Alpine A290 Review: 217bhp Of Pure Electric Thrills

Alpine’s hottest new offering proves that French cars still have spirit. This pimped-up version of the acclaimed Renault 5 E-Tech delivers 217bhp of electric thrills in a compact, rally-inspired package. Jeremy Taylor and Jessica Talbot-Ponsonby discover whether it’s truly the most exciting small EV around.

Car Review: Alpine A290

Jeremy: Any remake of a French film or TV series is usually a disaster. There was The Upside, Hollywood’s rehash of the brilliant French comedy The Intouchables and Ten Percent, the US version of Call My Agent – not forgetting the stylish thriller Nikita, which became the dull American action movie Point of No Return.

Fortunately, nobody dares make an alternative version of French cars – apart from the French. The launch of the all-electric Renault 5 E-Tech last year showed there was still some spirit in the Gallic car industry, a fact later exemplified by this rather fantastique A290, which is built by Alpine, Renault’s own, dedicated sports car brand.

At first glance, the A290 naturally looks rather similar to the E-Tech hatchback. The modern-retro design also apes the original Renault 5 of the 1970s – the one with the dashboard-mounted gearbox and suspension so soft the car leant into every corner.

However, the A290 is the high-performance, sportier sibling of the 5 E-Tech – perhaps the Jane and Elizabeth Bennet of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. They share the same electric platform and drivetrain but the A290 is even more fun.

Both cars ride on Renault’s advanced, all-electric AmpR Small platform and share identical overall 5-door footprints and boot capacities. However, their personalities diverge significantly.

A punchy hot hatchback, the Alpine has sport-inspired looks. It sits on wider, 19-inch alloy wheels, with aggressive bumpers, flared wheel arches and those eye-catching, cross-shaped headlamps seen on old rallying cars.

Muscular and planted on the road, the performance theme continues on the inside, with nappa leather options, unique steering wheel controls and driver-focussed dual screens.

GT versions pack a 178bhp motor but our GTS has an even punchier 217bhp motor that will push the A290 from 0–62mph in 6.4 seconds – a time that feels even faster on the road.

The Renault 5 E-Tech suspension has then been retuned to cope with the extra power. Combined with sharp steering and immediate throttle response, the Alpine is brilliant fun.

And while you will be lucky to squeeze 180 miles out of the battery between charges – even less when driven hard – the A290 is probably the most exciting small EVs around. Like the headlights, it simply has the X factor missing from so many rivals.

My favourite feature is on the steering wheel. The red ‘OV’ button is designed to make overtaking quicker and safer. Press for a ten-second burst of speed that feels more like something you would encounter in a video game.

What’s not so good? Oddly, the Alpine has no cupholders whatsoever. Rear legroom is quite tight and while the boot is a decent 326-litres, add a premium sound system and the subwoofer reduces space still further.

Overall, the A290 is a hoot to drive and at around £34,000, it’s a more engaging drive than an electric Mini – or an Abarth 600e for that matter. Expect an appearance in our 2026 Car of the Year in December.

Jessica: The Alpine is a thrilling hatchback that turns every trip into a motoring adventure. The compact stance, classy cabin and rally heritage lift it above the conventional, everyday offerings of other brands.

The A290 is at its best on a country road. It’s absolutely absorbing. The battery pack makes the car feel a bit heavier but you won’t want to get out. Mix in head-turning looks and an instant, zippy response from the accelerator and the Alpine is irresistible.

Discover more about the Alpine A290 at renault.co.uk