Introducing the Alpine A290: A Sporty Electric Hot Hatch

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

The automotive world is buzzing with excitement as Alpine reveals its latest creation, the A290, an electric hot hatchback that offers a sporty twist on the classic Renault 5. With its impressive performance and sleek design, the A290 is set to redefine the electric sports car market.

Performance and Range

At the heart of the Alpine A290 is a robust 52 kWh battery pack, shared with the Renault 5, that provides a substantial range of up to 236 miles on a single charge.

This electric vehicle (EV) comes in two power variants: the GT and GT Premium models produce 178 bhp, while the more powerful GT Performance and flagship GTS models boast a 215 bhp motor with 221 lb-ft of torque.

The latter can accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in just 6.4 seconds. Additionally, all variants support a maximum charge rate of 100 kW, allowing the battery to charge from 15% to 80% in about 30 minutes.

Design and Dimensions

The A290 is not just about performance; its design is equally captivating. This electric hot hatch is 60 mm wider than the Renault 5, featuring bold wheel arches that house 19-inch alloy wheels, giving it a robust and sporty stance.

Despite its muscular appearance, the A290 remains a compact five-door vehicle, measuring 3,990 mm in length, 1,820 mm in width, and 1,520 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,530 mm.

Antony Villain, Alpine’s Vice President of Design, describes the A290 as an ultra-compact variation of the A110 internal-combustion sports car. “We conceived the A290 as an ultra-compact variation of the A110, in the purest style of small sports cars or hot hatches,” he explains.

“A small Alpine with a character that, at first glance, expresses its potential for driving pleasure to appeal to styling fans and performance enthusiasts alike.”

Handling and Braking

Handling is a critical aspect of any sports car, and the A290 excels in this area. Alpine has focused on keeping the vehicle’s weight low, achieving a relatively light 1,479 kg. The A290 also features bespoke suspension and tires, setting it apart from the Renault 5.

The car is equipped with new Brembo brakes, and Alpine has adjusted the pedal mapping to mimic the feel of the A110 sports car. The rear axle is designed to be sufficiently mobile, providing an enjoyable driving experience, especially on winding roads.

Interior and Technology

Inside, the A290 combines sporty aesthetics with cutting-edge technology. The five-seater features a pair of digital displays behind a flat-bottomed steering wheel, maintaining physical controls for air conditioning to ensure drivers can adjust settings without distraction.

The driver display measures 10.1 inches, while the infotainment touchscreen is slightly larger at 10.25 inches. The infotainment system runs Android Automotive natively and supports both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

Alpine has also introduced an augmented audio system known as Alpine Drive Sound, offering two distinct sound profiles based on motor-generated sounds.

One profile is a light, sporty tone designed for everyday driving, while the other is intentionally very sporty. This audio experience is delivered through a nine-speaker, 615-watt Devialet sound system, enhancing the overall driving experience.

Pricing and Availability

The Alpine A290 is expected to be priced between £35,000 and £40,000, offering a competitive option in the electric hot hatch market. With its combination of performance, design, and advanced features, the A290 is poised to make a significant impact when it launches later this year.

In conclusion, the Alpine A290 represents a bold step forward in the evolution of electric sports cars. Its blend of high performance, striking design, and advanced technology make it a standout choice for enthusiasts and casual drivers alike. As Alpine ushers in this new era of electric vehicles, the A290 is set to become a benchmark in the industry, offering a compelling alternative to traditional sports cars.