We tested the Alpine A290, a fun, sporty version of the Renault 5.

hot hatchback leading the renaissance hand in hand with electric mobility. Models such as the new Lancia Ypsilon HF and MINI Cooper JCW demonstrate that the classic recipe of a small SUV with higher-performance manuals and sportier trim is more relevant than ever, even in the age of electric vehicles.

Renault has a long history of making cars of this type: from the original R5 Alpine and Alpine Turbo, Supercinco GT Turbo and Clio Williams to the Clio RS saga, the French group has a commendable reputation behind it. bomber boots that for decades there have been authentic links in European segment B.

The new Alpine A290 is the latest member of this illustrious family. Just like The first Alpine A106 from 1955 was based on the Renault 4CV.a beginner starts with R5. What is your goal? Proving that an electric car can also be a lot of fun to drive.

To assess whether this little giant killer delivers what it promises, we took it under our control during its international presentation in Mallorca, where We had the opportunity to drive it on both winding mountain roads and highways..

Alpine A290: R5 on steroids

The A290 is a car. slightly larger than R5: dimensions 3.99 meters long (+7 cm), height 1.52 meters (+2 cm) and width 1.82 meters (+6 cm), wheelbase 2.53 meters (-1 cm). It also comes with 19-inch wheels instead of its sibling’s 18-inch ones.

Although it retains characteristic elements such as trapezoidal headlights or vertical taillights, it has a distinctive body kit that includes additional headlights with X Light inscriptionas well as more voluminous bumpers with air curtains sides and an air intake whose grille resembles the shape of a snowflake.

The rear doors have a rib that imitates the air intakes of the legendary mid-engine fat-assed R5 Turbo. The tailgate molding gives way to a discreet ducktail spoiler.which complements the large diffuser. Two wheel designs are available, inspired by the 1971 A310 and Snowflake respectively.

The instrument panel is basically the same as the R5. As such, most of the plastic used is hard, although the soft ‘shelf’ of the front panel provides an added bonus of perceived quality. The three-spoke steering wheel is specific. and has three additional controls: RCH (Reloadto regulate the level of preservation of regenerative braking), OB (overtake) and driving mode switch.

The center console, like the A110, is raised and has three gear selector buttons that disappear from the steering column. The seats are taken again from the R5which is not necessarily a bad thing as they are comfortable and provide good lateral grip. Of course, in the lowest position, second-row passengers will not be able to put their feet under them. The 277-litre boot is small in absolute terms, but quite large in relation to the size of the car.

The 10.25-inch digital instrument panel features custom graphics and The Alpine Portal multimedia system is based on the Android Automotive OS.. The response of the 10.1-inch touchscreen is convincing; In addition, the user has at his disposal functions such as Google Maps (with built-in route planner) or Google Assistant.

Unlike the R5, the A290 does not come with Reno’s smart assistant or ChatGPT technology. In exchange, adds Alpine Telemetrics featurecreated specifically for sports driving enthusiasts. It includes Live Data (driving data), Coaching (recommendations to improve our driving) and Challenges (a series of video game-like challenges based on three themes: agility, strength and resistance).

Driving an Alpine A290

Our protagonist is based on the AmpR Small platform from the Renault Group. It is front wheel drive, available with two power levels: 180 hp (130 kW) and 220 hp (160 kW)marking distances with the 150 hp R5 engine. (110 kW). Acceleration to 100 km/h takes 7.4 and 6.4 seconds respectively, and top speed is 160 and 170 km/h.

The 52 kWh battery consists of NCM (nickel, cobalt, manganese) cells and provides cruising range 380 km according to WLTPwhich is slightly lower than Renault’s 410 km WLTP. As for charging, it reaches a maximum of 11 kW on AC and 100 kW on DC (15-80% in 30 minutes).

Alpine did an exceptional job tuning the car. The R5 itself is a very good base to work from as it has very quick steering and multi-link rear axle

; However, the changes made by Norman take the A290 to a completely different level.

The suspension has progressive hydraulic stops and special anti-roll bars. The car looks nimble, responsive and very balanced.; It’s also less dry than the R5, resulting in surprisingly high driving comfort. Although at nearly 1,500kg it doesn’t feel particularly light, body movements are effectively controlled.

Although the steering feels a bit filtered, the A290 is decidedly fun and playful. System Alpine Torque technologywhich simulates the operation of a limited-slip differential, seeks to prevent the front axle from being overloaded with the power and torque of the electric motor. Although softened by the work and grace of the electronics responsible for braking a wheel that has lost traction, this effect, so typical of front-wheel drive electric vehicles, is still present.

Throttle response is progressive; except, He overtake allows you to extract maximum mechanical performance in 10 seconds (yes, it needs to be charged for 30 seconds after that). Apart from using the bright red button on the steering wheel, this video game feature can be activated if we kick down with accelerator.

There are four driving modes (Save, Normal, Sport and Perso). He also has launch control achieve brilliant standing starts, but in practice its use does not make a noticeable difference.

The braking system deserves special mention, as it is excellent in both power and stability. The 4-piston front monobloc calipers and 320mm discs are taken from the A110.; Moreover, since this is a system by wirePedal feel remains consistent throughout its travel, avoiding the typical effect of other electric vehicles when transitioning from regenerative to mechanical braking.

During our contact, we drove a 100-kilometer route, which included sections of sports driving on mountain roads, as well as several kilometers of highway at a speed of 120 km/h. Average consumption was 17.5 kWh/100 km.a very reasonable figure considering the profile of the route.

Assortment and prices

The Alpine A290 offer consists of four versions: G.T. (from 38,700 euros), GT performance (from 41,900 euros), GT Premium (from 42,800 euros) and GTS (from 45,600 euros), in addition to the special edition Premier version (from 46,200 euros). Limited to 1,955 pieces (the year the brand was born), the latter can be chosen in three colors: Beta (based on the 2023 A290_β prototype), La Bleue and La Grise.

The GT is equipped with a 180 hp engine, while the GT Performance and GT Premium complement each other: the former is more performance-oriented (220 hp engine, Michelin Pilot Sport 5 tires, red brake calipers…) , and the second is more luxurious (180 hp engine, Devialet audio system, heated steering wheel, wireless charging for smartphones…). The GTS combines GT Performance mechanics with GT Premium equipment..

Conclusions

So our first test of the new Alpine A290 took place. So, all that remains is to answer the question we asked ourselves at the beginning of the article: is this a fun electric car? The answer is a resounding yes.as its setup is great and allows the driver to control the car without causing any demands or discomfort.

To this we must add its striking aesthetics make it the center of attention wherever it goes.as well as extensive standard equipment that includes items such as full LED lights, a heat pump, adaptive cruise control and V2L bi-directional charging (Vehicle to load) and V2G (Vehicle to network). Although this is not a cheap car, the truth is that today it is not. hot hatchback It is there, be it thermal or electrical.