Review: Alpine A290
What is it?
Here in the UK, we love hot hatchbacks as they offer all things to all people.
With their practical interiors, large boot space and punchy performance, what’s not to like?
However, with electrification dominating the market, this segment has been endangered for many years, with the only option is for them to switch to battery power.
A combustion engine is the heart for many hot hatches, with an electric motor taking away any kind of involvement or character, but in Alpine’s case, it thinks differently and has chucked an electric powertrain into its latest pocket rocket offering with the A290.
It comes with retro styling, flared wheel arches and haunches, but does this French offering really change the hot hatch game? Let’s find out.
What’s new?
At first glance, you might think that the A290 has a lot of similarities with the hugely successful Renault 5, and your assumptions would be correct.
However, that’s not a bad place to start as the R5 in standard format already has a well setup chassis and handles very well.
Alpine has worked its magic on the car to make it an even more driver-focused machine with upgraded suspension, to give it better cornering abilities, beefier exterior and interior styling as well as an ‘overtake’ button which opens up more power from the electric motor.
What’s under the bonnet?
Instead of a more powerful dual-motor setup, Alpine has stuck to the standard single motor located on the front axle with a choice of two power outputs. All cars come fitted with a 52kWh battery pack and the lesser-powered model produces 174bhp, while the hot GTS variant pumps out 217bhp.
In terms of range, we’re driving the latter model which can achieve a claimed 226 miles between trips to the plug, while charging speeds top out at 100kW, taking the car from a 15 to 80 per cent charge in 30 minutes.
What’s it like to drive?
It can be tricky for car manufacturers to make electric vehicles fun to drive, due to their increased weight. Thankfully, Alpine has pulled it off with the A290, with its character having a zesty and responsive nature with its quick steering and responsive throttle input.
Also, it’s not as hard or as difficult to handle as Renaultsport models of old, with the car still being composed over the bumps and the steering weight is light enough around town.
The sprint from 0-60mph is dealt with in 6.2 seconds, making it more than quick enough for an electric hot hatch and far more responsive despite it being heavier than a combustion-powered pocket rocket.
There is a toggle switch to adjust the regenerative braking, but we’d prefer it to be wheel-mounted paddles, as it would just improve the driving ergonomics. Also, the uprated brakes and suspension are all well engineered to make this little A290 feel a bit special out on the road.
How does it look?
If you’re starting with the Renault 5 as a base, then the A290 can only get better, which it does.
The most noticeable change is the flared wheel arches, which give the car a more muscular stance, while at the front, there are ‘X’ shaped LED daytime running lights, which are a nod to the original A110 sports coupe of the 1960s.
As standard, there are black alloy wheels and hidden rear door handles to give the side profile a sleeker look.
However, with the exception of our test car’s bright blue paintwork, the standard range of exterior colours is a little bit dull. We hope that Alpine adds a few more vibrant options later down the line.
What’s it like inside?
The dashboard layout is similar to that of the R5, but it has a sportier and more driver-focused approach.
The infotainment screen is angled towards you and you get a chunky flat-bottom steering wheel. Meanwhile, the traditional Renault gear lever stalk has been replaced with buttons on the centre console.
Storage doesn’t seem to be particularly well thought out in the cabin with very small front door bins and not one cup holder.
In terms of space, the A290 is a small car, and it feels it when you clamber into the back with limited head and legroom. But, at least there is a sufficient 326-litre boot capacity, which is more than acceptable for a car in this category, beating the likes of the Abarth 500e and Mini JCW Electric.
What’s the spec like?
You can have the A290 in two versions. The standard GT car comes in at £33,500 and features the lesser-powered 174bhp setup, but you still get a decent amount of kit for your money.
Our test car is the more powerful GTS model, which comes in at £37,500, but add a few options and the price can soon escalate to nearer the £40,000 mark. But, all models come with LED headlights, heated front seats and a 10.1-inch infotainment system with Google Built-in.
However, an Abarth 500e is slightly cheaper, starting at £29,975, but the Alpine is more fun to drive and has a better electric range.
Verdict
The A290 could have just been a tricked-up R5 with a bodykit, but there is so much more going on here.
With its driving experience managing to be easier enough to live with every day, while being entertaining, composed and comfortable, this is certainly an electric hot hatchback that needs all the attention.
Its compact dimensions and impressive performance make this a real little pocket rocket. If you disregard its lacklustre interior storage space, then the A290 will certainly be a car for those who enjoy driving, but want an EV.
Remember, if you’re looking to make the switch to a fun electric vehicle, we’ve got all of the information you need here at UK CarLine to make the right choice for you.
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