The Alpine A290, Alpine’s new all-electric hot hatch, was unveiled recently, just over a year after the Beta concept version made its first appearance. The A290 is based on the new, electric Renault 5 hatchback, with which it shares a platform and some of the bodywork. It is, however, powered by the more powerful electric motor found in the Megane E-Tech, rather than the one found in the Renault 5. The A290’s front-mounted motor produces 174 hp, or 215 hp in the higher-level GT Performance and GTS trims.
Sadly, the A290 is not destined for US shores, but Alpine has big plans for the future, and some of the new models in the works will eventually arrive in the USA. In the meantime, let’s look at 10 things that make this quirky hatchback one of the most interesting additions to the automotive world for 2024. We might even see some of these features appear in the cars that will make it to the USA.
It’s The First-Ever Alpine Electric Car, And The First New Model In 7 Years
Alpine does not release new cars very often. The A290 is the first new Alpine model to hit the market in seven years, the last one being the iconic A110, which made its debut at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show (RIP). The A290 is also the first electric car in the Alpine family. Like most other automakers, Renault is pivoting towards electrification, and the introduction of an electric hot hatch may be just what’s needed to drum up the public’s (and gearheads’) enthusiasm towards electric vehicles. With its unique style and bucketloads of character, the A290 embodies Alpine’s DNA in an all-electric package. This tactic worked for Hyundai, so it does seem like a good idea.
It’s Based On The Renault 5 But Has A Personality All Of Its Own
The A290 is based on the new Renault 5 E-Tech electric hatchback, which is set to begin production this year. It is not, however, just a spruced-up trim level of the Renault. There are plenty of unique features that set the A290 apart from its Renault sibling, making it a unique model all of its own. The Alpine takes many of its styling cues from the concept car that spawned it, the A290_β. As a result, its looks are more aggressive and muscular than those of the Renault. Rally-inspired cross-shaped spotlights, large air intakes, gloss black wheel arch extensions and mock air vents in the rear door are all exclusive to the A290.
It’s Light As A Feather
As is the case with the A290’s stablemate, the A110, reducing weight was a big part of the design and engineering process. The A290’s curb weight is 1,479 kg (3,261 lb), which makes it lighter than the Mini Cooper SE and only 12 lbs heavier than a Toyota GR Corolla. Alpine also claims that the combined weight of the motor and gearbox is less than 220 lbs. Since the power-to-weight ratio is a big part of what makes hot hatches fun, these numbers look promising for the little Alpine. It seems lightweight sporty EVs are becoming a thing. Caterham’s Project V is a 268-hp electric sports car, and it weighs less than a Toyota GR86.
It Teaches You How To Drive…
One of Alpine’s aims with the A290 is to carve out a place for all-electric motoring in the hearts of driving enthusiasts. The A290 is built for its driver to get the most enjoyment possible out of it. This principle is taken to the next level by the car’s own software. A downloadable “Coaching” app tutors the driver on how to perform maneuvers such as controlling a slide, looking straight down the road when driving at high speeds, and even improving their reflexes. The app uses data from the car’s sensors to assess your driving, provide feedback, and give advice on things like braking and drifting. Ferrari is also working on a driving coach for its upcoming supercars, but it will obviously be a lot more advanced than this.
…And Turns Driving Into A Video Game-Style Challenge
If tutoring is not enough for you, the A290 also gives you ways to “gamify” your driving, turning your Alpine driving experience into a series of Gran Turismo-style challenges. A package of 36 “missions” measures your driving skills and gives you a percentage score. Once you have passed one challenge, you are allowed to move on to the next. While at first, the challenges will consist of simple text-based instructions, animated graphics, and feedback at the end (thanks to data gathered from the car’s sensors), Alpine is also planning to roll out a live feedback version of the app, where the car can coach you on how to perform a maneuver as you are driving. This will likely be released as an over-the-air update later on.
It Comes With A Custom Soundscape
Unlike many electric vehicles, the A290 does not attempt to imitate the sound of an ICE engine but instead opts for a custom soundscape: the sounds produced by its own electric motor are amplified, edited, and assembled to create a unique noise that sounds more authentic and less jarring. Two varieties of the “Driving Sound” are available: one is a sportier and more aggressive bass-rich sound, while the other is a lighter and airier sound. Both these sounds can be turned up or down according to your preferences. In order to meet legal requirements for pedestrian safety, there is also a sound being played outside the car at speeds of up to 30 km/h.
Given how good the response has been to the Ioniq 5 N’s fake sounds, we’re certain Alpine will add even more sounds to the list. It has an impressive list of historical cars to draw from.
You Can Have It In Any Color You Want, As Long As It’s Blue
There are four choices of color available for the A290: gray, white, black, or a revamped version of the iconic Alpine Blue. This will not come as much of a surprise to anyone familiar with the Alpine brand, but most customers are expected to opt for the latter. The unique shade of blue became synonymous with the French car company after an Alpine sales representative and rally driver raced the original A110 with a blue livery in the early ‘60s, and it is now a symbol of the brand. Owning an Alpine in blue means owning a piece of the brand’s history.
It Comes With An Audiophile-Friendly Sound System
Alpine partnered up with French audio firm Devialet to create the A290’s sound system. The premium stereo is available in the upper three trim levels (GT Premium, GT Performance, and GTS), with 9 speakers dotted around the cabin, a 615-watt amplifier, and a 30 cm subwoofer. The result is a rich, clear sound quality that sounds great in both the front and back seats.
It Has A Custom Torque Management System
When designing the A290, Alpine developed a “sophisticated upstream torque management system” dubbed the Alpine Torque Technology (ATT). Not much is known yet about how this clever system works, but we do know it helps the A290 corner more smoothly and quickly.
It Has An Overtake Button
One of the most interesting features of the new Alpine A290 is the Overtake button. Reminiscent of the “Attack Mode” button sported by Formula E race cars, the Overtake button unlocks maximum power output and torque for 10 seconds, allowing you to overtake quickly if necessary. There are a couple of things to keep in mind, however. The first is that the Overtake button does not have the ability to add extra power if your foot is already flat on the floor, it simply unlocks the car’s existing power in a different, if slightly gimmicky, way. The second is that there is a cool-down period after the feature has been used. The Overtake button can only be deployed once every 30 seconds.