I've always driven trucks but picked one of these up when it was time to get something new because the 124 was the only manual transmission on the lot. Such a different experience. I feel more like I'm putting it on, more than getting into it...like a jetpack
I've had one of these cars for a while and it never fails to feel like an event every time I drive it off. Glad to see it on the channel. The fake vents are actually where the reflector strips are placed for the American market, which is not required in Europe. Instead we get that black plastic trim.
Someone owns one of these near the docks in my home town in West Wales. I live about half a mile inland and can smell the salt in the air when rain is coming in from a seaward direction, when I open a door on the house. Hell of corrosion test for a car in such circumstances. This model is very smart and a lot less anodyne than its sister MX-5, in my opinion.
I’ve quite fancied one of these. I think a cambelt change would make a great future video. I’ve just recently bought a 2016 595 comp and I love it! I’ve cleaned the underside and under sealed it. More abarth content would be very welcome in the future Neil👍
It's not a terrible car to buy tbh, these are pretty rare so they should be collectable in the future. If I can remember correctly the 124 is a ND MX-5, with the FIRE engine and the NC transmission (a good thing because the ND's gearbox is a bit of a minger).
There was a recall on these for underbody protection. A memo from Mazda. A large batch of 2019 registered ones were actually made in 2016 if you look at the VIN. They were then stored in Italy until required in UK as they fit the abarth parts to the 124 there. They then shipped to UK and my one included was sprayed with underbody Sealant at Bristol docks. They covered everything including the shocks in a black coloured substance. Very messy. I had rust round the filler cap overflow hole. So the car was actually exposed to the elements a few years before actually being sold along with many of the last 2019 ones. The screen is the same as a Mazda infotainment nothing to do with the system in 500
I've owned a current-gen Mazda MX5 between 2017 and 2019 and driven the 124 in both standard and Abarth form. Fully agree on cockpit size... These are really small cars inside, perhaps too much for today's world! Although I never liked all that much the 124's retro design, I did appreciate the strong torque of the Fiat turbo engine, which transforms the car compared to the Mazda. However, I do prefer the regular 124 to the Abarth: the latter is just too "extrovert" for my liking, in both aesthetics and exhaust note.
I am the opposite. I love the Abarth and purchased one about 4 weeks ago. I am 6'2" with size 10.5 feet. It is a bit of a twist getting in, but it is comfortable when in. I do not find the footwell restrictive and can even use the footrest. Yes the window switches are a touch tight to use. My other car is a Kia Sportage, which is a roomy car, so I am used to a larger car. I still love the Abarth, though with it's slightly classic Italian look as opposed to the odd faced MX5. I am 72, so no flexible spring chicken. I did actually work on the original version back in 1966 when an apprentice mechanic. Don't let people put you off buying one, just because 'they 'prefer' something else. If you fancy one, give it a try yourself.
A proper driver too as it’s a manual. Working at BCA I’ve driven loads of them. The MX5 feels more dynamic though P:S the underside surface rust is normal, it’s been a daily driver you can tell
That is how it should be. Across the pond 6.5 years I did back to back test drives on a 2017 Fiat 124 Abarth with Brembo brakes to start it off. What was noticeable was the heavy clutch feel & the turbo Lag. Those 2 things killed the thought of Buying it & sent an email to the Fiat dealership about it. Next day I went to the Mazda dealer sitting in front was a similar equipped 2016 MX-5 Club soft top with the Brembo / BBS package even the same color - White with Black Aero bits. Driving out the lot the super light clutch was easy to work with a great ball shifter. Throttle response was instant " dynamic " as you called it. Very quick off the line taking me by surprise as I expected a lack of torque but the torque curve was flat for every gear. Really loved that test drive so much I bought it after the dealer extended my test drive for the rest of the weekend 😎! It was hard to pry myself out of the car because it was so much fun ! I daily drive it in 4 season weather so I change out the summer performance tires / wheels for the winter tires. Its been a great car & its seen some of the worst weather in my life without a problem.
Watched for years but never had an Alfa 😢 and no nothing about Italian cars, so never comment, but I leased one of the last heritage spec abarth 124s for my wife, which she has now bought - very much her car, I get to wash and wax it, it’s garaged and not used over winter I do like it and it feels like a little rocket. Only complaint is the paint is soft in that it chips very easily (tho so does my Skoda) and one of the wheels has bubbled up badly for some reason - she intends to get it under sealed etc as it’s her pride and joy. I just wish I could fit in it comfortably. Btw ours is an auto (I know, I know) but I have to say it works very well.
