Listen to the audio version of the article
The A290 is the first 100% electric Alpine and represents the first model of the Dream Garage that the Renault Group sports brand plans to fill soon with the A390 sportback sedan (from 2025) and then with the new A110 in both coupé and spider versions. We start with the small four-metre hot hatch built on the same AmpR Small platform as the new Renault 5 with which it shares several components, as well as the unmistakable shape. The new entry model into the world of the French sports brand aesthetically reinterprets the stylistic features that made the success of the A110. It also tries to restore the pleasant sensations felt behind the wheel of the small coupé that marked the birth of the brand, even if in an electric key. Like all Alpines, the A290 is compact, light (1,479 kg), agile and agile, with easily usable performance, but maintains a level of comfort that allows you to use it every day without returning home with back pain.
Alpine A290, street photos of the new electric sports car
Photogallery25 foto
View
Just like the A106 born from the 4 hp, starting from the AmpR Small platform, the A290 was developed in perfect Alpine style: starting from an existing base Rédélé changed the engine, added unique technologies, exclusive suspensions, upgraded braking system, larger tires and torque management specific, fine-tuning the chassis with the talent of Alpine engineers. A cocktail that offers performance that is among the best in the segment, with power of 180 or 220 horsepower, torque of 300 Nm, a sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 6″4 and a weight of just 1,479 kg.
With a design “loaded” with specific details, advanced technical features, connectivity and various possibilities for customizing driving modes, the A290 is the first new generation Alpine, designed for the electric era. It was conceived to conquer a new performance-oriented clientele attracted by sporty design. Tracks 60 mm wider than the R5 increase the width to 1,820 mm, the same length of 3,990 mm and 1,520 in height, with a wheelbase of 2,530 mm, the A290 promises – even when stationary – Rédélé-like performance. In fact, when driving on the road and on the track, the A290 proves to be quite snappy for a small car. The shot from a standstill is not like a catapult, but reflects the available cavalry and the mass which, although contained, still approaches 15 quintals, for a less than flattering weight/power ratio of 6.7 kg/hp. The set-up is solid and the steering is direct, while the dynamic behavior is rather understeering despite the good distribution of masses: 57% in front and 43% in the rear. Braking is intense and well modulated thanks to the Brembo by-wire system with generous 320 mm discs at the front and 288 mm at the rear and four-piston monobloc calipers and exemplary grip on dry surfaces thanks to the Pilot Sport 5 S tires specially developed by Michelin with marking specifies A29. The 180 horsepower GT version is equipped with Pilot Sport EVs and there is also a dedicated winter Pilot Alpin 5, again on 19-inch wheels.
As on all Alpines, the light signature is made up of four headlights, but on the A290 they are square with a cross design reminiscent of rally cars. In the cockpit you can breathe sportiness in an exclusive environment, typical of the Alpine world, with Deep Blue shades and soft-touch materials. The impressive driver-oriented digital screen includes the 10″1 digital dashboard and the 10″25 touch screen infotainment based on the Android operating system. In the middle, at the top, the engine start button hidden by the crown of the rounded and almost baroque steering wheel covered in Alcantara. Three buttons stand out: the one for choosing the four driving modes at the bottom right, a blue rotor on the left to adjust the regenerative braking to three positions and the red button at the top called “OV” (overtake, overtaking) which releases all horses available. The same result is achieved with the “kick-down” by placing the foot on the accelerator pedal. There are no paddles behind the steering wheel which would also have proved practical for regulating the intensity of energy recovery during release or, better yet, for managing a virtual gearbox simulated via software as on the Ioniq 5 N. But none of this: the the choice was to completely break away in the transition to electric which however offers much less emotion than the Alpines of the past. The sound of the A290 is a hiss taken from the electric hum of the engine, cleaned and corrected, amplifying the most pleasant harmonics and eliminating annoying frequencies.
With its generous miniskirts, widened wheel arches and Alpine branding everywhere, the A290 satisfies more for aesthetics than for substance, but retains a city character with four doors, five seats, a 326-litre boot and a turning circle of just over 10 metres.
Introducing the Alpine A290: A Sparkling New Electric Hot Hatch!
Well, well, well! If it isn’t the fairly handsome A290, making its debut as the first *100% electric* model from the iconic Alpine brand. And can I just say, this little beauty is vying for a spot in the ever-elusive “Dream Garage” that Renault is planning to fill! With future introductions like the A390 sporting sedan arriving in 2025, it’s the A290 that’s stealing our attention today, like a cat burglar in a French car museum.
