Abarth 124 Spider

Overview

The Abarth 124 Spider stands as one of the most emotionally compelling roadsters produced in the modern era — a pure two-seat open-top sports car that married Italian passion with Japanese engineering expertise. Born from a collaboration between Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and Mazda, the 124 Spider shares its platform and fundamental architecture with the Mazda MX-5 ND, yet Abarth transformed it with a turbocharged 1.4-litre MultiAir engine producing 170 hp, Brembo brakes, a Record Monza exhaust system, and a distinctly Italian character that sets it apart from its Japanese sibling. Produced from 2016 to 2020, the Abarth version adds 30 hp over the standard Fiat 124 Spider and introduces purpose-built performance hardware that makes it genuinely track-capable.

Where the Mazda MX-5 prioritises balanced, neutral handling accessible to all skill levels, the Abarth 124 Spider leans into aggression — stiffer Bilstein dampers, a torsen limited-slip differential, a louder and more characterful exhaust note courtesy of the Record Monza system, and a tuned engine map that delivers strong turbocharged thrust from just above idle. The soft-top roof folds manually in seconds, maintaining the driver-centric philosophy that roadster enthusiasts demand. Weighing just 1,060 kg, the Abarth achieves a near-perfect 50:50 weight distribution, and the rear-wheel-drive layout rewards skilled drivers with confidence-inspiring oversteer when pushed.

In Azerbaijan, the Abarth 124 Spider occupies a rare niche as a certified Italian performance roadster available through authorised channels, though most examples in Baku arrive as used imports from Europe. The local enthusiast community holds the 124 Spider in particularly high regard, both for its styling — more angular and aggressive than the MX-5 — and its association with the Abarth rally heritage through the 124 Rally homologation special. Azerbaijan’s warm summers and dry road conditions from April to October make it a natural home for open-top motoring, and the 124 Spider’s compact 4,054 mm length suits Baku’s city streets while its performance shines on the mountain roads of the Absheron Peninsula.

Gallery

Abarth 124 Spider 2017 front three-quarter

Abarth 124 Spider at 2016 Paris Motor Show

Abarth 124 Spider 2017 side profile

Abarth 124 Spider interior cockpit Paris 2016

Abarth 124 Spider 2017 rear view

Abarth 124 Spider at Goodwood Festival of Speed 2016

Key Specifications

Variant Comparison

What Makes It Stand Out

• Record Monza Exhaust: The signature Abarth exhaust creates a deep, turbocharged burble at low revs that transforms into a raspy snarl at the top of the rev range — a sound experience unique among entry-level roadsters.
• Torsen Limited-Slip Differential: Standard-fit mechanical LSD enables proper power oversteer in appropriate conditions, giving skilled drivers a level of interaction that electronic systems cannot replicate.
• Brembo Braking System: Four-piston Brembo callipers at the front provide exceptional stopping power and a progressive pedal feel that inspires confidence on demanding mountain roads and track days.
• Bilstein Suspension Tuning: Abarth-specific Bilstein damper calibration delivers a firmer, more focused ride than the standard Fiat 124 Spider while remaining comfortable enough for daily use on reasonable road surfaces.
• Rally Pedigree: The 124 Spider shares its motorsport DNA with the Abarth 124 Rally car that competed in the FIA World Rally Championship, giving road car buyers a direct lineage to factory-backed competition.
• Convertible Simplicity: The manually operated soft-top can be folded in under five seconds without leaving the driver’s seat, keeping the car’s lightweight philosophy intact and eliminating the complexity of powered roof mechanisms.

