Alpine A290 Review – Can This Electric Hot Hatch Bring Back the Fun?
The Alpine A290 is not just a reworked Renault 5—it’s Alpine’s first full-electric car and only their second model after the critically acclaimed A110 sports coupe. Designed to bring some flair back to the shrinking hot hatch segment, the A290 aims to blend daily usability with a playful spirit. Available in two versions—the 178bhp GT (£33,500) and the more potent 217bhp GTS (£37,500)—this front-wheel-drive EV is more about finesse than raw speed. While its 0–62 mph sprint of 6.4 seconds may not seem impressive in a world of electric rockets, the A290 instead banks on driver engagement and clever engineering to win enthusiasts over.
Despite its sub-4-meter length, the A290 is both wider and taller than cars like the Audi S3, yet it doesn’t translate into more cabin space. Alpine has opted to prioritize handling and dynamics, offering components like Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres, hydraulic bump stops, upgraded suspension geometry, and track-enhancing tweaks over pure power. Underneath, the A290 shares its electric platform and 52kWh battery with the Renault 5 E-Tech, but Alpine has gone the extra mile by tuning anti-roll bars, adding sportier dampers, and incorporating a torque management system that mimics the behavior of a mechanical limited-slip differential.
Visually, the A290 retains some of the Renault 5’s proportions, but builds on it with aggressive, motorsport-inspired details: four-beam headlights that evoke rally legends, flared arches, bold spoilers, and bespoke 19-inch wheels in either retro 'iconic' or snowflake design. The result is a car that looks assertive, though some might argue it lacks the R5’s visual clarity and retro simplicity. Inside, the cabin is a mix of premium materials and quirky touches. You’ll find Alcantara-trimmed sports seats, ambient lighting, and a well-integrated dual-screen setup combining a 10.25-inch instrument cluster and a 10.1-inch infotainment screen. While the materials feel upscale—especially in the GTS—some Stellantis-sourced plastics and missing amenities like cup holders betray its economy-car roots.
But what really matters is how it drives. While the A290 doesn’t offer neck-snapping performance, it delivers enough punch to make everyday driving enjoyable. It may not have the drama of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N or the torque of the Mini JCW EV, but Alpine has focused on giving the A290 genuine character. Features like a four-stage regen system—accessible via a steering wheel dial—along with a novelty 'OV' button that delivers immediate full-throttle response, add playful touches. There’s even a telemetry suite hidden in the menus, with G-force readouts, track challenges, and oversteer coaching for those who want to push their driving skills.
On the road, the A290 rewards committed driving. The chassis feels taut and agile, and although the steering lacks feedback, it’s responsive enough to encourage spirited cornering. Throttle modulation can induce slight lift-off rotation in corners, reminiscent of classic hot hatches. The ride quality is composed thanks to the hydraulic bump stops, and even during aggressive driving, the car remains composed. Brake-by-wire technology borrowed from the A110 delivers progressive, confident stopping power, blending regen and friction braking seamlessly—an area where many EVs fall short.
When it comes to practicality, the A290 does okay for a car of its size. Rear legroom is tight, especially with taller front passengers, and the boot, while not especially deep, offers decent volume at 326 litres. The sound system—Devialet in higher trims—packs a serious punch, and software features like integrated Google Maps with route-based charging suggestions make it surprisingly usable as a commuter. Vehicle-to-grid (V2G) functionality through energy partners like Octopus adds more appeal for eco-conscious drivers.
Pricing is competitive for a premium electric hatch. The 178bhp GT starts at £33,500, while the better-equipped GT Performance version (our pick) includes 19-inch wheels, heated sports seats, adaptive cruise control, and wireless phone charging for £36,000. The GTS at £37,500 adds even more, and a limited-run Premiere Edition is available for £38,500. Even fully loaded, the A290 undercuts larger EVs like the Ioniq 5 N while offering a far more intimate, engaging drive.
Ultimately, the Alpine A290 is a commendable attempt at reinvigorating the hot hatch genre for the electric age. It’s not perfect—the steering could use more feel, and the performance might not thrill power junkies—but it offers a rare mix of handling charm, tech integration, and everyday usability. It might not carry the same rawness as the Renaultsport Clio of old, but it’s got enough spark to win over a new generation of enthusiasts looking for fun behind the wheel without breaking the bank—or the speed limit.
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