You are standing in front of a car that looks like it just drove off a rally stage from the 1970s. It is compact. It is wide. It is clearly built for speed. You are looking at the Alpine A290, the first ever 100% electric hot hatch from the legendary French brand Alpine. This vehicle is not just another boring electric commuter car.
It is a machine designed to make you smile every time you take a corner. First of all, you must understand that this car shares its bones with the new Renault 5 E-Tech, but it is a much more serious performance tool. The engineers at Alpine have worked their magic to turn a cute city car into a “track-ready” weapon.
The First Impression: Rally Style for the Modern Era
When you first see the Alpine A290, those four headlights immediately grab your attention. They have a distinct “X” shape inside them. This is a direct nod to the tape that rally drivers used to put on their lights back in the day. It looks aggressive and retro at the same time. You will notice the wide wheel arches that make the car look squat and powerful.
It is just under four metres long, which makes it perfect for nipping through city traffic. On top of that, the 19-inch alloy wheels come as standard across the whole range. The base GT model uses Snowflake wheels, while the higher trims get even more special designs.
The car has a raked stance that makes it look like it is ready to pounce. Additionally, the bodywork features deep side sills and a muscular rear end. You can choose from some very cool colors, including the classic Alpine Blue. If you want something even more unique, the Atelier Alpine customisation shop offers exclusive liveries like the “French Signature” with a tricolour stripe.
Stepping Inside: A Cockpit Built for You
You open the door and sit down in seats that feel like they are hugging you. In the Alpine A290 GTS, these are covered in soft Nappa leather with blue and grey tones. The steering wheel is the star of the show. It is a three-spoke design inspired by Formula 1®. It is flat-bottomed and feels thick in your hands.
You will see a bright red button labeled “OV” for Overboost. This is not a gimmick. You press it for a 10-second burst of maximum power and torque to help you overtake. There is also a blue rotary knob to adjust the regenerative braking.
The dashboard wraps around you like a fighter jet cockpit. You get a 10.1-inch central touchscreen that runs on Google software. This means you have Google Maps and Google Assistant built right in. It is fast. It is easy to use.
However, you also get physical switches for the climate control. This is a great choice because you do not have to dig through menus just to change the temperature. Similarly, the driver gets a crisp digital display that shows all the important stats.
Power and Performance: Which One Should You Choose?
You have two main power levels to think about. First of all, the GT and GT Premium models come with 180hp (130kW). This version can go from 0 to 62mph in 7.4 seconds. It feels nippy and linear in its power delivery. Later, if you want more speed, you can look at the GT Performance and GTS models. These versions have a more powerful motor producing 220hp (160kW). The 0-62mph sprint drops to just 6.4 seconds.
The torque is impressive at 221 lb ft (300 Nm) for the top models. This is what gives you that “shove” in the back when you floor the throttle. All models use a 52kWh usable battery. Therefore, the main difference is how that power is tuned. The 180hp models build speed smoothly. On the contrary, the 220hp models feel like proper electric hot hatches.
Handling: The “Go-Kart” Feel
You might have heard other brands claim their cars handle like a go-kart, but the Alpine A290 really tries to earn that title. The engineers have added hydraulic suspension bump stops. These help the car stay composed over big bumps and potholes. The track is wider than the standard Renault 5, and the steering rack is much faster. This means the car changes direction instantly when you flick the wheel.
On a twisty B-road, this car is a joy. You can feel the grip from the Michelin Pilot Sport tyres. The GTS model uses special Pilot Sport S 5 rubber for even more sticking power. Gradually, you realise that the car is very stable.
It uses clever tech to pinch the rear brakes to help you turn into corners more sharply. Plus, the One Pedal function lets you drive using mostly just the accelerator. You press down to go and lift off to slow down to a full stop. It makes city driving very easy.
Range and Charging: Real World Numbers
You need to know how far you can go on a charge. The official WLTP range for the GT model is 236 miles. The more powerful GTS has a slightly lower range of 226 miles. However, real-world driving is usually different. In cold weather or on the motorway, you should expect around 180 to 200 miles. Alpine has an online alpine a290 configurator that can help you simulate your range based on temperature and speed.
Charging is pretty quick. You can use a 100kW DC fast charger to go from 15% to 80% in about 30 minutes. That is just enough time to grab a coffee and a snack. For home charging, an 11kW AC unit will fill the battery in about 5 hours and 45 minutes. A standard 7kW home wallbox will take a bit longer, around 8 hours and 30 minutes.
Practicality: Is It a Good Daily Driver?
You have to be realistic about space. Up front, there is plenty of room for two adults. However, the rear seats are very cramped. It is a five-door car, so getting in is easy, but six-footers will struggle for legroom in the back. One very strange thing is the total lack of cup holders. Alpine replaced the cup holders with the gear selector buttons from the A110 sports car. It looks cool, but you will have nowhere to put your morning latte.