Now, let’s break this down. The A290 is built on the AmpR Small platform and what does that mean? It means it’s sharing some under-the-hood secrets with the Renault 5—yep! It’s a bit like when you and your mate wear matching shirts, but we all know who’s pulling off that look better. With a cheeky length of just four meters, the A290 embraces compactness in a way that screams: “I can zip around town while still looking fabulously sporty!” And let’s not forget its shape—an aesthetic nod to its older cousin, the A110—because if you’re gonna copy someone, why not do it well?
Alpine A290: Street Photos of the New Electric Sports Car
Photogallery25 photos
This charming little hatch packs quite the punch, weighing in at just 1,479 kg. For a vehicle that promising impossibilities, it’ll still have you rolling into the office without that post-drive back pain. It’s remarkable, isn’t it? In a world where comfort often comes second to performance, here’s Alpine saying, “Why not have both?” It’s like finding out that your treadmill can also serve you a three-course meal.
Despite being electric, the A290 doesn’t skimp on the fun! Available with either 180 or 220 horsepower—that’s right, the horsepower isn’t a typo. Undoubtedly, there’s some serious science behind the A290’s performance! With torque maxing out at 300 Nm and a 0 to 100 km/h sprint taking just 6.4 seconds, it’s like a small catapult—although let’s not get too carried away. Precision takes precedence here, folks, and with a weight-to-power ratio of 6.7 kg/hp, we’re talking about a set-up that balances performance with a hint of gym trainer advice: no pain, no gain!
The A290 is as sleek as they come, boasting a design “loaded” with details that even a minimalist would find hard to ignore. The headlights, with their square cross designs, make it look a bit like it’s ready to take on a rally course rather than your average grocery run. And what’s inside? Oh, just a cock-pit that could double as a spaceship for all it offers—like a 10.1″ digital dashboard and a 10.25″ touchscreen. And yes, there’s a fancy start button that’s hidden, giving it a vibe of: “Only the worthy shall ignite this beauty.”
In true Alpine style, the A290 doesn’t shy away from personalisation, either. With four driving modes and a special red button titled “OV” (overtake, obviously!), it’s like having a cheat code tucked away just in case the snail in front of you doesn’t get the memo about it being 2023. However, while we’re running on electric dreams here, the lack of paddles behind the steering wheel is a bit like forgetting the chocolate sprinkles on your ice cream—where’s the fun in that?
The stance of the A290 is oh-so-sporty with wider tracks and tires that are like Michelin’s finest—they even got a special badge just for this model! Talk about dedication!
In conclusion, the Alpine A290 seems poised to draw a new generation of drivers who still adore sportiness but want to put the “electric” in “electric personality.” Sure, it might not sound like a throaty beast from the past, but its minimalistic hum is a reminder of the times we live in. So if you’re ready to add a dash of French flair to your driving experience, dear reader, now’s the time to buckle up! It looks like we have a dazzling new contender on the road, attempting to steal our hearts and redefine hot hatches—a mission that anyone can get behind!
Listen to the audio version of the article
The A290 marks a significant milestone as the inaugural fully electric offering from Alpine, serving as the cornerstone of the Renault Group’s sports brand’s ambitious Dream Garage initiative. Notably, the A290 will soon be complemented by the anticipated A390 sportback sedan debuting in 2025, followed by updates to the renowned A110 in both coupé and spider variants. This small, nimble hatchback stretches to just four meters and is constructed upon the cutting-edge AmpR Small platform, which it shares with the stylish new Renault 5. The aesthetic design of the A290 creatively reinterprets the iconic features that propelled the A110’s legendary status within the automotive realm. With the infusion of electric technology, the A290 strives to evoke the thrilling sensations experienced behind the wheel of the original A110 coupé, reinstating that exhilarating connection with driving enthusiasts.
Alpine A290, street photos of the new electric sports car
Photogallery25 foto
View
Building on the celebrated legacy of the A106, which once boasted a mere 4 horsepower, the A290 has been meticulously crafted under the Alpine ethos, emphasizing performance and innovation. With the foundation laid on the AmpR Small platform, the Alpine engineers have skillfully transformed an existing architecture by integrating a powerful electric drivetrain, bespoke suspension systems, advanced braking components, wider tires, and precise torque management features. This potent combination results in impressive performance metrics, delivering options with power outputs of 180 or 220 horsepower, an exhilarating torque of 300 Nm, and an impressive acceleration benchmark from 0 to 100 km/h achieved in a brisk 6.4 seconds, all while maintaining an agile weight of just 1,479 kg.