Nearly bought one if these a few years back.....exactly the same as this one, but had a black bonnet. I loved the sound of the exhaust & despite being 6ft 2 in, I had plenty of leg room & the seats were supportive. Unfortunately, where I live, imported vehicles were levied with a 300% tax, making this one very expensive weekend toy!! 😂😂
I have the Fiat 124 as I preferred the black over the tan interior to the banal black interior of the Abarth. It's got an Ascari quad exhaust fitted and sounds amazing, but not as obnoxious as the Abarth's Record Monza. I also got a level 1 ECU tune, which has given it about 15 more bhp. Ironically I think my nearside rear suspension is leaking too. It knocks over very bumpy roads.
I absolutely adore them! But would I fit? Maybe I will try one day. They didn’t sell well at all, so Fiat dropped it from the range. Which means they are rare. 20 years time a very good one will be rapidly appreciating in value. I hadn’t seen the dash before, but I love them even more now 😀
The key and infotainment system are pure mazda items (not that that's a bad thing). The rust though... I guess they thought that enthusiasts would want to own these from day one, looks like they need it.
Nice to see this car on your channel. Let us know how you get on with the cambelt and post a quick video please! I have the non-Abarth version of this - Lusso Plus spec. I've owned it about 4 months and am putting some serious miles on it. I think these cars really shine when driven with the roof down. Really well designed and airflow in the cabin is great even at speed. I was a little bit disappointed when you showed us the underside of that Abarth - I was expecting it to look newer.
Agree that us six footers couldn’t live with it day to day, maybye a nice weekend or summer car.Don’t know if waxoyl is still avavable that would spray nice up in the sub frames.
Disappointing to see all that surface rust on the subframes, even on a 5yo one, you should have put an endoscope into the sills.. I`m wondering when these are going to be used for resto-modding RWD classics in the future, I`m guessing the box is Mazda, although from what I understand, the rear axle setup is Fiat, not Mazda? I`ve got no idea what Fiat its from.. Maybe its Chrysler, or maybe from an AWD Fiat/Lancia/Alfa we don't get here??
The 124 Fiat Abarth's used the transmission from the NC generation MX-5 . So the differential is Mazda too. The suspension bits are Mazda too but I think they changed the damping rate on those Bilstein shocks for the 124s. Fiat engine / exhaust / body panels / interior bits also Fiat. Mazda infotainment but a Fiat software edit. Thing to remember is Fiat stopped making the 124 in 2020 ! Mazda still pumping out the MX-5's !
Lovely looking vehicle, I have a friend is southern Europe with the same car in white.. LHD is better and more direct with no footwell or offset issues. NO ROT OR RUST UNDERNEATH...its a uk problem...yes they should use better materials or rustproof..RHD drive is a very small market...
Mate why do you constantly compare it to the fiat 500? Completely different cars. This is made from the Mazda Miata. Mazda is known to rust hence the rust parts on the fiat.
As someone who stays in a part of the world with a Mediterranean climate. I am always shocked at how easily cars rust in the UK!
Your cars would rust if you had salt scattered all over the roads all winter. Mediterranean dwelling cars are not built any different to all the rest.
As mentioned huge amounts of salted grit, rain sleet snow frost fog cold temps all lead to rapid rust. Welcome to motoring in the UK.
I've always driven trucks but picked one of these up when it was time to get something new because the 124 was the only manual transmission on the lot. Such a different experience. I feel more like I'm putting it on, more than getting into it...like a jetpack
I've had one of these cars for a while and it never fails to feel like an event every time I drive it off. Glad to see it on the channel.
The fake vents are actually where the reflector strips are placed for the American market, which is not required in Europe. Instead we get that black plastic trim.
I feel the same way. Getting close to 50k miles now and this is probably my favorite car that I'll ever own.
Someone owns one of these near the docks in my home town in West Wales. I live about half a mile inland and can smell the salt in the air when rain is coming in from a seaward direction, when I open a door on the house. Hell of corrosion test for a car in such circumstances. This model is very smart and a lot less anodyne than its sister MX-5, in my opinion.
I’ve quite fancied one of these. I think a cambelt change would make a great future video. I’ve just recently bought a 2016 595 comp and I love it! I’ve cleaned the underside and under sealed it. More abarth content would be very welcome in the future Neil👍
The more people use me for abarth repairs and servicing the more content will get made.
It's not a terrible car to buy tbh, these are pretty rare so they should be collectable in the future. If I can remember correctly the 124 is a ND MX-5, with the FIRE engine and the NC transmission (a good thing because the ND's gearbox is a bit of a minger).
