Fiat is at last back in the roadster market with this appealing little 124 Spider model. There’s nothing especially innovative about the familiar engine and borrowed underpinnings but everything’s been woven together into a desirable package that offers a tempting blend of Latin flair.

The design of this 124 Spider may borrow much from Mazda’s rival MX-5, but what lies beneath the distinctive bonnet is all Fiat’s own. Here, you’ll find the brand’s proven 1.4-litre MultiAir, turbo-charged four-cylinder petrol engine which delivers 140bhp and 240Nm of torque to the rear wheels via six-speed manual transmission and a compact rear differential. This unit is capable of accelerating to 62mph in 7.5 seconds and has a top speed of 134mph. If that’s not enough, there’s a pricey Abarth variant with a 170bhp version of this same engine and a limited slip differential to better get torque to the tarmac.

Pricing starts at around £21,000 (around £1,000 more than an MX-5) and three trim levels will be offered in the UK, Classica, Lusso and Lusso Plus. On top of that, there’s a 170bhp Abarth version, but that will cost around £30,000. Standard equipment on the entry-level Classica variant includes four airbags, air conditioning, a leather-trimmed steering wheel with audio controls, a leather-trimmed gear knob, cruise control with a 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.

Overall, there’s a lot to like about the 124 Spider. You would expect that. After all, you can’t go too far wrong if you base a product on a market-leading alternative, in this case Mazda’s MX-5. Given that, Fiat has done a good job here to give its derivation of this design its own distinctive appeal. A lot of UK enthusiasts have been long waiting for an affordable Italian roadster of this sort and they won’t be disappointed with what’s been delivered here.

We’d recommend you try this Latin contender if you’re in the market for an affordable roadster. It’s a welcome addition to the brand’s line-up.

CAR: Fiat 124 Spider
PRICES: £20,995 - £26,745
INSURANCE GROUP: 25E-26E
CO2 EMISSIONS: 148-153g/km
PERFORMANCE: 0-62mph 7.5s / top speed 134mph
FUEL CONSUMPTION: (combined) 44.1mpg
STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: twin front and side airbags, stability control, ABS brakes
WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Height mm 4054/1740/1233