2021 is the final model year for the Fiat 124 Spider and also the 500L, FCA announced Wednesday. The Miata-based roadster and family-ish hatchback won't return for 2021, slicing Fiat’s U.S. portfolio to just just one model in a single fell swoop.
“For the 2021 model year, the Fiat lineup will feature the Fiat 500X small crossover, which offers unique and functional Italian design, standard all-wheel-drive capability, 9-speed automatic transmission, 30 mpg highway and best-in-class 210 lb-ft of torque,” Fiat said in the announcement. “The Fiat 124 Spider and also the Fiat 500L will be discontinued after the 2021 model year.”
A joint-development project between Mazda and FCA, the reborn 124 Spider was originally supposed to be an Alfa Romeo. At what appeared like the last minute, labor issues and an Alfa product shuffle shunted the work to Fiat.
The final product was a fascinating blend of Italian and Japanese style and engineering. The engine and exterior design were supplied by Fiat; the woking platform, transmission and interior all originated from Mazda. The end result was a slightly heavier and much more powerful roadster than the Miata which it had been based.
As an added bonus, the enthusiast-friendly Abarth model, with similar upgrades Mazda offered on the MX-5 Club, was cheaper trim-for-trim, especially after Fiat’s much more generous discounts. Since that time, the 124’s advantages have been somewhat overshadowed by improvements towards the Miata, which had a stronger engine for the 2021 model year.
On the other hand, we wouldn’t blame you if you’d forgotten the 500L was still being being produced at all. Apart from a core group of loyal buyers, the frumpy hatchback never really caught on in the United States.
Fiat also announced several trim updates plus some pricing changes because of its sole remaining model. The bottom 500X receives a $250 price hike (as much as $26,335 after a $1,495 destination charge), and Fiat is introducing new packages for the Sport model to give prospective customers more flexibility.
The Fiat’s platform-mate, the Jeep Renegade, remains cheaper, but its standard engine is the naturally aspirated 2.4-liter Tigershark”4-cylinder, while the 1.3-liter turbocharged engine is really a $1,495 upgrade.
