Alpine A290 GTS Test: A fun electric car with its own style

The second product of the brand Alpine after its return to the streets and dealerships. The sports brand, which as you know depends directly on Renault, has just presented to the specialized press the new Alpine A290The first thing I can tell you is that if the new Renault 5 electric you liked it, this racing brother will remind you of the best sports versions of the legendary French utility vehicle.

And not only will it do so for the aesthetics, but also because at the wheel it has a very differentiated specific configuration which makes it very fun to drive and noticeably more effective than the R5. It also has greater power, reaching 220 hp, and logically it also increases its final price, it must be said. Let's find out.

Alpine A290, much more than a Renault 5

Although the visual base is the same, it is not at all difficult to differentiate one model from the other, even from tens of meters away. The aesthetics of the Alpine A290 are very sporty and aggressive, as you can see in the images.

Look at the bumpers, the front daytime running lights with the “X” simulating the tape that was once placed on racing cars, the wheel arches, the marked fins or the generous inch wheels 19But the matter goes much further.

The overall length remains just around the 4-meter limit, but the width is extended to 1,82 meters. It has no less than 6 centimeters more track width -which is a world of difference-, something that undoubtedly improves stability and cornering. In addition, the front axle has been given greater rigidity.

It also has a Weight distribution of 57% to the front axle and 43% to the rear axle and I do not forget that behind the front wheels we find a brake system composed of Brembo calipers four-piston and 320 mm discs.

Interior with lots of personality and sportiness

Inside we also find notable changes compared to the R5. The Alpine A290 It boasts sportiness and better qualities. Look at the steering wheel, with a Boost button for specific moments and a rotary selector that allows you to manage the retention when you stop accelerating. Of course, the latter is more aesthetic than functional, since paddles on the steering wheel are more practical for this function.

The gear selector has also been completely changed. Instead of having a lever to the right of the steering wheel, the Alpine Electric uses buttons on the centre console, in the same style as in the A110.

La posture behind the wheel It is comfortable, slightly elevated to allow you to control where the wheels are pointing and to keep an eye on the front corners of the car. The seats are pleasant to the touch and hold well in the curves, but I don't think they will be uncomfortable for almost anyone. That said, The steering wheel seems a bit saturated to me of buttons, I don't like how they are handled because they are tactile.

More accurate is the multimedia system, with Google Automotive and the ability to download applications directly from the Play Store. Honestly, it is one of the best multimedia devices currently on the market from mainstream brands, if not the best.

In terms of space, the Alpine A290 has not changed compared to the Renault 5 E-Tech, being sufficiently spacious in the front seats and somewhat tighter in the rear. Meanwhile, The trunk has a capacity of 326 liters., a normal volume considering the segment in which this car is located, segment B.

mechanical range

The Alpine A290 is marketed with a single battery, but two power levels. Starting with the battery, has a capacity of 52 kWh capacity, which allows it to approve a mixed-use autonomy of 380 kilometersIt accepts 11 kW alternating current recharges and up to 100 kW direct current recharges, so it could go from 15 to 80% in 30 minutes.

Alpine told us at the presentation that the range is structured in two branches. On the one hand, the GT and GT Premium versions, focusing more on style, comfort and equipment, developing 180 CVOn the other hand there is the option GT Performance, already with greater performance reaching the 220 CV and more dynamic approach. But there is one more option, the Alpine A290 GTS, which unites the two branches and is positioned as the most complete, also giving 220 HP.

At the wheel of the Alpine A290 GTS

In our case we have gotten behind the wheel of the Alpine A290 GTS on a cold and very rainy winter morning, leaving the town of Alcobendas and heading towards the province of Segovia, passing the Nacerrada port.

The GTS version has the aforementioned Brembo brakes and red calipers, but even more important is the fact that it uses the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 tires, which make the difference when it comes to going at a very good pace. They may not be the most efficient in terms of energy saving, but the grip both in dry and wet conditions is remarkable.

As for the features of its technical sheet, we are talking about 220 hp and 300 Nm torque to the front axle. Its maximum speed is limited to 170 km/h and covers 0 to 100 km/h in 6,4 seconds. By the way, it weighs 1.479 kilos. The range for this version is 364 kilometers.

Depending on the driving mode we will have a more lively or sweeter response, but it is One of those cars that ask for a happy driveAs a curious note, it has an artificial sound generated by the speakers that is funny despite not being real, although it can always be disconnected.

From the dynamics of this Alpine A290 GTS I'm left with its agility and fun. Normally, electric cars take longer to excite than thermal cars, but this car feels responsive not only because of the engine, but also because of the handling. It changes direction quickly, the rear end follows suit and has braking that, in addition to being intense, is easily modulated., something that is not usually easy to achieve in electrified cars.

The day was not ideal for pushing the pace too much, but both the car and the tires were very confident. In fact, doing the job With delicacy one could go with joy, only noticing loss of traction when exiting tight turns with the foot on the floor; something completely logical and normal.

We will have to test it for a longer period of time and, above all, in less adverse weather conditions to really feel what this new Alpine A290 is capable of, which is arousing so much passion.

Alpine A290 Prices

All of them with an 8-year or 160.000-kilometer warranty for the battery.

Gallery

Images | Alpine