The design of the A290 is enriched with a plethora of unique details, cutting-edge technical functionalities, enhanced connectivity options, and a suite of customizable driving mode selections, establishing it as the first new-generation Alpine tailored for the electric vehicle era. The specifications reveal a broader stance, with tracks widened by 60 mm compared to the R5, resulting in a substantial width of 1,820 mm, while retaining an overall length of 3,990 mm and a height of 1,520 mm; the wheelbase measures a sprightly 2,530 mm. The A290 delivers a performance demeanor reminiscent of its distinguished predecessors, demonstrating remarkable agility both on the open road and race tracks. While not achieving takeoff-like acceleration, its performance adequately reflects both the available power and its relatively contained mass, though the weight-to-power ratio of 6.7 kg/hp may leave enthusiasts yearning for a bit more punch. The suspension configuration is robust, the steering response is direct, and the overall dynamic characteristics exhibit a level of understeering, notwithstanding its well-distributed weight offering 57% at the front and 43% at the rear. The braking performance, featuring a Brembo by-wire system complemented by generous 320 mm front and 288 mm rear discs, ensures confident stopping power aided by four-piston monobloc calipers. With specially developed Michelin Pilot Sport 5 S tires bearing the A29 markings, the A290 achieves exceptional grip on dry surfaces. The 180 horsepower GT variant comes equipped with Pilot Sport EVs and offers the option for winter tires with the dedicated Pilot Alpin 5, fitted on striking 19-inch rims.
Echoing the visual language of its lineage, the A290’s distinctive light signature incorporates four headlights transformed into a square shape adorned with a cross motif, paying homage to rally car aesthetics. Inside the cabin, an undeniable sporting atmosphere prevails, characterized by exclusive materials enveloped in deep blue tones, further enhancing the Alpine experience. Highlighting the driver-oriented cockpit is a sophisticated digital display, featuring a commanding 10.1-inch dashboard alongside a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen powered by the versatile Android operating system. At the helm, an unassuming engine start button nestles within the ornate crown of the Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel, while three pivotal buttons command attention: the driving mode selector, a blue rotor for regenerative braking adjustments, and a striking red button labeled “OV” (overtake) that unleashes maximum power with a simple press. The same exhilarating output can also be achieved through the “kick-down” method by flooring the accelerator pedal. Although lacking paddles behind the steering wheel for intuitive regenerative braking management or virtual gearbox simulation akin to the Ioniq 5 N, this decision supports a clean break with traditional powertrains. In exchange, the A290 emits an electric hum as its only auditory signature, meticulously refined to highlight pleasant harmonics while minimizing any disruptive frequencies.
Boasting pronounced miniskirts, broadened wheel arches, and the unmistakable Alpine branding, the A290 captivates with its striking aesthetics while maintaining practicality suited for urban environments. It comfortably accommodates five passengers, features four doors for easy access, offers a generous 326-litre boot capacity, and boasts a nimble turning radius of just over 10 metres.
Sign elements that convey a modern yet dynamic feel. The cockpit is tech-savvy, featuring a 10.1-inch digital dashboard paired with a 10.25-inch touchscreen that seamlessly merges both functionality and style. With an emphasis on driver engagement, the interior layout prioritizes intuitive controls and advanced connectivity options, making every ride not just about getting from point A to B, but about enjoying the journey along the way.
The A290 isn’t just about performance; it embodies a lifestyle, one that appeals to both driving enthusiasts and those keen on eco-friendliness. Personalization takes center stage with options for different driving modes, ensuring that whether you’re cruising through city streets or navigating twisty back roads, there’s a setting that suits your mood. The special ”OV” button for overtaking adds a touch of excitement, hinting at the playful spirit that defines this electric hot hatch.
With its wide stance, agile nature, and a combination of innovative technology and classic design cues, the Alpine A290 sets itself apart in a crowded market. It’s a vehicle designed for the modern driver—those who seek thrills but with a conscience, proving that performance and sustainability can indeed go hand in hand. As it prepares to hit the streets, the A290 is more than a car; it’s a statement of intent from Alpine, blending their rich heritage with a future-oriented approach.
the Alpine A290 is poised to redefine what it means to be a hot hatch in this electric era. With performance, style, and a commitment to eco-friendly driving, it promises to capture the hearts and minds of enthusiasts and everyday drivers alike. As we wait for its release, one can’t help but feel excited about this innovative leap into a new chapter for Alpine. Buckle up; this is just the beginning!