2017 Fiat 124 Spider Review: Italy gives Miata an attitude adjustment

Somebody screwed up. That, at least, was my first thought upon slipping into the compact cabin of the 2017 Fiat 124 Spider and finding, not a sweet little six-speed shifter, but an automatic. Somebody, when filling in the order form, foolishly and unforgivably ticked the $1,350 six-speed auto transmission option

I’m no kneejerk auto gearbox hater, but the 124 Spider is – like the Mazda MX-5 Miata it shares a chassis, suspension, and production line with, among other things – a car you’re meant to row yourself.

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Back up a little. The 124 was never originally intended to be a Fiat, with parent company FCA initially intending its deal with Mazda to spawn a small, relatively affordable Alfa Romeo to slot in under the excellent but expensive 4C. Plans changed, though, and the Spider name was resurrected for this new droptop Fiat.

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https://www.slashgear.com/2017-fiat-124-spider-review-italy-gives-miata-an-attitude-adjustment-06450891/