2017 Fiat 124 Spider Abarth Review: Photo Gallery

CARS.COM — The 2017 Fiat 124 Spider Abarth is the performance-oriented version of the Fiat roadster that made its debut in the summer of 2016. The 124 Spider borrows heavily from the 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata: The two share the same platform, many of the same interior parts and even have matching key fobs (with the logos swapped out).

Related: Video: 2017 Fiat 124 Spider Abarth Autocross

I was excited to test the Abarth on the road to see if it would be my favorite of the 124 Spider/MX-5 Miata bunch. This wasn’t my first dance with the Abarth; I’ve gotten behind the wheel of the roadster on both an autocross course and a racetrack at Willow Springs, and really enjoyed what it had to offer in both of those environments. But driving on the street is a different matter.

There are a few ways to tell the Abarth apart from the other trims, the Classica and Lusso. The Abarth wears specific front and rear styling, with large scorpion badges on both ends, as well as quad exhaust pipes with chrome tips and 17-inch gunmetal alloy wheels. For those looking for even more aggressive styling, the hood and trunk lid can also be painted in gunmetal, a $1,995 option. 

Inside, there’s pops of red stitching and trim, a unique shift knob and the pedals have aluminum accents. Alcantara leather-wrapped Recaro seats are available for $1,195.

Most importantly, the Abarth gets mechanical updates as well. The MultiAir engine makes 4 additional horsepower, pushing output from the turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder to 164 hp and 184 pounds-feet of torque. Transmission options are the same, a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic.

Other performance-focused improvements include the addition of a mechanical limited-slip differential, monotube Bilstein front and rear shock absorbers, and a front strut tower bar. Fiat also changed up the tuning of the engine, electric power steering and stability control system to sharpen up the Abarth’s feel. For those who want extra stopping power, a Brembo braking system is also available ($1,495). 

For me, comparing the Mazda MX-5 Miata, the other trims of the 2017 124 Spider and the Abarth is a bit like Goldilocks trying to find her perfect bed — there’s one that fits just right, but she doesn’t find it until the end. The Abarth was the last version of the 124 Spider family I tested thoroughly and, just like Goldilocks, the last one is the one that’s best for me.

Driving it on the streets confirmed my original impression: It combines what are to me the best elements of both vehicles. The Abarth’s turbocharged engine offers 9 extra horsepower but, more importantly, 36 additional pounds-feet of torque compared to the MX-5 Miata, which makes the whole car feel more alive. And the updates to the suspension and tuning tighten up the Abarth enough to make a noticeable difference to the steering and ride. Turn-in is sharper in the corners and the whole car feels more stable at higher speeds.

I was smitten by the Abarth; it fit me just right. Check out our gallery below for more images.