Electric vehicles (EVs) have taken the automotive world by storm, but there's been a glaring omission: the exciting, driver-focused hot hatch. Enter the Alpine A290, a potent electric arrow that promises to inject a jolt of adrenaline into the EV segment.
This isn't your average grocery-getter with a battery pack. The A290 boasts a pedigree linked to Alpine's rich racing heritage, evident in its sharp design, agile handling, and pulse-quickening performance.
Hot Hatch Heritage Electrified
The Alpine A290 pays homage to the iconic Renault 5, a car that dominated the hot hatch scene in the 1980s. But this isn't a retro rehash. Alpine has taken the concept and injected it with a healthy dose of modern muscle.
The aggressive stance, accentuated by the signature Alpine swoosh down the side, hints at the coiled power beneath. Sharp LED headlights and a muscular rear diffuser complete the picture, leaving no doubt about the A290's intentions.
Inside the Electric Cockpit
Step inside, and the driver-centric layout is impossible to miss. The sporty seats hug you tight, while the Formula 1-inspired steering wheel puts a multitude of controls at your fingertips.
The focal point is the dual-screen setup: a digital instrument cluster displaying vital information and a central touchscreen managing infotainment and vehicle settings. Thankfully, Alpine hasn't gone overboard with touchscreens, retaining physical buttons for climate control – a driver-friendly touch in a sea of digital interfaces.
Thrilling Performance for Everyday Thrills
The A290 comes in two electric motor flavors: a punchy 180 horsepower version and a firecracker 220 horsepower option. Both deliver their power to the front wheels, propelling the A290 from 0 to 60 mph in a respectable 7.4 seconds for the 180hp and a scorching 6.4 seconds for the 220hp variant.
But acceleration figures only tell part of the story. Alpine engineers have prioritized handling, ensuring the A290 carves corners with precision and delivers a truly engaging driving experience.
A Party Piece: The Overtake Button
One feature that's sure to get enthusiast hearts racing is the "Overtake" button. A tap unleashes a surge of power, perfect for those quick bursts of acceleration when you need to zip past slower traffic. It's a small touch that injects a sense of playfulness and reminds you that the A290 is all about driver enjoyment.