The boot is actually quite good for a car this size. You get 326 litres of space. That is more than you get in a Mini Electric or an Abarth 500e. It is deep and can hold a couple of medium suitcases. Additionally, the rear seats fold down to give you up to 1,106 litres of total capacity. Plus, you get plenty of safety tech. The car has a 4-star Euro NCAP rating. It comes with automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, and driver fatigue monitoring.
The Alpine A290 Review: What Do the Experts Say?
In almost every alpine a290 review, drivers praise the car for being “easy to live with”. It is comfortable enough to drive every day, unlike some harsh sports cars. Sam Sheehan noted that the entry-level GT feels special even though it has less power. Darren Cassey mentioned that it is “fantastic around town” because it is so small and agile.
Some critics have said it is not a huge leap in performance over the Renault 5. However, the consensus is that the extra style and the improved handling make it worth the extra money. It is a “warm” hatch rather than a “burning hot” one, but it is still loads of fun.
Buying and Leasing: Finding the Best Deals
You are probably wondering about the cost. The Alpine A290 starts at roughly £32,000 after the government grant. The top-spec GTS model goes up to about £38,000. This makes it cheaper than a Mini JCW Electric but more expensive than the standard Renault 5.
You should look for alpine a290 lease deals if you want to keep your monthly payments low. Some deals start from around £360 per month. Finally, you can use the alpine a290 lease options to get into a new car every few years. It is a smart way to enjoy the latest EV tech without worrying about the car’s value dropping over time.
The Ultimate Track Weapon: Alpine A290 Rallye
If you are a hardcore enthusiast, you need to know about the A290 Rallye. This is a dedicated competition version for customer racing. It is hand-assembled in France. It features a welded FIA safety rollcage and Sabelt racing seats. The price for this beast starts at €61,490 before taxes. It is a sign that Alpine is very serious about its motorsport heritage.
The Rallye version uses a ZF limited slip differential to help put the power down on rough surfaces. It also has a hydraulic handbrake, which is essential for rally driving. First of all, this car proves that electric power can work in the world of motorsport. It is the start of a whole new era for the brand.
Summary of Trims and Specs
- GT: 180hp, 236-mile range, 19-inch wheels, heated seats.
- GT Premium: 180hp, Nappa leather, heated steering wheel, Devialet sound system.
- GT Performance: 220hp, 226-mile range, Michelin Pilot Sport 5S tyres, red brake calipers.
- GTS: 220hp, the full kit, top-spec interior and performance.
Why the Alpine A290 Matters
You are seeing the birth of a new kind of car. The world is moving away from petrol hot hatches like the Ford Fiesta ST. Therefore, we need cars like the Alpine A290 to keep the spirit of fun alive. It is stylish. It is quick. It is full of character. Plus, it is electric, so you can drive it into any clean air zone without paying a penny.
The Alpine A290 GTS is the pick of the range if you want the best performance. It looks “wicked” on the road and will definitely turn heads. Gradually, more people will realise that electric cars do not have to be boring SUVs. This is a car for people who actually love driving.
FAQ’s
What is the Alpine A290 and when will it be released?
The Alpine A290 is an electric hot hatch based on the Renault 5. It was revealed in 2024 and is available for order now, with deliveries happening throughout 2025 and 2026.
What are the key specifications of the Alpine A290?
It features a 52kWh battery and offers either 180hp or 220hp. The top speed is up to 106mph, and it can reach 62mph in as little as 6.4 seconds. It weighs about 1,479kg to 1,554kg.
Is the Alpine A290 a fully electric vehicle?
Yes, it is a 100% battery electric vehicle (BEV). It does not have a petrol engine.
What is the expected price of the Alpine A290?
Prices start at approximately £32,000 for the base GT model (including the UK EV grant) and go up to around £38,000 for the top GTS trim.
How does the Alpine A290 compare to other electric hot hatches?
It is more practical than a Mini Electric because it has five doors and a larger boot. It is more comfortable than the Mini but slightly less powerful than the Abarth 600e.
What features and technology are included in the Alpine A290?
It includes an F1-inspired steering wheel with an “Overtake” boost button, a 10.1-inch Google-based infotainment system, hydraulic suspension bump stops, and a “One Pedal” driving function.
What is the driving range of the Alpine A290 on a full charge?
The official WLTP range is between 226 and 236 miles. Real-world range is typically around 180 to 200 miles depending on driving conditions.
Concluding Words
The Alpine A290 is a bold step into the future for a brand built on racing history. It combines retro rally style with modern electric tech and a focus on pure driving pleasure.
While it lacks some practical touches like cup holders and rear legroom, it makes up for it with a high-quality interior and sharp handling. It is an exciting, stylish, and agile hot hatch that proves the electric era can still be fun for car enthusiasts.
