What do you think of the new 124? Obviously its 'just' an MX5 with a fancy dress on, but I really like it.

1.4 turbo with 140bhp should be good fun. The Abarth version that's just been showcased at the Geneva motor show looks, well, lush.

Its the only new car that has tempted me in a long time, seriously contemplating life after coops. Although I'd probably wait a few years and get a used one.

Agreed. I like it.

Will have to see how well the power and chassis match.

I know they are all about handling, but i found 160bhp engine in the outgoing MX5 a bit lacking.... The engine was just a bit dull.

Perhaps the turbo will give the new one some character.

I like it from most angles, but the overall package somehow jars.
I'm quite keen to see one in person and choose my own views.

Have you seen the mx-5 its based on in the metal......its really nice. In fact if they said that the mx was the new Barchetta you would say wow thats nice. The Fiat looks very much like an American re-working of a classic......I am not even sure what I mean here but again I think in the metal we will see.

The Fiat has had at least one 5* review already though saying that the turbo lump really suits it.

Begs what the next Alfa Spider and GTV will look like. I would like to hope they will develop a new Barchetta in RHD format.

The Abarth version is much better but it still looks too MX5 for me

Exactly this! Just love it. Our Guilietta has the same engine, but with 170hp, so should be easily tuned. Will wait for a s/h Abarth, methinks.

It has not won me over but the Mrs wants one

My local dealer tells me that we can expect them here in Australia in the latter part of this year.

The reports that I have read, indicate the Fiat engine is OK, better than the Mazda one.

Just found this Photo.

http://fiatusa.tumblr.com/post/140936855105/catch-the-perfect-light-with-the-2017-fiat-124

Honestly, I think they should of been a little more adventurous with the design. I does look like a MX5....

Maybe the abarth version will look better?

Just received the brochure, now waiting for a date to test drive. They say it should be May/June.

Theres a good advert for the new 124..... Playboy car?

Really starting to grow on me now - especially the Abarth

Yeah, I like shmee and watch his channel but his car reviews are kak. He simple says everything positive and never really tells you anything at all. Keeps him gainfully employed though

Sounds good.

Glad it's got some power. That was the one thing which let down the previous MX5.

Not so sure myself. I like the look of the 124, but the Abarth looks somehow wrong. Tacky even. I'm looking at it thinking it's not really an Abarth, but a marketing exercise. It's like they've a livery that works (IMO) on the 500 and are trying to force a 'brand' from it.

I think I rather agree with you szkom, they just seem to be trying too hard with the retro thing, and milking the Abarth name, although that's better than when the name meant just stick on badges and body kits. I guess the proof of the pudding is in the eating but I can't help thinking (hoping?) that it would be quite simple to upgrade a 140 bhp "normal" Fiat 124 Spider to an Abarth-equaling 170 bhp (where the extra 30 bhp doesn't really justify the brembo brakes and other upgrades which are only worthy of 50 or 100 bhp extra, maybe) and avoid the synthetic raspy exhaust. But again, perhaps a test drive will convince me otherwise...?

Unfortunately the ridiculously amateurish camera work meant I couldn't even watch the introduction without feeling ill. Two pieces of advice for the chap:

1/ get a cameraman
2/ give him a tripod and make him use it

Re the car; I don't like the garishness of it. I like cars which are unusual and not around in hundreds of thousands, but I don't like cars which shout 'look at me!'

I think I would rather go for the standard 124 - which is significantly nicer looking than the MX5 - and possibly consider tuning later. Though probably not.

The 124 Spider Anniversary edition customer cars are expected to start arriving in the UK on 10/11 August for those customers who are happy to have it registered with a 16 plate but I suspect most will wait 3 weeks to get a 66 plate...decisions, decisions...

Reviews have been on the whole good but a little lukewarm... I wonder about spending a quarter of the price on a really good barchetta and then spending another quarter on making it really really good.

Not that I have any money...

Well, in the end I couldn't resist...

Looks great, keep us updated on how you get on with it. Love the plate!

So we'll all look forward to the review then Dave..... Nice buy, that's the middle of the range model no?

Veeeery nice....that's the best photo I've seen to show off its styling.

Looks like you had your finger poised over 1-Click ordering

Saw my first 124 on the road the other day in Coventry - same as Dave's ................ Looked good although I still think the rear looks like the previous gen MX5

Looks good, especially in red.

Unfortunately, only the Abarth version with the 125kw engine is sold here, with a choice of manual or auto gearbox.

One of the local dealers invited the Fiat and Alfa car club members to a test drive a few weeks ago. They only had the auto version as a demo to drive, but it was still nice.

Had my Coupe parked with the older 124 and Alfa Spiders and, of course, none of the Sales staff knew what the Coupe was.

Asked the FCA rep if he knew why it was called a "Spider" and he gave some story about "speedster". Then I informed him that the name, like a lot of auto bodies, is derived from a type horse drawn carriage, in this case a very light four wheeled open carriage.

Oh where to start? The eagle-eyed amongst you may have spotted that I added a list of current cars to my signature a while ago, and it has changed, with the latest change being to delete the new 124 Spider...

I returned it yesterday to the supplying dealer for a full refund, after attempts to remove the swirl marks and fine scratches in the paint/lacquer did not work. I had requested a refund way back in October, and again in November, but went along with the suggestion by the dealer to get it machine polished, and FCA UK customer service were also involved (including paying for an independent paint inspection). The first time the dealer's approved repair place hardly did anything, the second time I got a different place to do it (run by a friend, his place also happens to be Fiat approved) but they found that as some marks were being removed, others were being added, and whilst overall the marks have been reduced in number, but are still there, even though they are now more dull than before.

So the private plates have come off and presumably it will be offloaded onto an unsuspecting buyer, who is unlikely to notice the problem, thinking him- (or her-) self lucky to have found a "limited edition" Anniversary with just 710 miles on the clock.

I am still pursuing FCA UK for out of pocket expenses, plus replacement cost (since the prices for new 124 Spiders has increased in the meantime) and an additional amount for all the aggravation, time wasted and distress. The issue has apparently been elevated to Italy, and I hope they "do the right thing" but I won't hold my breath.

I had written a little review, but had been holding it back, so I will add it later, for those who might be interested.

Now I have to decide what to do, whether to order a new replacement, reserve one that's already on order for dealer stock, find a suitable used one (perhaps an Abarth version), or simply not bother with the 124 Spider at all and walk away from Fiat forever. Perhaps I'll buy a 911 or Cayman, a Maserati, or some other interesting old car...

Sorry to hear of all of this grief Dave

As a "left field" option, I recently caught sight of a photo of the new MX-5 retractable fast-back. It immediately got my attention before I knew what it was; I am not a fan of conventional MX-5s, but this could be a break through for me.

Retractable fast-back

I just watched a Piston Heads video of an MX-5 basically besting the 124 spider on a track comparison.

Piston Heads

As a left field option how about the MX-5, possibly get it supercharged after-market

Nice idea, but I'm not a fan of the MX5 ND look which I've seen described as looking like a catfish. The MX5 with 2 litre NA engine will wipe the floor with the Fiat 124 Spider 1.4 turbo with 140bhp although the Abarth will put up more of a fight. But looks and comfort count for more, the 124 is much better looking IMHO even if it resembles earlier MX5s, plus I have an "old" 124 Spider, plus the Porto Coupe 20vt as my track weapon, and anyway the Abarth 125 only gets to 160bhp with a different ECU map and the Fiat can easily be "chipped" to match without paying the vastly inflated price for a paitr of Abarth badges (again, all IMHO).

Like on The Apprentice, "the search continues..." and all suggestions gratefully accepted!