Back in June, we reported that the rear-wheel-drive Abarth 124 Spider had been confirmed for local introduction. And now the little roadster has arrived in South Africa, priced at R649 900.
Metallic paint is the only option on offer, at R4 500.
The two-seater roadster – which is the Abarth-tuned version of the Fiat 124 Spider, which itself shares much with the Mazda MX-5 – apparently weighs just 1 060 kg.
Power comes from a 1,4-litre four-cylinder turbocharged MultiAir engine worth 125 kW and 250 N.m, linked to a six-speed manual transmission. The obligatory sprint from standstill to 100 km/h takes a claimed 6,8 seconds, while the top speed comes in at 232 km/h.
A dual-mode “Record Monza” exhaust system comes standard, with Abarth promising a “satisfying, deep sound”.
Other interesting additions include “Abarth by Bilstein” shock absorbers, oversized anti-roll bars, a mechanical self-locking differential and a two-mode “Drive Mode Selector” (with “Normal” and “Sport” settings). Inside, you’ll find heated seats, climate control, cruise control, a seven-inch colour touchscreen infotainment system and keyless start.
So, only one question remains: this or the R441 700 Mazda MX-5 (which uses a 2,0-litre naturally aspirated engine worth 118 kW and 200 N.m)?
