Introduction to the Alpine A290 Review
In our previous experience with the Alpine A290, we had the privilege of driving it on sunny European roads. The conditions were near-perfect, making for a fun driving experience, but that doesn’t tell the full story. How does the A290 perform in more challenging, less-than-ideal conditions, like a cold December day on some unpredictable country roads? In this review, we’ll explore just that and dive deep into everything we know so far about the A290, its features, and what makes it stand out in the ever-growing world of electric cars. Plus, we’ll introduce the upcoming Renault 5 Turbo, a hot version of this same platform that promises even more thrills.
So, let’s begin by addressing the obvious question: Why does this electric car have the name “Alpine A290” when it shares so much with the Renault 5? Stick around as we dissect the reasons behind this name, along with its design, performance, and driving experience.
Why Is the A290 Called the Alpine A290?
When you first hear the name, “Alpine A290,” the question naturally arises—why this name for a car that looks and feels like a Renault 5? Renault is keen on expanding its Alpine brand, and they’ve been investing millions into their F1 team. The A290 is a step towards extending the Alpine legacy into more accessible models for a broader audience. The name harks back to the original Renault 5 Alpine from the 1970s, but this version is modern, stylish, and packs performance that can appeal to those who are looking for an electric twist on a classic.
Renault, despite its reputation for producing hot hatches, decided to take the Alpine name and apply it to this new car. This move brings both the legacy of the brand and a fresh approach to the electric car market. With cars like the iconic Renault 5 Turbo, the heritage is clear, but the A290 is aiming to set its own mark.
Exterior Design: First Impressions
The Alpine A290 is a showstopper when it comes to design. Its aggressive yet sleek exterior will surely turn heads wherever you go. Key features that differentiate the A290 from the regular Renault 5 include gloss black wheel arch extensions, more pronounced seals, and aggressive bumpers front and rear. The signature X-shaped daytime running lights are another standout element, different from the standard square lights on the regular Renault 5.
There are four color options to choose from: Alpine Blue Metallic, Metallic White, Metallic Black, and Matte Grey. All versions come with 19-inch alloys, while the entry-level GT trim gets a different design. In terms of performance, the A290 GTS variant has a bit more power, though it does come with a slightly shorter driving range.
Powertrain and Range: GTS vs. GT
The Alpine A290 comes in two versions: the base GT and the more powerful GTS. The GTS variant has a slightly higher performance threshold, with more horsepower, but it sacrifices some range. The official range for the GTS is up to 226 miles on a full charge, whereas the base GT can stretch to 236 miles, which is still impressive for a car of this class. It’s worth noting that the standard Renault 5 offers an even longer range of 250 miles.
When compared to competitors like the Fiat 500e, the A290’s range is competitive, and it’s priced quite reasonably, starting at around £32,000 for the entry-level GT. The GTS version is priced around £37,500—significantly more affordable than other hot electric cars, like the Hyundai Ioniq 5N, which could set you back almost £30,000 more.
Interior Features: Comfort Meets Technology
Step inside the A290, and you’ll notice that while it shares some elements with the regular Renault 5, there are plenty of differences, especially in the higher-spec GTS version. The interior quality improves with leather trim on the seats, dashboard, and center console. The infotainment system is a standout, boasting Google-based technology that includes built-in navigation and wireless connectivity.
The GTS version takes things further with a unique menu that offers telemetry for driving enthusiasts, giving you access to details like G-Force readings during tight corners, brake temperature, and even lap times. However, not everything about the interior is perfect. The redesigned center console features buttons for Drive, Reverse, and Neutral, a move that feels a bit unnecessary in an electric car. The gear selector, previously located behind the steering wheel, has been replaced by buttons that may not add much value in a car that doesn’t require frequent gear changes.
Driving Experience: How Does It Handle on the Road?
Now, let’s talk about the driving experience, which is, after all, what matters most when it comes to hot hatches. The Alpine A290 is designed for fun, with a focus on agility and responsiveness. It’s not about extreme horsepower; instead, the A290 delivers just enough power for exciting road dynamics.
The GTS version, with its 217 horsepower, accelerates to 60 mph in about 6.5 seconds, which is quick enough to keep you engaged but not overwhelmingly fast. The handling is crisp, the steering is sharp, and there’s a solid balance between power and grip. While the A290 doesn’t have the sheer power of something like the Tesla Model 3 Performance, it’s still a hoot to drive—especially on narrow, twisty country roads.
Torque steer, where the steering wheel pulls left or right under hard acceleration, can be noticeable at low speeds, but it’s not enough to detract from the driving fun. The suspension is tuned for a firmer ride compared to the standard Renault 5, yet it remains composed, even over poorly surfaced roads. Overall, this is a much more capable and enjoyable car than some of its competitors, like the Fiat 500e or MG4 X Power.
The Sound: A Signature Electric Roar?
Electric cars are often criticized for their lack of a “real” engine sound. In response, Alpine has made an effort to replicate an exciting auditory experience with the A290. Rather than a traditional engine growl, you get a synthetic sound—a “whirring” noise that’s amplified and overlaid with filters. Some might argue that it’s just a hum, but Alpine insists it’s a recording of the car’s electric motor sound. It’s not the same as a growling petrol engine, but it does help make the driving experience feel a bit more engaging.
The Future: A Look at the Renault 5 Turbo
Looking ahead, Renault has announced an even more exciting version of the A290: the Renault 5 Turbo. This fully electric version of the classic 5 Turbo will pack an impressive 500 horsepower, with dual motors at the rear wheels. The result is a blistering 0-62 mph time of just 3.5 seconds. This wide-bodied, rear-wheel-drive machine is designed to echo the original 5 Turbo but with a modern electric twist.
Details are still scarce, but we know that the new Turbo will feature a carbon fiber superstructure, ensuring both lightweight construction and rigidity. It’s a car that promises to offer incredible performance, and we’ll be keeping an eye out for more details when they’re released.
Conclusion: The Verdict on the Alpine A290
So, what’s the final verdict on the Alpine A290? Despite being a bit less radical than some of its competitors, it stands out as one of the best electric hot hatches on the market at its price point. While it doesn’t offer the overwhelming performance of a Ford Fiesta ST or Hyundai Ioniq 5N, it’s still a blast to drive, especially in the GTS trim. With an engaging drive, a stylish design, and a reasonable price, the A290 is a fantastic choice for those looking for an electric alternative to more traditional hot hatches.
If you’re in the market for an electric car that’s fun to drive, offers reasonable range, and doesn’t break the bank, the Alpine A290 is hard to beat. Stay tuned for more updates on the Renault 5 Turbo and other exciting electric vehicles in the future.