Alpine is back with a fresh, electric take on its renowned sports car legacy. After the celebrated A110, Alpine brings a new vibe with the Alpine A290—an electric hot hatch that not only channels the style of yesteryear but promises modern performance thrills and driver engagement. This new model will join the aging, yet beloved, turbocharged A110 as a front-wheel-drive electric, built on the Renault 5 platform.
Retro Meets Modern
The Alpine A290 isn’t shy about its roots, borrowing from the iconic Renault 5 Turbo. With its “X” motif spotlights and retro-inspired creased bodywork, the A290 design echoes the glory days of rally cars with a smile rather than a scowl. From its stance to the modern, low-mounted 52kWh battery, this car balances old-school character and the demands of today’s EV market.
Power Under the Hood
With a front-mounted electric motor, the A290 offers 180bhp in its base model and a beefier 220bhp in the high-spec GTS, boasting up to 221lb-ft of torque. While it may weigh in at 1,479kg, this car is no slouch, hitting 0-62mph in a lively 6.4 seconds. It’s quick enough to bring back fond memories of sporty hatchbacks like the Fiesta ST.
Alpine has integrated its unique “Alpine Torque Technology” (ATT) to optimise traction and acceleration. This feature boosts power without sacrificing control, so drivers get the thrill of rapid takeoffs without spinning out—a balance aimed at giving EV enthusiasts a taste of true hot-hatch excitement.
Built to Handle
Handling is a top priority, with Alpine investing heavily in brake feel, cornering agility, and suspension. Equipped with new anti-roll bars and rally-inspired hydraulic bump stops, the A290 is designed to be nimble. The rear axle has even been crafted to allow for the elusive “lift-off oversteer” on winding roads. Alpine has developed a “Coaching” feature for drivers looking to sharpen their skills. Accessible via an app, it offers advice on controlling slides, focusing on the road ahead, and mastering reflexes for high-speed handling.
Features and “Challenges” for Added Fun
The A290 packs in the features, making it more than a typical EV. The steering wheel includes an “Overtake” button, which unleashes a 10-second power boost every 30 seconds. For added engagement, the touchscreen offers “challenges” aimed at eco-conscious driving habits, such as lift-and-coast techniques to maximize range, which is estimated at 236 miles.
Drivers can also choose from four regenerative braking modes and enjoy two customizable synthetic engine sounds to suit their mood. The 10-inch digital display shows off data from G-force to lap times, and Apple CarPlay comes standard.
Competition and Price Tag
Starting around £36,000 for the base 180bhp GT and rising to approximately £40,000 for the 220bhp GTS, the A290 is priced in line with high-end compact EVs. Yet, it won’t be alone in this niche for long, with the Mini electric Cooper S JCW and the anticipated VW GTI EV both on the horizon.
What is the Alpine A290’s range on a full charge?
The Alpine A290 offers an estimated range of 236 miles on a full charge. With Alpine’s driving “challenges” to encourage efficient driving techniques, you can potentially extend this range on longer trips.
How fast is the Alpine A290, and what’s its 0-62mph time?
The A290’s GTS version, with 220bhp, accelerates from 0-62mph in 6.4 seconds. This electric hot hatch is designed to be quick and agile, providing a fun, sporty feel but without the breakneck speeds of high-end EVs.
Does the Alpine A290 come with regenerative braking?
Yes, the A290 offers four levels of regenerative braking, allowing drivers to customize the intensity of braking to suit different driving conditions and personal preferences.
What is the purpose of the ‘Coaching’ feature in the A290?
The “Coaching” feature is designed to enhance driving skills by teaching techniques like controlling slides, looking further down the road, and mastering lift-off oversteer. This feature, available through a downloadable app, makes driving the A290 more engaging and fun.