Alpine A290 GTS

Equipped with a heat pump, this city car can be fast-charged at 100kW to boost its range from 15% to 80% in 30 minutes, or to recover 150km of range in 15 minutes, taking 3 hours and 20 minutes to go from 10% to 80% on an 11kW charging point. The charger incorporates the V2L technology and is V2G compatible, while the battery offers a range of 380km (WLTP).

This sporty little number can reach a top speed of 170km/h and accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in 6.4 seconds. The chassis is based on Renault’s AmpR Small platform, with specific adjustments having been made to improve rigidity and stability, notably in terms of weight distribution, with 57% of the weight on the front axle. The ventilated disc braking system is decent enough, while the short wheelbase and hydraulic cushion suspension absorb uneven road surfaces very well and the reinforced anti-roll bars minimise roll when cornering to deliver a nimble driving experience and an impressive level of comfort. It has a turning circle of 10.20m, with the Michelin Pilot Sport tyres, developed in collaboration with Alpine, offering excellent grip on all surfaces.

Available in four trim levels (GT at 130kW, GT Premium at 160kW, GT Performance and GTS), Alpine claims to have kept a close eye on its weight, one of the characteristics of the brand created by Jean Rédélé in 1955, weighing in now at 1479kg, with a length of 3.99m and 326L of boot space.

In terms of design, the Alpine A290 is noteworthy for its modern silhouette, while the brand’s signature cross-shaped daytime running lights give the front of the vehicle a distinctive feel. The optional light-alloy wheels, meanwhile, contribute not only to the aesthetics but also to performance by reducing unsprung weight.

Playful on the road

What sets the Alpine A290 apart on the road is its stability and agility, with its multi-link rear axle holding the road beautifully, even on fast bends. The steering is precise and responsive, offering an engaging driving experience, while the various driving modes (Save, Normal, Sport and Personal) mean that the car’s parameters can be adjusted based on the driver’s preferences. The Alpine Torque Precontrol system effectively manages torque distribution to avoid loss of traction,

while inside, the sportier and more stylish steering wheel is a constant reminder of what the Alpine is all about. It also features a red ‘Overtake’ button that unleashes all available power for faster overtaking— a pretty nice little tool to have on your belt. A blue ‘RCH’ (short for ‘Recharge’) selector allows you to choose from 4 levels of regenerative braking, from freewheel mode to enhanced energy recovery, with level 1 said to be similar to the A110’s natural engine braking. Alpine also has its own gear selector. It’s worth noting that the manufacturer has developed its own sound option in the form of Alpine Sound, a mixture of synchronous machine and combustion engine, which is very non-intrusive and should really be louder.

The interior finish is a little more polished than in the Renault 5 and notably includes the Alcantara sports seats that Alpine is keen to keep. The car is equipped with no fewer than 26 driving aids, the only downside being the poor quality of the reversing camera.

Basically, the Alpine A290 is a playful option and a safe bet that’s not as radical as the brand’s previous models such as the A110. That said, it’s probably not aimed at the same audience, either. This highly energetic city car will be a big hit with those who enjoy dynamic driving.

At €37,420.66, the starting price of the Alpine A290 is pretty competitive in the small car segment. The GTS version, however, will set you back €43,222.31.

Technical specifications:

• Power: 169kW (220hp) / 300Nm (combined)
• Consumption: 16.6kWh/100km WLTP on a mixed cycle
• CO₂ emissions: 0g CO₂/km
• Charge: AC – 11kW / DC – 100kW
• Range: 480km
• Acceleration: 0-100km/h in 6.4s
• Base price: From €37,420.66 (€43,222.31 for the GTS version)

Our opinion:

The pros:

• Handling and driving comfort
• Overtake
• Power

The cons:

• No panoramic sunroof
• The Alpine Sound isn’t loud enough
• The quality of the reversing camera

By Jérémy Zabatta
Photos: MDstudio / Michaël Dautremont