As a mother of four boys, I often feel like a bus driver. I am sure this is common for most parents, however, I have a true appreciation for the sport of driving that comes from my roots.
My late grandfather, Robert (Bob) Montana, was a racecar driver who raced among some of the greats. It was no surprise when he opened the local dealership Town & Country Chrysler Plymouth on Camelback Road. You can read more about him here: Blog.Hemmings.com/index.php/tag/bob-montana.
In keeping with my passion for cars, Page One Automotive has been gracious to allow me to test drive its signature luxury brand vehicles each month. I am excited to showcase my experiences, starting with the Fiat 124 Spider Abarth.
This six-speed sportster has a manual transmission with a 1.4L 14 MultiAir Turbo engine and keeps with its European racing legacy. The moment you start the engine, you’ll hear the healthy purr of a classic racecar on the track. Petite in stature with lots of torque, it’s a smooth, peppy and nimble ride!
Excellent fuel economy abounds, with a greenhouse gas rating of 7 out of 10. This 2018 model is a convertible, with the most user-friendly drop-top and plenty of cargo space. Its comfortable and classy interior boasts black leather Alcantara sport seats, and the sound system kicks. Inside controls are quite intuitive, which makes for easy usage of the navigation and Bluetooth.
The best part? The Fiat 124 Spider Abarth is affordable, with a luxury look and feel. This model is priced at $38,210 (base price is $28,195), well worth the cost given all it has to offer. I would give this beauty a five-star rating for the driving experience, perfectly complemented by the fit and finish.
For more information, visit FiatUSA.com.
1.4L 14 MultiAir Turbo engine
164 horsepower
6-speed manual RWD transmission
17-by-7-inch gun metallic aluminum wheels
3-Season REO5OA Performance tires
Fuel Economy: 30 MPG (average city/highway)
Body Style: 2-door convertible
Seating: 2 Ricardo Leather/Alcantara Sport Seats
Base price: $28,195
