Mazda’s MX-5 Miata has been holding down the affordable-roadster fort for some time now, but the iconic Japanese droptop has now lent its guts to give life to a new rival: the 2017 Fiat 124 Spider. This new Italianite shares its chassis with the Mazda, and we now know that its turbocharged engine and supposed European character will cost extra. But not much extra: Starting at $25,990 for the base Classica model, the 124 is just $255 more than the cheapest MX-5 Miata Sport.
For that coin, you get slightly more power and torque than the MX-5, thanks to the Fiat’s 1.4-liter turbo-four that puts out 160 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed manual is standard, with a six-speed automatic offered as a $1350 option. The Classica is also decently equipped, coming standard with Bluetooth, a USB port, 16-inch wheels, push-button start, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. If you want more, you’ll have to step up to the Lusso trim level, which starts at $28,490. In addition to leather heated seats and leatherette trim for the dashboard, the Lusso also gains automatic climate control, chrome exhaust tips, 17-inch wheels, automatic headlights, fog lights, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and a 7.0-inch infotainment screen with a backup camera. The manual transmission is still standard, with the automatic again available as an option.

Things get more interesting with the performance-oriented Fiat 124 Spider Abarth, which starts at $29,190...