The extreme design is backed by a host of extensive technical modifications. The A290 features bespoke suspension, powertrain tech, brakes, tyres and sounds for what Alpine calls a “more emotional driving experience”.
Alpine CEO Philippe Krief said the A290 was a “stand-alone development” but it has been crafted to “remind drivers of the A110” – the sports coupé that has been the brand’s sole road car since its 2017 relaunch.
He stressed that the new hatchback will play an important role as a conquest model for Alpine, given its entry-level billing and urban-friendly proportions. “The A290 is the first Alpine you can have in your story, because it’s a hatch, it’s a city car and it’s quite versatile, so it could be the first car of a future Alpine lover,” he said.
PERFORMANCE
As with the A110, weight-saving has been a focus of the A290’s development. As a result, the electric hot hatch tips the scales at 1479kg. That’s only around 250kg more than a Renault Clio hybrid and 126kg lighter than the similarly conceived Mini Cooper SE, which was used as a benchmark by engineers. Alpine claims the motor and gearbox weigh less than 100kg altogether.
The rear multi-link suspension from the Renault 5 has been retained for the A290, but with bespoke hydraulic bump-stops and anti-roll bars added to “ensure an excellent level of comfort” and “top-of-the-range handling”.
