PREVIEW

Alpine may be a name more likely to be associated with Formula 1 and hypercars but the French marque has now unveiled its hotly anticipated electric ‘hot hatchback’.
The A290 retains the bold spirit of last year's Beta concept, featuring a striking design that differentiates it from its parent company’s Renault 5, which forms its base.
The hatchback maintains the same length as the Renault 5 but boasts a 60mm wider track, giving it a more robust and athletic stance.
Distinctive design elements, such as X-shaped motifs on the spotlights, wide wings, deep side skirts, and 19-inch alloy wheels, underscore Alpine’s motorsport heritage. A black rear diffuser completes the rally-inspired look designed to appeal to those with racier tastes.
Weighing in at 1479kg, the A290 focuses on weight reduction, crucial for performance in electric cars - which carry more weight due to their batteries. This weight is only 250kg more than a Renault Clio hybrid and 126kg lighter than the Mini Cooper SE, one of its key competitors. Alpine claims that the motor and gearbox combined weigh less than 100kg.
The A290’s extreme design is matched by extensive technical enhancements. It features bespoke suspension, powertrain technology, brakes, tires, and even custom sound engineering, promising what Alpine describes as a “more emotional driving experience.”
Powering the A290 is a 52kWh battery, the largest offered by Renault, providing up to 236 miles of range. It supports 100kW fast charging, allowing a 15-80% charge in just 30 minutes.
The A290 will be available in four trims: GT, GT Premium, GT Performance, and GTS. The entry-level models feature a 178bhp motor, while the higher trims boast a 215bhp motor, competing with the electric Mini Cooper.
Alpine CEO Philippe Krief hinted at potential future derivatives of the A290, similar to the evolution seen with the firm’s high-end A110 sports coupe, though he did not confirm a similar dual-motor performance model.
“Our Alpine A290 is the first model of a new electric generation,” said Krief. “This urban sports car introduces Alpine to a broader public and revives the beloved hot hatch category, delivering exceptional driving pleasure.”
The A290 is assembled in Douai, France, with the electric motor produced at the Megafactory in Cléon and the battery set for French production starting in 2025.