Overview
The Alpine A290 is a compact, front-wheel-drive electric hot hatchback designed to inject genuine sporting intent and driving fun into the EV segment. Sharing its fundamental underpinnings with the retro-styled Renault 5 E-Tech, the A290 is built on the dedicated AmpR Small platform but has been heavily re-engineered by Alpine's performance division. Positioned as a premium, driver-focused pocket rocket, it aims to deliver the agile, grin-inducing characteristics of a classic petrol hot hatch with zero emissions, directly rivaling models like the MINI John Cooper Works Electric and Vauxhall Corsa GSE.
Design
The exterior of the A290 turns heads with its muscular, wide-body stance and aggressive rally car styling. It is instantly distinguishable from the Renault 5 by its widened tracks, which are stretched by 60mm to accommodate substantial 19-inch alloy wheels. The front fascia features Alpine's signature four-headlight layout with distinctive X-shaped daytime running lights that pay homage to classic rally stage tape. Deep side skirts, a prominent rear diffuser, and sharp aerodynamic bodywork across the bumpers emphasize its performance pedigree. Depending on the specification, the wheel choices include the retro-inspired 'Iconic' design, echoing the wedge-like Alpine A310 of the 1970s, or the intricate 'Snowflake' patterns.
Interior
Inside, the cabin blends everyday usability with distinct motorsport-inspired touches. Drivers sit lower than in the standard Renault 5, providing a more performance-oriented driving position. The center point of the interior is a flat-bottomed, Nappa leather sports steering wheel featuring a prominent, F1-inspired Overtake button for instant power bursts, alongside a rotary dial to adjust regenerative braking levels. The dashboard benefits from premium upgrades, including rich material finishes across the door panels. While the bolstered sports seats offer excellent support and come in Deep Blue fabric or dual-tone Nappa leather on higher trims, front visibility is clear, though thick rear pillars create noticeable blind spots when reversing. Infotainment is handled by a responsive 10.1-inch Alpine-Portal touchscreen utilizing integrated Google software, complemented by a crisp 10.3-inch digital driver display.
Performance & Powertrains
Power is delivered to the front wheels via a single electric motor sourced from the larger Megane E-Tech, supported by a bespoke, lightweight aluminium front subframe. The powertrain is split into two distinct outputs: the entry-level GT model delivers 180hp and 285Nm of torque, yielding a 0-62mph time of 7.4 seconds. The more potent GT Performance and GTS models raise outputs to 220hp and 300Nm of torque, dropping the 0-62mph sprint to a swift 6.4 seconds and reaching a top speed of 106mph.
All variants utilize a 52kWh NMC battery pack, allowing for a range of 226 miles for the 180hp models and 224 miles for the 220hp ones. Dynamically, the A290 features bespoke suspension, a multi-link rear setup, and hydraulic bump stops which feel smooth on urban roads while keeping the car flat and composed on twisty B-roads. Stopping power is strong, thanks to Brembo four-piston monobloc front brakes. When it comes to recharge, the 400V architecture supports rapid charging at a maximum rate of 100kW, allowing a 10-80% top-up in approximately 31 minutes.
Practicality
Despite its hot hatch transformations, the A290 maintains five-door versatility and accommodating packaging for a car measuring just under four meters in length. Rear passenger space is identical to the Renault 5, meaning knee room and headroom are adequate for children or shorter adults but can feel tight for taller passengers on longer journeys. Luggage capacity stands at a competitive 326 litres, which can expand up to 1,106 litres when the rear seats are folded down. Storage within the cabin includes a central console compartment, door bins, and a dedicated smartphone wireless charging pad, though the cabin layout notably lacks traditional front cupholders. No frunk is present, meaning charging cables must be stored under the main boot floor.
Buying
Pricing for the Alpine A290 line-up kicks off at £30,245 for the entry GT trim. The line-up progresses through the comfort-oriented GT Premium, the sharper GT Performance, and tops out with the top GTS trim at £34,245. Standard equipment across all versions includes adaptive cruise control, a heat pump, lane-keeping assist, and rear parking sensors with a reversing camera. The EV Hub recommended configuration is the GT Performance trim. Priced from approximately £32,745, this mid-range specification unlocks the full 220hp motor output and the sophisticated Alpine Torque PreControl system, which maximizes front-axle traction. It also includes the track-inspired Alpine Telemetrics expert software, striking Racing Red Brembo brake calipers, and specialist Michelin Pilot Sport 5S tyres, hitting the absolute sweet spot for enthusiast driver appeal.