Overview

The Alpine A290 is a faster, sportier version of the Renault 5 E-Tech. It uses the same platform, but boasts increased power outputs, upgraded suspension, as well as changes to the interior and exterior. It’s not hard to miss thanks to details such as the X pattern in the front lamps (a tribute to classic rally cars) and large aerodynamic aids such as a rear spoiler and diffuser.

All this is in aid of making a small, fun electric performance car – something that hasn’t properly taken off yet since electric vehicles became mainstream. Rivals are fairly low in number, but include the Abarth 500e and MINI Cooper Electric, as well as the Cupra Born.

This is our first chance trying the Alpine A290, and we’ve spent a decent amount of time behind the wheel in the south of France – you can read more about how we test cars elsewhere. Given how impressed we’ve been with the Renault 5 E-Tech it’s based upon, can the new A290 prove just as desirable? Read on to find out.

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What’s it like inside?

Unsurprisingly, the A290 has a similar cabin to the Renault 5 on which it’s based. That means a good driving position with reasonable adjustment, lots of space and plenty of tech including a 10.25-inch digital dashboard display and a 10.1-inch central infotainment screen. Happily, however, Alpine has maintained physical climate control switches, meaning you can adjust the temperature without having to take your eyes off the road.

Napa leather seats are optional, but all cars get A290 logos and details throughout the cabin, as well as the sports steering wheel complete with F1-inspired buttons and dials. These control the overtake mode (changes the throttle setting to deliver maximum power sooner), regen (for the energy regeneration when braking) and drive modes.

Space in the back is a little tight, but that’s not uncommon for a car of this size, meanwhile the boot measures up at 326 litres. One thing in particular that we are disappointed to see is the total lack of cupholders in the cabin. This is because Alpine has changed the centre console to install buttons to control gear selection in a nod to its A110 sports car, but either way it’s a surprising omission for a five-door hatchback.

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Alpine A290 batteries and motors

The A290 is available with two power outputs – 180hp and 220hp. Opt for the former and you get 285Nm of torque (pulling power), a top speed of 99mph and 0-62mph in 7.4 seconds. Go for the latter and this improves to 300Nm of torque, a top speed of 106mph and 0-62mph in 6.4 seconds. Regardless of which one you opt for, power is delivered to the road via a single electric motor on the front wheels. Battery size, meanwhile, is 52kWh.

Range and charging

If you choose the 180hp model, WLTP driving range is 236 miles. This drops to 226 miles on the 220hp model. So far, we’ve driven the more powerful version and reckon that a real-world range of 180-190 miles is realistic. Either way, a 100kW DC fast charger should deliver a 15-80% charge in around 30 minutes. Usefully, vehicle-to-load (allows the vehicle’s battery to power external devices) and vehicle-to-grid (allows the vehicle to feed excess power back to the grid) functionality is standard.

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What it’s like to drive?

The Alpine A290kg weighs 1,479kg – pretty heavy for a traditional hot-hatchback, but equally fairly light as electric cars go. Using clever suspension modifications and an ideal weight distribution, Alpine’s engineers have been able to extract the most from the A290’s handling to the point where it’s genuinely good fun in the corners.

Grip levels from the front tyres are very high – aided by a clever system that brakes the inside wheels in order to hold a tighter line through corners. The steering – while quite light in weight – is positive and direct and gives you plenty of confidence when it comes to placing the car on a narrow road. What’s more, the brake pedal has been specially tuned to give the best possible feedback (often an Achilles heel in EVs) and the results are impressive.

Adventurous drivers will no doubt enjoy the Alpine Telemetrics service that gives live performance data for the car, as well as giving you tips on how to get the most out of the A290’s handling. There’s even a ‘challenges’ section, that rewards you with bronze, silver and gold medals for achieving certain tasks such as best 0-62mph time.

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We reckon Alpine has judged the performance of the A290 well. It’s quick, but not too fast and as such you can enjoy it at road speeds. However, for those after the traditional hot-hatch sensation of working a small engine as you run it through each gear, the A290’s EV powertrain may be a disappointingly sterile in comparison. There’s two generated sound offerings to increase engagement, but neither quite do the trick.

It must be said, however, that everyday driving manners are impressive. The suspension is firmer than a Renault 5, but not so much as to spoil the ride, plus refinement and usability (the A290 has a super-tight turning circle) are both accomplished.

What models and trims are available?

The A290 will be available with three primary trim levels – GT, GT Premium and GTS. The first two are 180hp only, while the latter is 220hp only. Standard kit on all versions is generous with 19-inch alloy wheels, heated sports seats, a Napa leather steering wheel, adaptive cruise control, reversing camera and wireless phone charging all included on the base GT car. A limited-run Premiere Edition car (only 1,955 will be made) will also be offered to early buyers.

What else should I know?

Alpine hasn’t confirmed pricing yet, but have given some approximate numbers – £33,500 for the GT, £36,500 for GT Premium, £38,000 for GTS and £39,000 for the Premiere Edidition. Orders open in 2025, with first deliveries in Spring.

Read on for the full Parkers verdict, and whether we think its a worthy hot hatch to tempt you away from the established opposition.