The Alpine A290 isn’t the first electric hot hatch, and it certainly won’t be the last. But, it is a new venture for the brand who previously only had one car in its arsenal: the infamous A110 sports coupe.
Since the switch to electric has ramped up and every brand is jumping on the bandwagon, Alpine decided to as well. The A290 was part of this change in brand structure, paving the way for a new era in their electric car offering.
If you're looking to invest in a unique performance car, then keep reading.
Alpine A290 vs Renault 5
It’s a common misconception that the A290 is just the same as a Renault 5. It certainly isn’t. In fact, the only thing they have in common is that they both use the same electric platform. Meaning, they share the same basic front and rear axle, suspension, engine type and steering systems.
However, the A290 comes with significant upgrades compared to the Renault 5 E-Tech, including:
Exterior
The lighting signatures are different, with the A290 sporting ‘X’ rally headlights and the Alpine having standard headlights.
The A290 is also slightly wider at the far point of the bumpers, 6cm to be exact. Plus, side skirts also enhance the car's sporty appearance.
The wheels are larger, and the alloys differ for each model compared to the R5. With the A290 GTS coming with black alloys as standard.
Interior
The interior of the Alpine A290 is similar to the Renault 5. The main difference being the steering wheel. The design draws inspiration from F1™ and includes an 'overtake' button. There is also a toggle to recharge the battery when you brake.
The centre console is also different, more in keeping with the sporty feel of the Alpine brand. There are also buttons for ‘drive’, ‘neutral’ and ‘reverse', rather than a gear select lever.
Technical
In terms of performance, the A290 gives you a more spirited and sports car like drive compared to the Renault 5, in keeping with the brands motorsport routes.
The Renault 5 tops out at 150hp however the base model A290 GT tops out at 180hp, while the top spec A290 tops out at 220hp and can do 0-60mph in 6.4 seconds.
There’s also revised suspension and high performance Brembo brakes for a more sports orientated drive.
Alpine A290 Range
We briefly mentioned some of the range above, but below are the individual models, price and specifications:
All four A290 models in the range come as fully electric 5 door hatchbacks.
A290 GT - 180HP - Price starting from £32,000
- Wheels 19in Iconic
- Interior Harmony deep blue coating textile with embroidered Alpine logo on seats & French flag on dashboard
- Connected multimedia system Alpine-Portal 10.1” with Google built-in
- Intelligent adaptive cruise control
- Heated front seats
- Rear view camera and front, rear and side parking assistance
- 0-62mph in 7.4 seconds
A290 GT Premium - 180HP - Price starting from £34,500
- Interior harmony extended Nappa leather deep blue/evee grey with stitching and Alpine monograms
- High fidelity audio system Devialet® & Alpine drive sound - 9 speakers of which one is a subwoofer
- Deep black two toned roof - anodized matt blue roof rod
- Brembo 4-piston monobloc front brake calipers in Alpine Blue
- 0-62mph in 7.4 seconds
A290 GT Performance - 220HP - Price starting from £34,500
- Alpine black chrome monograms
- Alpine black chrome emblem on the front fenders
- Brembo 4-piston monobloc front brake calipers
- Racing red Michelin Pilot Sport 5S tyres
- Alpine telemetrics premium
- 0-62mph in 6.4 seconds
A290 GTS - 220HP - Price starting from £36,000
- Interior harmony extended Nappa leather deep blue/evee grey with stitching and Alpine monograms
- High fidelity audio system Devialet® & Alpine drive sound - 9 speakers of which one is a subwoofer
- Wheels 19inch snowflake full black Michelin Pilot Sport 5S Tyres
- Alpine telemetrics premium
- 0-62mph in 6.4 seconds
Alpine A290 Dimensions:
- Length (in mm): 3,997
- Width with/without mirrors (in mm): 2,020 / 1,823
- Height (in mm): 1,512
- Wheelbase (in mm): 2,534
- Boot volume under parcel shelf: 326 litres (300 litres with high fidelity Devialet audio system)
Features of the A290
Muscular Bodywork
Muscular bodywork and a powerful stance illustrate the dynamic DNA of A290, complimented by four distinct wheel designs.
Sharp Reactions
Its precise turn in and playful rear axle ensure precise yet fluid handling.
Unique Alpine Signature
The unique Alpine light signature is reimagined with a double X element, a tribute to the bold lamp pods of world rallying.
Premium Driving Experience
Its 'feel at one' cockpit places you at the heart of the action. Driver and machine enjoy a close connection with a Formula 1™ inspired steering wheel at the forefront.
Nappa Leather
Dual-tone Nappa leather interwoven with the tricolor flag lifts the interior ambiance further. The A290 is proudly and distinctly French.
F1™ Inspired Steering Wheel
At the heart of the A290's 'feel at one' cockpit is a multifunction steering wheel inspired by Formula 1™.
Overtake Button
Recharge and overtake functions proudly demonstrated the potential of electric power. Toggle RCH for selectable brake regen and push OV for instance maximum power.
Bespoke Alpine Power
With up to 220hp (160KW) delivered by its two tunes of electric motor, A290 allows enlightened performance in any environment.
Sport-Tuned Chassis
Hydraulic bump stops ensure compelling ride quality, delivering precise reactions.
19” Rims with Michelin Sport Tyres
Core to A290's cornering precision are its exclusive 19 inch rims with specialist Michelin tyre compounds.
Devialet Sound
Immerse yourself in the premium sound of its Devialet audio system. Nine speakers, including subwoofer, and unmistakable quality transform A290 into a truly social experience.
Alpine Telemetrics Live Data
Get to know your vehicle inside out with live data. Accelerometer, regeneration, lap times, endurance... experience the A290 through a wealth of data about the vehicle and your driving.
Life in High-Definition
At the heart of the A290's signature 'feel at one' cockpit is a high definition, 10.25 inch driver display. Its widescreen digital instruments switch between four distinct designs. They stay true to Alpine heritage with a mountain silhouette.
Always Advanced
Leading chip power gives the large, driver-focused 10.1 inch touchscreen ultimate fluidity. Over the air updates ensure the in-built Alpine portal always feels contemporary. A system that remains as cutting edge as the car it operates. The A290 keeps you up to date with ease.
Ultimate Control
Google Assistant provides hands-free help with calls, music, and specific vehicle functions. Google Maps helps you locate charging stations along your journey, so you can keep your A290 powered. Charge your Alpine your way.
Graceful Journeys
Plan thrilling drives and effortless charging with my Alpine and Google Maps. Or, use Apple CarPlay/Android Auto through wireless connection. A290 perfectly syncs your smartphone and car for a truly integrated tech experience.
Rapid Charging Capability
Zero emissions, up to 380km (236 miles) of range and rapid charging from 15-80 percent in 30 minutes give performance a new conscience.
Available in Four Distinct Colours
- Metallic deep black
- Pearly nival white
- Metallic Alpine vision blue
- Matt tornado grey
Alpine A290 Price
The A290 GT is the cheapest of all the A290 models, starting from £32,000. This and all the other models are eligible for the £1,500 electric car grant on top too.
The top spec model, the Alpine A290 GTS, comes in at £36,000, but with the EV Grant comes down to £34,500.
Right now at Holdcroft Alpine, we're offering a £1,250 deposit contribution and free of charge servicing at 2.9% on all our A290 models. This offer is on top of the electric car grant, so there are massive savings to be had.
This is only until the 30th November, so be quick to get your hands on this stunning car, crowned car of the year 2025.
