The Alpine A290 has finally been unveiled in its final form, showcasing the next era of battery-powered hot hatchbacks. This electric vehicle is the first of Alpine’s new lineup of EVs, with plans for a performance crossover and an electric replacement for the A110 to follow. Based on the Renault 5 hatch, the A290 has been extensively reworked to deliver high performance.
Visually, the A290 retains some of the R5 DNA but features a wider track, wheel arch extensions, and new bumpers for a more aggressive look. The design includes Alpine’s iconic ‘X’ logo in the headlights and unique styling elements like rear door strakes. Despite being similar in size to a Volkswagen Polo, the A290 weighs more due to its electric components.
Under the hood, the A290 is powered by a 52kWh battery pack and a front-mounted motor derived from Renault’s Megane E-Tech. The GT and GT Premium models produce 174bhp and 210lb ft of torque, while the GT Performance and GTS models boast 217bhp and 221lb ft for quicker acceleration and higher top speed. The A290 focuses on delivering an engaging driving experience similar to traditional hot hatches, with bespoke suspension hardware and chassis setup.
The A290 offers four driving modes, including Normal, Sport, Individual, and Save, with the latter optimized for maximum range. Inside, the A290 features a performance-oriented interior with unique touches like a flat-bottom steering wheel, regen levels adjustment, and an overboost function for extra power. The dual-screen infotainment system includes a Telemetrics system that provides live data and coaching functions for track driving.
Available in a limited Premiere Edition launch spec, the A290 comes with various standard features like LED headlights, adaptive cruise control, and heated sports seats. Different trim levels offer additional amenities such as tinted glass, premium audio systems, and heated steering wheels. The pricing for the A290 in the UK is yet to be announced, but it is expected to start from around €38,000 in Europe.
Overall, the Alpine A290 represents the future of electric hot hatchbacks, combining performance, style, and cutting-edge technology to deliver an exciting driving experience for enthusiasts. Stay tuned for more updates on this innovative electric vehicle as it hits the market.