Exploring the Trim Levels of the Fiat 124 Spider

The Raciest New Coupe

The Fiat 124 Spider is one heck of a vehicle and has been making waves in the sport coupe world since being reintroduced into America five years ago.

It perfectly blends classic and unmatched Italian styling with ultra-fun performance, all in a package that is subtle, though hardly unassuming.

And while all levels come optional with a six-speed automatic, it’s the six-speed manual that’ll have you more in tune with your Spider, interacting with the motor in ways you never have before.

In every 124 Spider, you’ll also find a super-intuitive 7.0-inch touchscreen while always earning an absurd 39 miles-per-gallon.

Here, the devil is in some of the details.

So which 124 Spider is for you?

Let’s explore the new trim levels that Fiat has rolled out this year to make this two-door sport machine more exciting than ever.

Abarth

Let’s start at the top here. Because if you’re buying a car like a Fiat 124 Spider, you’re buying it with performance in mind. And the Abarth is the highest-performing Fiat package there is.

While all three trim levels come with the same turbocharged four-cylinder, the Abarth has coaxed a few extra horses out of it than the other packages (164hp in the Abarth to the Classica and Lusso’s 160).

It also features a more distinct exhaust note that satisfyingly chortles just a bit more. Add upgraded brakes and a stiffer suspension, and you’ll be driving deeper into corners than ever.

Did we mention the new side stripe and hood decal, giving it a whole new dimension in the looks department?

Lusso

Like the Abarth, the Lusso features a ride that is a bit sportier than the Classica (though not quite as stiff and racy as the Abarth).

It also boasts automatic climate control and heated seats, making your ride as comfortable as possible whether the top is up or down.

But let’s face it, this is a two-door Italian sports roadster. Unless it’s raining, why would the top ever be up?!

Classica

The Classica is, as its name would indicate, the most classic version of the new 124 Spider.

It eschews some of the options that are packed into the Lusso and the Abarth, focusing strictly on the cruise, on the joy of the drive, and on the subtle thrill that comes with owning a true roadster.

This is the closest thing you’ll ever get to driving one of those classic Fiat Spiders of old. Just, again, and to be clear, make sure you’re doing it with the top down as often as possible.