Maintenance in Azerbaijan

• Service Intervals: The 1.4 MultiAir Turbo requires oil changes every 10,000–15,000 km using 5W-40 fully synthetic oil. Genuine Abarth/Fiat filters are preferable but compatible units are available through Baku’s established parts distributors.
• Spark Plugs & Air Filter: Replace spark plugs every 30,000 km and the air filter every 20,000 km. The turbocharged engine is sensitive to air filter condition; neglect leads to reduced power and potential turbo wear in dusty summer driving conditions.
• Soft-Top Care: Azerbaijan’s Caspian Sea breeze carries mild salt particulate that accelerates fabric degradation. Clean the roof every three months with dedicated convertible fabric cleaner and apply a UV protectant to extend its lifespan.
• Brembo Brake Service: Inspect brake pad thickness every 20,000 km. The four-piston callipers require genuine Brembo or equivalent-specification pads; inferior substitutes cause uneven wear and judder on the ventilated front discs.
• Torsen Differential Fluid: Drain and refill the rear differential oil every 40,000 km or four years using the manufacturer-specified 75W-90 GL-5 fluid. Neglect causes the LSD to lose its limited-slip functionality and generates a characteristic whining noise on tight corners.
• Coolant System: The turbo engine runs hot; inspect coolant concentration annually and flush every three years. Azerbaijan’s summer temperatures above 38°C place particular demand on the cooling system when driving aggressively.
• Parts Availability: Since the 124 Spider shares its driveline with the Fiat 500 family and its suspension with the Mazda MX-5, most mechanical components can be sourced through Fiat/Alfa Romeo dealers in Baku or directly from European suppliers with typical delivery times of 7–14 days.

Competitor Comparison

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Pre-Purchase Checklist

• Inspect soft-top fabric for tears, UV fading, and proper sealing along all edges
• Verify Record Monza exhaust is original — aftermarket units affect sound character and emissions
• Check turbocharger for shaft play and oil weeping; turbos are sensitive to oil change neglect
• Test Torsen LSD functionality by applying light throttle through tight corners on private ground
• Inspect Brembo calliper slides for seized pistons — common when the car has been stored unused
• Check for rust around the rear wheel arches and underneath the sill panels where road debris accumulates
• Verify the chassis has not been used for track days without proper cooldown — request service history
• Confirm WVTA (European type approval) documentation is present for hassle-free Azerbaijani registration

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Abarth 124 Spider still in production?

No. Production ended in 2020 when Fiat Chrysler wound down the collaboration with Mazda. All examples are pre-owned, making condition and service history especially important when buying in Azerbaijan.

How does it differ from the Mazda MX-5 ND?

The Abarth uses a turbocharged 1.4-litre engine (vs. naturally aspirated 1.5/2.0 in the Mazda), has standard Brembo brakes, Torsen LSD, Bilstein dampers, and the Record Monza exhaust. It has a longer nose due to the different engine bay but is otherwise structurally identical to the Mazda.

Can I use it as a daily driver in Baku?

Yes, with caveats. The cabin is cosy for two adults and boot space is minimal at 140 litres. The low ground clearance (130 mm) requires care on Baku’s uneven side streets and speed bumps. As a summer daily driver on good roads, it is very usable.

How often does the 1.4 MultiAir Turbo need major servicing?

The cam phasers (part of the MultiAir system) should be inspected every 60,000 km. Oil changes every 10,000–12,000 km with quality synthetic oil are critical; the turbo and MultiAir actuators are particularly sensitive to old or incorrect oil.

Are right-hand-drive versions available?

Yes, the 124 Spider was sold in right-hand drive for the UK, Japan, and Australasia, making some used examples available through international imports. Left-hand-drive is standard for European and Azerbaijani market cars.

Should You Buy the Abarth 124 Spider?

If you are searching for a pure driving experience in a compact, lightweight package with genuine Italian performance character, the Abarth 124 Spider is one of the most rewarding choices available at its price point. The combination of turbocharged punch, mechanical LSD, Brembo stopping power, and the emotive Record Monza exhaust creates an experience that no numbers on a specification sheet can adequately capture. As a collectible, the 124 Spider is already appreciating in many markets given its limited production run and the end of Fiat’s involvement in the roadster segment.

However, buyers in Azerbaijan must approach this car with realistic expectations. Soft-top care in a climate that swings from Caspian humidity to extreme summer heat demands diligence. Parts supply, while workable through the shared Fiat 500 platform, requires planning for any major service. If you need practicality, daily-driver comfort over rough roads, or year-round usability in all weather conditions, the 124 Spider will frustrate. But if you want one of the most characterful and driver-rewarding cars money can buy at this price, and you have somewhere dry and secure to store it through the winter months, the Abarth 124 Spider will reward you every single time you press the starter button.