Alpine debuted a new addition to its lineup- the A290 electric hot hatchback. Representing Alpine's pioneering move into the realm of electric vehicles, the A290 stands out as the inaugural electric model in a trio of fresh releases from the marque. Recently unveiled at a special event in Le Mans just before the highly anticipated 24-hour race.

The Birth of Alpine A290

The A290 is intricately connected to the 5 E-Tech model from Alpine's parent company, Renault. Each iteration of the A290 showcases a solitary electric motor that powers the front wheels, offering a dynamic driving experience.

Depending on the variant selected, drivers can revel in either 180bhp or 220bhp of exhilarating performance at their disposal. According to insights from What Car?, Drawing inspiration from the upcoming Renault 5, the A290 maintains a retro-futuristic aesthetic while elevating it with rally-inspired LED lights and a more pronounced front bumper featuring a sizable grille.

Paying homage to the iconic Alpine A310 sports car, the A290 adorns itself with striking 19-inch alloy wheels complemented by high-performance tires meticulously crafted in collaboration with Michelin.

Noteworthy performance capabilities highlighted by What Car? include the ability of the swiftest A290 variants to accelerate from 0 to 62mph in a mere 6.4 seconds, outpacing competitors like the Abarth 500e.

In accordance with insights from Motor Authority, Alpine has undertaken a distinctive approach to set apart the A290 from its Renault counterpart by introducing exclusive design elements and performance enhancements.

These include supplementary front driving lights, aerodynamic features to enhance downforce, an expanded track width, and distinct 19-inch wheels. Notably, one of the wheel designs draws inspiration from the iconic wheel pattern featured on the original A310 sports car from the 1970s.

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Interior Details, Inside A290

Upon stepping into the interior, one is met with a sporty ambiance exuded by the presence of a sports steering wheel, sport pedals, and contoured sports seats. Positioned strategically for driver convenience, a 10.1-inch central screen takes center stage, complemented by tactile air-conditioning controls within easy reach.

The integration of digital screens caters to both the gauge cluster and infotainment system, while the center stack hosts a selection of physical buttons dedicated to commonly utilized functions. There will be four trims available.

Additional Features, Pricing

As outlined by SlashGear, the A290 presents an array of entertainment and functional features tailored to enhance the driving experience. A standout offering is the 'Coaching' app, promising to refine reflexes, impart skills for high-speed driving techniques like looking ahead, and provide guidance on controlling slides effectively.

Embedded within the touchscreen interface are stimulating 'challenges' aimed at promoting efficient driving practices such as lift'n'coast maneuvers to optimize the estimated driving range of 236 miles.

For enthusiasts of interactive features, the A290 doesn't disappoint. Noteworthy elements include an 'Overtake' button on the steering wheel that unlocks a brief power surge lasting 10 seconds, with a cooldown period of 30 seconds between activations.

Drivers can personalize their driving experience with four levels of regenerative braking and choose from two synthetic 'engine' sounds emanating from the audio system.

Additionally, the 10-inch screens offer real-time rendering of G-force, throttle and brake pedal pressures, temperatures, pressures, lap times, and seamless integration with Apple CarPlay.

Anticipated pricing positions the A290 competitively, with the expected cost of the GT variant featuring 180bhp starting around £36,000, while the top-tier 220bhp iteration may be priced at approximately £40,000, aligning closely with the upper echelon of the Renault 5 series.

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