The 2020 Fiat 124 Spider in Las Cruces NM impresses with its classic Italian style to create an attractive sports car that is truly a pleasure to drive. If it's the Abarth version, there's a small bump in horsepower to 164, even though the Mazda is still more powerful.


 


2020 Fiat 124 Spider in Las Cruces NM: Upgrades

The main upgrade of the Abarth over the other two 124 Spiders is the suspension. The lower models, Classico and Lusso, have pretty tight suspensions, but the Abarth's tuning is the stiffest and most aggressive of them all. It adds front/rear Bilstein dampers along with a limited-slip differential, and together with a throatier exhaust system, the 124 Spider Abarth proves that massive power outputs aren't needed for an engaging and fun driving experience.

Introduced as an all-new car in 2017, the 2020 Fiat 124 Spider in Las Cruces NM has changed very little. Major updates have only included the addition of a 7-inch touchscreen and a rearview camera as standard for the 2019 model year. No significant changes were made for 2020, other than the addition of an available appearance package. The "Scorpion Sting" is exclusive to the Abarth, and adds side stripes and hood decals for a sportier look.

Under the hood you'll find a turbocharged 1.4 liter 4-cylinder motor with 160 hp. A fantastic six-speed manual transmission and rear wheel drive are standard, and a six-speed automatic is available. Don't even think about getting the automatic; the manual is way more fun to drive! Although the turbo engine is small, it packs a pretty good punch. The 184 lb-ft of torque provides enough oomph for accelerating up to speed and passing other vehicles, once the turbo kicks in. The growl of the exhaust has a really nice sound to it, as well.

The 2020 Fiat 124 Spider in Las Cruces NM feels better out cruising than almost all of its competitors. The suspension absorbs dips and bumps in in the road, providing an unusually relaxing and smooth ride for a sports car. But when you take it on curvy, winding roads it thrills. The bigger 17-inch wheels and grippier tires on the Abarth trim combined with the aforementioned limited-slip differential in a small and lightweight RWD sports car makes for enormous fun for you!


 


Inside the 124 Spider, the snug cabin has comfortable seating for the driver and passenger. The seats are well padded, provide good support, and feature manual adjustments. They're also suitably low-slung like they should be, to encourage engaged driving.  A downside is that taller drivers will feel cramped when the soft convertible top is up.

Speaking of the top, this one couldn't get any better. Simply pull the latch, push the roof upward, and it will fold itself. Then, to latch it, just push down at the center. When you want to close it, just pull the release between the seats, tug the top closed, and snap the latch. It's so easy there's absolutely no reason to drive the 124 Spider with the top closed.

If you want an uncomplicated, back to basics sports car, the 2020 Fiat 124 Spider in Las Cruces NM should definitely be considered. It's affordable, lightweight, and extremely fun to drive. It also offers a comfortable ride, agile handling, and a fuel efficient turbocharged engine. Stop by Viva Fiat at 860 Telshor Blvd in Las Cruces, for a test drive today and you'll fall in love.