride, absorbing bumps with greater ease, making the automatic Fiat Spider a comfortable companion for longer journeys. While both cars share a platform, the Fiat Spider automatic leans towards a more refined and mature grand touring feel, in contrast to the MX-5’s more overtly sporty and agile character.
Within the Fiat 124 Spider range, the automatic transmission was available across different trim levels, including the Lusso and Abarth variants. The Lusso trim emphasized luxury and comfort, pairing the smooth automatic transmission with features like heated leather seats and enhanced interior appointments. The Abarth version, while known for its sport-tuned suspension and aggressive styling, also offered an automatic transmission option. Notably, the Abarth 6AT featured a Sport mode, a feature absent in the Lusso and Classica automatic models, offering a more responsive driving experience when desired.
While the Fiat Spider automatic provides a user-friendly and enjoyable driving experience, potential owners should be aware of certain considerations. As the Fiat 124 Spider is no longer in production, finding a new model is impossible, limiting choices to the used car market. Furthermore, sourcing Fiat-specific parts, distinct from the shared Mazda components, may become challenging in the future. However, readily available Mazda parts can often be used as alternatives, sometimes at a more favorable price point.
In conclusion, the Fiat Spider automatic represents a compelling choice for those seeking an Italian roadster with the convenience of an automatic gearbox. It combines the allure of Italian styling and a turbocharged engine with a smooth and comfortable driving experience. While it may not be the purist’s choice, the automatic Fiat 124 Spider broadens the appeal of this charming roadster, making it accessible to a wider range of drivers who appreciate open-top motoring without the need to manually shift gears. For those considering a used roadster, the Fiat Spider automatic deserves a closer look, offering a unique blend of style, performance, and ease of use.
