Alpine A290 first look: An EV hot hatch for petrolheads?

Following the success of the A110 sports car, Alpine’s new A290 is the firm’s difficult second album. Can the Renault 5-derived pocket rocket capture EV antagonists’ attention?

Feast your eyes on Alpine’s all-new, production-ready A290 hot hatch. Looks pretty similar to the flashy, blade-runner-esque concept we saw last year, right? Clearly the French brand has stuck to its word as all of our favourite pre-production design cues are present and correct in the finished product.

Though its lines are an obvious evolution of Renault’s new 5 — as previewed by Jonny earlier in the year — there’s plenty to separate this high-performance version from its more sedate origins.

The front end is bristling with hints of Alpine’s motorsport roots. Four lozenge-shaped headlights ape the Montecarlo lamps of historical rally racers, while a snowflake-style lower grille points to the frosted Alpine roads which gave the company its name.

Further cosmetic changes accommodate the A290’s heightened performance. Flared side skirts cover a 60mm wider track – benefiting handling but also making way for a larger 220-bhp motor borrowed from the Meganne and Scenic E-tech. Larger 19-inch wheels also house the same 320mm Brembo brakes found on the A110, and a choice of three different Michelin tyre options offer improvements in EV range, cold-weather performance, or all-out traction.

Sporty enhancements continue where the eye can’t see. A slew of A110-sourced chassis parts have been utilised on the A290 hatch – ensuring the new EV doesn’t dilute the brand’s reputation for supremely balanced handling. Most notably: hydraulic bump stops, aluminum knuckles, and new suspension bushings. 

Of course, many traditionalists will be too fixated on the new A290’s electric powerplant to notice all the blood sweat and tears invested in the chassis. From launch, Alpine’s hatch will sport either 180 or 220-bhp EV-only options. Thanks to the low 1450 kg kerbweight, this means a spritely 6.4 second 0-60 mph dash accompanied by Alpine’s augmented engine sounds to inject a welcome dose of drama to proceedings.  

Strangely, though it boasts a more premium feel than the Renault 5, Jonny admits that he prefers the quirky interior of the cheaper car – lipstick-shaped gear selector and all. But that’s not to say the A290’s cabin is unwelcoming. From the F1-inspired boost button to the nine-speaker Devialet audio system, there’s plenty to show for your extra outlay.  

But is it front or rear-wheel drive? What’s the driving range like? And is it as practical as the base model 5? Hit Jonny’s full review to find out.