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Fiat's new 124 Spider convertible is to be priced from £19,545.

Technically based on the Mazda MX-5, styling for the new model has been controlled by Fiat in Turin, with a new range of engines.

The 124 Spider will be available in eight colours, with two pastel finishes (Passione Red and Ice White), five metallic shades (Volcano Black, Argento Grey, Fashion Grey, Magnetic Bronze and Italia Blue) and one tri-coat pearlescent finish: Urban White.

The multi-layer canvas hood is a manual unit that can be operated in seconds using minimal force and without the driver having to leave their seat. 

The car is powered by Fiat's 1,368cc MultiAir, turbo-charged four-cylinder engine which delivers 140hp and 240Nm of torque to the rear wheels via six-speed manual transmission and compact rear differential. The Spider is capable of accelerating to 62mph in just 7.5 seconds and has a top speed of 134mph.

A voice-controlled infotainment system (with Bluetooth), LED rear light clusters, four airbags, TPMS, cruise control, a speed limiter and ESC with ABS and EBD are all standard, as are seat belts with pre-tensioners and Constant-Force Retractors (CFR) to control the degree of force applied by the belt onto the occupant and then gradually release it in a controlled manner.

Three trim levels will be offered in the UK: Classica, Lusso and Lusso Plus. Standard equipment on the entry-level Classica version includes an impressive array of features including four airbags, air conditioning, a leather-trimmed steering wheel with audio controls, a leather-trimmed gear knob, cruise control with speed limiter, 16-inch alloy wheels, keyless engine start and a powerful infotainment system with USB, AUX and Bluetooth connectivity. A seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system with DAB, WiFi, two USB ports and a multimedia control knob is available as a £500 option.

The mid-range Lusso version is equipped with that seven-inch infotainment system as standard, but adds satellite navigation with 3D maps and the Parkview rear parking camera as well. It is also equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels, heated leather upholstery, automatic climate control, front fog lamps, keyless entry, chrome exhaust tips and a premium silver finish on the windscreen frame and rollover bars.

The top Lusso Plus model builds on the specification of the Lusso model by adding adaptive LED headlamps, LED DRLs, automatic lights and wipers and a nine-speaker Bose sound system (including stereo headrest speakers on both seats).

Prices for the FIAT 124 Spider start at £19,545 OTR for the Classica version, with the Lusso model prised at £22,295 and the top Lusso Plus trim just £1,000 more at £23,295.