Should you buy one?

If you want a small, fun electric car – the Alpine A290 is worth your time. Its handling is a cut above rivals, it looks the part and the interior is a great place to sit. The decision not to include cupholders is an odd one as many buyers will find this a real hassle, but otherwise the A290 stands out because it offers an enjoyable, sporty experience without asking for much in the way of every day compromises.

Granted, the price tag may seem high to some, but it’s important to recognise it in the context of rising car prices – the smaller, slower Abarth 500e, for example, is barely any cheaper. The faster MG4 XPower, on the other hand, is nowhere near as good to drive, despite its killer acceleration.

If you’re intending to swap your petrol hot-hatch in for the A290, we would advise managing your expectations somewhat. The Alpine does feel heavier, plus there’s no engine or manual gearbox to engage with. As performance cars go, it’s a work in progress, but one that’s certainly got enough to offer in the here and now.