Alpine A290 Hot Hatch: Electrifying the Brand’s Future
The concept of enhancing the performance of ordinary cars has always been intriguing. Back in the 1930s prohibition era, bootleggers in the American West would tweak their pickup trucks to outpace the police, leading to the birth of the hot rod. In the ’80s, boosted saloons were a result of racing homologation, where manufacturers had to produce road car versions of their racers to compete. Similarly, hot hatches originated from rally homologation, offering both excitement and practicality in tricked-up versions of daily hatchbacks.
Although American muscle cars remain popular in the US and German performance saloons sell well, the hot hatch segment has dwindled due to the surge in SUV demand, waning interest in smaller cars, and the shift towards electrification. However, Alpine is reviving the hot hatch category with the A290, a modified iteration of the new Renault 5, now in an electric form.
The A290 marks Alpine’s return after seven years, leading the brand’s lineup of all-electric vehicles. Following this model, Alpine plans to introduce the A390 crossover and an EV version of the acclaimed A110 sports car. Described as “the hot hatch of the electric age” by Alpine, the A290 boasts 220 hp in its GTS variant and weighs 1,479 kilograms. Its closest electric hot hatch rival, the upcoming Mini Electric John Cooper Works, offers 254 hp but weighs significantly more at 1,670 kilograms, a 191-kilogram difference.
Under the Hood
The driving experience of the A290 is where it truly shines. While it shares the fundamental structure with the Renault 5, including a slim battery positioned low beneath the car, Alpine has meticulously revamped the suspension and braking systems. Equipped with hydraulic bump stops in the dampers, the A290 strikes a balance between comfort and responsiveness. The motor’s aluminum subframe aids in weight reduction, while custom front and rear anti-roll bars and a multilink rear axle enhance stability and precision.
The A290 delivers a smooth yet sporty ride that absorbs bumps admirably, offering valuable feedback through the steering wheel. In Sport mode, the steering provides satisfying resistance, feeling natural and responsive. Shifting to Comfort or Save mode lightens the steering for easy maneuvering in urban areas. Although front-wheel drive results in understeer when pushed, lifting off the throttle midcorner allows for a slight rear-end movement, lending the car a playful demeanor when pushed to its limits.
Performance and Sound
With 220 hp under the hood, the A290 accelerates briskly out of corners, however, lacking a sustained surge of excitement. Utilizing the same 52-kWh battery as the top R5 model, the A290 features Alpine Drive Sound, a unique auditory experience developed in collaboration with French audio brand Devialet. Emitting a distinctive electrical whirring noise, the sound enhances the driving experience by providing feedback akin to an engine, aiding in understanding grip levels during acceleration and deceleration.
In conclusion, Alpine’s A290 hot hatch represents a significant step towards electrifying the brand’s future, combining sporty performance with the environmental benefits of electric power. As the automotive industry continues to embrace electrification, models like the A290 pave the way for a more sustainable and thrilling driving experience.