There was a recall on these for underbody protection. A memo from Mazda. A large batch of 2019 registered ones were actually made in 2016 if you look at the VIN. They were then stored in Italy until required in UK as they fit the abarth parts to the 124 there. They then shipped to UK and my one included was sprayed with underbody Sealant at Bristol docks. They covered everything including the shocks in a black coloured substance. Very messy. I had rust round the filler cap overflow hole. So the car was actually exposed to the elements a few years before actually being sold along with many of the last 2019 ones. The screen is the same as a Mazda infotainment nothing to do with the system in 500
Interesting info. I wonder if they sprayed the black sealant over a rusty surface? If so it won't work and there will be problems in the future.
I've owned a current-gen Mazda MX5 between 2017 and 2019 and driven the 124 in both standard and Abarth form. Fully agree on cockpit size... These are really small cars inside, perhaps too much for today's world! Although I never liked all that much the 124's retro design, I did appreciate the strong torque of the Fiat turbo engine, which transforms the car compared to the Mazda. However, I do prefer the regular 124 to the Abarth: the latter is just too "extrovert" for my liking, in both aesthetics and exhaust note.
I am the opposite. I love the Abarth and purchased one about 4 weeks ago. I am 6'2" with size 10.5 feet. It is a bit of a twist getting in, but it is comfortable when in. I do not find the footwell restrictive and can even use the footrest. Yes the window switches are a touch tight to use. My other car is a Kia Sportage, which is a roomy car, so I am used to a larger car. I still love the Abarth, though with it's slightly classic Italian look as opposed to the odd faced MX5. I am 72, so no flexible spring chicken. I did actually work on the original version back in 1966 when an apprentice mechanic. Don't let people put you off buying one, just because 'they 'prefer' something else. If you fancy one, give it a try yourself.
Enjoyed that video Neil. As an MX 5 owner (mk2) and worked on mk3s, they rust very badly. I would advise a undersealing etc!
I sooooooo love these. Been looking for a salvage one for ages.
A proper driver too as it’s a manual.
Working at BCA I’ve driven loads of them. The MX5 feels more dynamic though
P:S the underside surface rust is normal, it’s been a daily driver you can tell
That is how it should be. Across the pond 6.5 years I did back to back test drives on a 2017 Fiat 124 Abarth with Brembo brakes to start it off. What was noticeable was the heavy clutch feel & the turbo Lag. Those 2 things killed the thought of Buying it & sent an email to the Fiat dealership about it. Next day I went to the Mazda dealer sitting in front was a similar equipped 2016 MX-5 Club soft top with the Brembo / BBS package even the same color - White with Black Aero bits. Driving out the lot the super light clutch was easy to work with a great ball shifter. Throttle response was instant " dynamic " as you called it. Very quick off the line taking me by surprise as I expected a lack of torque but the torque curve was flat for every gear. Really loved that test drive so much I bought it after the dealer extended my test drive for the rest of the weekend 😎! It was hard to pry myself out of the car because it was so much fun ! I daily drive it in 4 season weather so I change out the summer performance tires / wheels for the winter tires. Its been a great car & its seen some of the worst weather in my life without a problem.
Watched for years but never had an Alfa 😢 and no nothing about Italian cars, so never comment, but I leased one of the last heritage spec abarth 124s for my wife, which she has now bought - very much her car, I get to wash and wax it, it’s garaged and not used over winter I do like it and it feels like a little rocket. Only complaint is the paint is soft in that it chips very easily (tho so does my Skoda) and one of the wheels has bubbled up badly for some reason - she intends to get it under sealed etc as it’s her pride and joy. I just wish I could fit in it comfortably. Btw ours is an auto (I know, I know) but I have to say it works very well.
Awesome. Thanks for watching
Nearly bought one if these a few years back.....exactly the same as this one, but had a black bonnet. I loved the sound of the exhaust & despite being 6ft 2 in, I had plenty of leg room & the seats were supportive. Unfortunately, where I live, imported vehicles were levied with a 300% tax, making this one very expensive weekend toy!! 😂😂
I have the Fiat 124 as I preferred the black over the tan interior to the banal black interior of the Abarth. It's got an Ascari quad exhaust fitted and sounds amazing, but not as obnoxious as the Abarth's Record Monza. I also got a level 1 ECU tune, which has given it about 15 more bhp. Ironically I think my nearside rear suspension is leaking too. It knocks over very bumpy roads.
Nice to see something new
Grande macchina italiana
I absolutely adore them! But would I fit? Maybe I will try one day. They didn’t sell well at all, so Fiat dropped it from the range. Which means they are rare. 20 years time a very good one will be rapidly appreciating in value. I hadn’t seen the dash before, but I love them even more now 😀
The key and infotainment system are pure mazda items (not that that's a bad thing). The rust though... I guess they thought that enthusiasts would want to own these from day one, looks like they need it.
