It’s no secret that the market for sporty electric cars is still in its infancy. Models such as Mini JCW Cooper E, Abarth 500e and Hyundai Ioniq 5 trying to give us a sense of speed and driving pleasure without fossil fuels, with mixed results.
However, Alpine believes it has found the right recipe with the A290, built on the same platform as the Renault 5.
We test drove the car in Mallorca. (Photo: Alpine)
Inspiration from an icon
The Alpine A290 is more than just a Renault 5 in sportier packaging – it’s a flirt with the past. With details such as wider wheelbase, wider fenders and roof wing, the car has been given a rawer look, while maintaining the charm of the original.
The test-driven version, the top model GTS, offers an extra powerful engine of 220 horsepower (compared to 180 for the simpler variants) and luxurious details such as navy blue nappa leather. With features such as sporty seats and a center console that draws design from Alpine A110 the car feels exclusive.
However, there are limitations – the back seat is mostly for smaller passengers, and the luggage compartment is far from large. But for a car that’s all about delivering driving pleasure, it’s hardly a dealbreaker.
The A290 flirts wildly with the past. (Photo: Alpine)
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How is it to drive?
When we took the Alpine A290 out on Mallorca’s winding mountain roads, it became clear that the car thrives on small, technical roads.
The combination of the short wheelbase and the well-balanced chassis means that the car follows every turn with impressive precision. This is a car that is fun to drive even at everyday speeds.
The electric powertrain is nimble, but not brutal. With a range of up to 400 kilometers and support for functions such as V2L and V2G, the A290 also feels modern and practical.
Unfortunately, the electronic control affects the feel of the steering wheel. It’s hard to know exactly what’s happening at the front wheels, although the chassis compensates by relaying some information through the seats.
The interior is recognizable from Renault. (Photo: Alpine) We rested the A290 on track. (Photo: Alpine)
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On the track
When we took the car to the Llucmajor race track, the A290 really showed what it’s capable of. The brakes, taken from the A110, impress with power and feel, and the chassis delivers a balance that makes the car both stable and playful in the curves. It is easy to induce small cords without the car losing control.
But the steering, along with a somewhat awkward steering wheel design, is the biggest weakness in an otherwise well-balanced driving experience. And the red button on the steering wheel, which should give full power at the push of a button, feels more gimmicky than useful.
The A290 is based on the Renault 5. (Photo: Alpine)
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A small car that stands out
The Alpine A290 is more than a sporty electric car – it’s a car that makes an impression both in the garage and on the road.
With a starting price of around SEK 450,000 for the entry-level model and SEK 510,000 for the top version GTS, it is not cheap, but it offers a unique combination of style, driving pleasure and comfort.
For those who want an electric car that not only transports you, but also entertains you along the way, the Alpine A290 is hard to ignore. If only the steering feel was as lively as the rest of the car…
The A290 is one of the year’s most anticipated electric cars. (Photo: Alpine)First impressions of the Alpine A290: 4/5
Engine: Electric motor, 220 horsepower, 300 newton meters
Transmission: One-speed automatic transmission, front wheel drive
Acceleration: 0-100 km/h in 6.4 seconds
Top speed: 170 km/h
Electrical range: 364 km
Weight: 1,479 kg
Dimensions: (length/width/height): 3990/1820/1520 mm
Price: No Swedish price yet