Set to debut at the end of 2024, the Alpine A290 is poised to redefine the electric hot hatch segment with its impressive power and sporty details. Offering up to 218 horsepower, a 0-100 km/h acceleration in 6.4 seconds, and a range of up to 380 kilometers, this compact French car is packed with character both inside and out.
Challenges of a Legendary Successor
Being the successor to the legendary Renault 5 is no easy task. The Renault 5, a youngtimer that became an icon of its era, represents the golden years of the French automotive industry. Enthusiasts were certainly hoping for a petrol version, especially from the Alpine variant. However, laws are laws, and all European manufacturers are gearing up for the full electric transition by 2035. This shift forces everyone to move to electric, updating their most popular models almost exclusively to electric variants.
Alpine A290 Exterior
The A290 stands out with its striking X-shaped lights, reminiscent of rally cars. These headlights perform a welcoming sequence when the driver approaches with the Keycard Handsfree. The bodywork has been widened by 60 mm, now measuring 1.82 meters in width, with black elements added to the wheel arches. Additionally, sportier bumpers have increased the overall length to 3.99 meters compared to the Renault 5’s 3.92 meters. Standard features include 19″ wheels with specially developed Michelin tires and a Brembo braking system with red or blue calipers, depending on the customer’s preference.
Dimensions Comparison A290 vs Renault 5
| Feature | Alpine A290 | Renault 5 E-Tech |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 3,990 mm | 3,922 mm |
| Width | 1,820 mm | 1,774 mm |
| Height | 1,520 mm | 1,498 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,530 mm | 2,540 mm |
| Trunk Capacity | 326-1,106 L | 326 L |
Alpine A290 Interior
The interior of the A290 echoes the Renault 5 with a 10.25″ digital instrument panel and a 10.1″ central display slightly tilted towards the driver. The cabin exudes a sporty feel, featuring a nappa leather steering wheel with a flat bottom and a white marker at the 12 o’clock position, typical of high-performance cars. The right spoke of the steering wheel houses the “OV” button, which boosts power for about 10 seconds. The driving mode selector at the bottom allows choices among Save, Normal, Sport, and Perso (personalized settings). The interior is further refined with white and blue leather upholstery and a distinctive gear selector with four controls in the central tunnel.
Infotainment and Telemetry
The A290 features an infotainment system powered by Android Automotive, with a special audio system developed by Devialet boasting nine speakers. It also includes Alpine Telemetrics, displaying metrics such as G-forces and lap times. For electric vehicle enthusiasts, the touchscreen shows critical information like battery, motor, and brake temperatures, particularly useful during charging and sporty driving.
The “Overtake” Button: A Bold Choice
And here is something new that stands out immediately: the “Overtake” button. It may seem like a fun feature, reminiscent of the turbo button in video games or the KERS system from past Formula 1 cars. However, it’s a bit unusual when you think about it. By pressing it, you get ONLY 10 seconds of boost, meaning the car will deliver around 220 horsepower as specified during the presentation, while in sport mode, the available horsepower is around 190. It’s unclear if this is to prevent the car from overheating or simply a marketing gimmick to boost range “on paper.” For us, it remains a borderline choice.
Battery and Motors
Built on the AmpR Small platform (formerly CMF-B-EV), the A290 offers two power variants, both front-wheel drive: 178 horsepower and 218 horsepower. The battery, with a capacity of 52 kWh, provides an estimated range of 380 kilometers in mixed WLTP conditions. Fast charging capabilities allow the battery to go from 15% to 80% in about 30 minutes using direct current (DC) up to 100 kW, with an alternating current (AC) charger offering up to 11 kW.
Technical Specifications
| Model | Alpine A290 130 kW | Alpine A290 160 kW |
|---|---|---|
| Drive | FWD 130 kW | FWD 160 kW |
| 0-100 km/h | Not disclosed | 6.4 seconds |
| Battery Capacity | 52 kWh | 52 kWh |
| Max Charging Power | 11 kW (AC) / 100 kW (DC) | 11 kW (AC) / 100 kW (DC) |
| DC Charging Time | 30 minutes (15-80%) | 30 minutes (15-80%) |
| DC Charging Speed | 1.1 kWh/min | 1.1 kWh/min |
| Range | approx. 380 km | approx. 380 km |
Pricing and Trims
While the exact pricing for the Alpine A290 has not been announced, it is expected to start higher than the current Renault 5’s €32,900. However, the French manufacturer has indicated that the lineup will consist of four versions.
The base GT version is available only with the 178 horsepower engine. Following that are the GT Premium (also with 178 horsepower) and the GT Performance (only with 218 horsepower). The top of the range is represented by the GTS with 218 horsepower.
First and foremost, however, the market launch will feature the Premiere Edition in three color variants, with a total of 1,955 units planned (a number that recalls the year Alpine was founded).
The Alpine A290 is a testament to Alpine’s dedication to blending heritage with modern innovation. As the electric successor to the iconic Renault 5, it promises to deliver an exhilarating driving experience with advanced technology and stylish design. With its official launch set for late 2024, the A290 is poised to become a standout in the electric hot hatch market, appealing to enthusiasts and new-generation drivers alike.