Alpine's Electrifying Entry: The A290 Hot Hatch Rockets with 220 HP
Alpine, a name synonymous with French performance engineering, currently has a sole model: the mesmerizing A110 sports car. But the brand's ambitious vision promises a significant expansion. Set to unveil seven new electric vehicle offerings and reach the U.S. market by 2027, Alpine is all geared up for a renaissance. Among the new entrants, the A290 hot hatch stands out as the first to make waves, revealed recently in Le Mans, ahead of the iconic 24-hour race.
Breaking Down the A290
The A290 isn't just another car; it's a subcompact hot hatch that speaks volumes about Alpine's future direction. It shares its DNA with the Renault 5 E-Tech, thanks to the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance’s CMF-B EV platform, which in this iteration is dubbed the AmpR Small. Measuring 157 inches in length, the A290 sports a track widened by almost 2.4 inches compared to its Renault counterpart, offering a more aggressive and sporty stance. Weighing in at a relatively light 3,260 pounds due to its aluminum construction, this hot hatch is a marvel of modern engineering.
Power and Performance
Under the hood, or rather the chassis, the A290 is powered by a front-axle-mounted motor available in multiple configurations: 180 hp for the base and GT Premium models, and a boosted 220 hp for the GT Performance and GTS variants. All models are equipped with a 52-kWh battery, claiming a range of 236 miles on the WLTP test cycle, although real-world figures might vary under the stricter EPA cycle. Alpine claims the most potent version can sprint from 0 to 62 mph in just 6.4 seconds, making it a quick little devil on the road.
Unique Styling and Features
One glance at the A290, and it becomes evident how Alpine strives to carve its own identity. Various unique styling cues distinguish it from its Renault sibling, such as additional driving lights at the front, aerodynamic elements to enhance downforce, a wider track, and 19-inch wheels inspired by vintage designs. The design language here is a masterful blend of retro heritage and futuristic aesthetics.
The cabin is no less impressive, boasting sporty bucket seats, a flat-bottom steering wheel, and carbon-fiber-like trim. Modern-day must-haves like digital screens for the gauge cluster and infotainment system are present, with the latter angled ergonomically towards the driver. Despite its compact dimensions, Alpine has managed to fit five seats inside, with a respectable 11.5 cubic feet of storage space at the rear.
Future Prospects
As Alpine gears up for an electrified future, the A290 is just the beginning. The lineup includes a compact GT C-Crossover, a redesigned A110 sports car, a four-door coupe to bring back the A310 name, and potentially two larger crossovers to rival Porsche’s Macan and Cayenne. These models will start hitting the streets as early as 2025, with production at the Douai plant in France.
Alpine’s re-entry into the hot hatch market with the A290 signals an electrifying future. This little beast promises a thrilling drive, innovative features, and a future-focused design, setting a high bar for what's to come from this iconic French marque.