The veil has finally lifted on the highly anticipated Alpine A290, a potent electric hot hatch that promises to inject a jolt of excitement into the burgeoning EV market. This isn't your average grocery-getter with a battery pack – the Alpine A290 boasts a lineage steeped in motorsport heritage, aiming to deliver adrenaline-pumping thrills alongside everyday practicality.
A Storied Legacy Electrified
Alpine, a French automaker renowned for its lightweight sports cars and rally dominance, isn't new to pushing boundaries. The A110, their iconic mid-engined marvel, has carved a niche for itself with its agility and driving dynamics. The A290 takes that very DNA and injects a healthy dose of electric power, creating a new chapter in the brand's illustrious history.
Drawing Inspiration from Renault's Expertise
The A290 isn't built in a vacuum. It leverages the Renault 5 E-Tech platform, a well-regarded electric hatchback. This provides a solid foundation, but Alpine engineers haven't simply slapped a new badge on an existing car. The A290 has been extensively reworked to deliver a distinct Alpine experience.
Two Flavors of Electric Fury
Powering the A290 are two electric motor options. The base model packs a punch with a 180 horsepower (hp) electric motor driving the front wheels. This translates to a respectable 0-60 mph time of 7.4 seconds, making it a sprightly performer for city commutes and spirited drives.
Craving a bit more muscle? The range-topping A290 bumps the power output to a thrilling 220 hp. This translates to a scorching 0-60 mph time of just 6.4 seconds, putting it squarely in the realm of true hot hatches.
Taking on the Hot Hatch Champions
With its impressive performance figures, the A290 throws down the gauntlet to established hot hatch players like the Hyundai i20 N and Volkswagen Polo GTI. It undercuts both by a tenth of a second in the 0-60 mph dash, solidifying its claim as a serious contender.
Designed to Thrill
The A290 isn't just about raw power. Alpine's design team has crafted a head-turning exterior that blends the brand's signature style cues with a modern, electric aesthetic. The front features sleek LED headlights flanking a sporty Alpine emblem, while the iconic "Alpine swoosh" adorns the side profile.
The rear end boasts a muscular diffuser, hinting at the car's performance potential. Overall, the A290 strikes a balance between aggressive and sophisticated, a design language that perfectly complements its electric heart.
A Driver-Focused Interior
Step inside the A290, and you're greeted by a driver-centric cockpit that prioritizes control and engagement. The seats are bolstered to hold you firmly in place during spirited driving, while the steering wheel borrows inspiration from Alpine's Formula 1 experience.
The instrument cluster and infotainment system are lifted from the Renault 5 E-Tech, but Alpine adds a touch of bespoke flair with unique graphics and animations. Physical climate controls further enhance the driving experience, a welcome departure from the button overload found in some modern EVs.
A Dose of Motorsport Tech
Adding a playful touch and a true Alpine signature is the "Overtake" button. This ingenious feature grants drivers a temporary 10-second power boost, unleashing the full 300 Nm of torque for those exhilarating overtaking maneuvers. It's a motorsport-derived thrill for the everyday driver.
Range and Charging: Practical Considerations
While performance is a major focus, the A290 doesn't neglect practicality. Specific range figures haven't been officially revealed yet, but considering the Renault 5 E-Tech's capabilities, we can expect a range of around 230-250 miles on a single charge, which is perfectly adequate for most daily commutes and errands.
Charging options will likely include DC fast charging for quick top-ups on the go, along with Level 2 AC charging for convenient home charging.