Thanks. Never worked on or driven any mazdas
Nice to see this car on your channel. Let us know how you get on with the cambelt and post a quick video please! I have the non-Abarth version of this - Lusso Plus spec. I've owned it about 4 months and am putting some serious miles on it. I think these cars really shine when driven with the roof down. Really well designed and airflow in the cabin is great even at speed. I was a little bit disappointed when you showed us the underside of that Abarth - I was expecting it to look newer.
Right pain to do.
@@ItaliaAutos I had the cambelt, water pump and a full service done at a Fiat dealer a couple of weeks ago.
What did they charge for it.
@@ItaliaAutos £867 + VAT, so just over a grand. Not cheap. What do you charge?
£650 total. So a fair chunk cheaper.
Shame they stopped making them
Morning all!
Lovely car
Morning
Agree that us six footers couldn’t live with it day to day, maybye a nice weekend or summer car.Don’t know if waxoyl is still avavable that would spray nice up in the sub frames.
Bigger than older mx5's buy still smaller than yhe old barchetta
Morning Alex is.
Morning Declan
Beautiful car
Thats a mazda remote key
Absolutely shocking for a 3 year old car. That rear subframe is in a right state. Remind me never to buy this car🤣🤣🤣
Same on bmw mini and Hondas, check and repaint is the answer if its a nice machine.
I think I can count on one hand the number of Spiders I've seen in the wild here in NZ... MX5s on the other hand are plentiful.
Disappointing to see all that surface rust on the subframes, even on a 5yo one, you should have put an endoscope into the sills..
I`m wondering when these are going to be used for resto-modding RWD classics in the future, I`m guessing the box is Mazda, although from what I understand, the rear axle setup is Fiat, not Mazda? I`ve got no idea what Fiat its from.. Maybe its Chrysler, or maybe from an AWD Fiat/Lancia/Alfa we don't get here??
The 124 Fiat Abarth's used the transmission from the NC generation MX-5 . So the differential is Mazda too. The suspension bits are Mazda too but I think they changed the damping rate on those Bilstein shocks for the 124s. Fiat engine / exhaust / body panels / interior bits also Fiat. Mazda infotainment but a Fiat software edit. Thing to remember is Fiat stopped making the 124 in 2020 ! Mazda still pumping out the MX-5's !
What year is the car ?
Have you ever wanted to do one of these type of videos on a 4C?
Yep
@@ItaliaAutos sent you a dm on Instagram :)
Replied
Not sure if i should or shouldn't be surprised at how much rust there is on this 5 year old 35k car...
Got to blame mazda
nasty sub frames. surprising
Surprised me too.
That seat wear is terrible for a 35k mile car.nice suede on the dash and a lovely looking steering wheel.
How much of that is down to the product and how much with the user? Some people are just really rough with their cars.
The recaro seats are the best for the 124. Otherwise the way these seats are stitched causes it to tear
@@danielcaponera5771 Should have used a quality seat cover on both seats.
Lovely looking vehicle, I have a friend is southern Europe with the same car in white.. LHD is better and more direct with no footwell or offset issues.
NO ROT OR RUST UNDERNEATH...its a uk problem...yes they should use better materials or rustproof..RHD drive is a very small market...
Excluding the USA, about 1/3 of the global car market is rhd. And the 124 is built in Japan, a rhd market.
@@katywalker8322 Yep RHD is a significant market. UK Japan Australia New Zealand India Indonesia etc all RHD.
Mate why do you constantly compare it to the fiat 500? Completely different cars. This is made from the Mazda Miata. Mazda is known to rust hence the rust parts on the fiat.
I'm mainly referring to the the engine it is also the sister car to the 595 sonits fair to compare
I’m not sure why anybody would buy one nothing has changed still just rot away
well... it's a MAZDA... all said (engine is multiair though)
Italian body
@@scottlehuray7062 made in Japan?
@@uldislavrinovics Made in Hiroshima side by side on the assembly line with the MX-5. That helped the Fiat 124 gain quality control.
i test drove one. engine is crap and underpowered. needs a 2.0 turbo motor. suspension was very harsh aswell.
i ended up buying a gen6 camaro lol
No offence but have fun with the understeer!
A good name for this one is Fiata
A disappointment. From a stylish and sexy Barchetta to this retro mockup. Fiat used to know how to design a car.
lol that thing will be a pile of rust before the decade is out lol..unbelievable underneath..same as all fiats. JUNK
It's no a fiat its a mazda. Can't blame fiat this time.
@@ItaliaAutos same shit regarding rust.
if that was mine i'de be going crazy.