Alpine A290 2025 review
Photo: Matti Blume (CC BY-SA 4.0), via Wikimedia Commons
Overview
The Alpine A290 is the first electric Alpine — and the first proper electric hot hatch. Based on the Renault 5 E-Tech that jointly won the 2025 European Car of the Year title, the A290 takes that brilliant little car and turns the wick up: wider tracks, a bespoke sport chassis, bigger brakes and up to 220 bhp, all for £33,500.
Two outputs are offered from the same 52 kWh battery. The £33,500 GT makes 180 bhp, hits 62 mph in 7.4 seconds and manages 236 miles of range; the £36,000 GT Performance and £37,500 GTS step up to 220 bhp for a 6.4-second sprint, a 106 mph top speed and 226 miles. All are front-wheel drive, all rapid-charge at up to 100 kW (15–80% in 30 minutes), and all weigh a featherweight 1,479 kg for an EV.
The engineering is what matters. A multi-link rear axle, hydraulic bump stops, Brembo front brakes and sticky Michelin Pilot Sport EV tyres give the A290 genuine hot-hatch agility, while a steering-wheel overtake button delivers ten seconds of full boost — Alpine's party trick. Alpine Telemetrics serves up live power, torque and g-force data, and the 326-litre boot means it stays usable.
Against the Abarth 500e and Mini Cooper SE, the A290 feels like the first EV that truly deserves the hot-hatch badge. It is firm-riding and pricey next to a Renault 5, but for driving fun it is in a class of one.
Related reviews: Volkswagen Golf 2024 review · Ford Focus 2024 review · Nissan Qashqai 2024 review
UK price from: £33,500
Specifications
| Battery | 52 kWh (usable) |
| Power | 160 kW (220 PS) on GT Performance/GTS |
| 0-62 mph | 6.4 seconds (220 PS); 7.4 seconds (180 PS) |
| Top speed | 106 mph (220 PS); 99 mph (180 PS) |
| Range (WLTP) | 226 miles (220 PS); 236 miles (180 PS) |
| Charging (DC max) | Up to 100 kW (15–80% in ~30 min) |
| Transmission | Single-speed reduction gear |
| Drive | Front-wheel drive |
| Boot space | 326 litres |
| Kerb weight | 1,479 kg |
| Insurance group | 27E |
Features
- Overtake button for 10 seconds of full power boost
- Brembo front brakes with red calipers
- Michelin Pilot Sport EV sport tyres on 19-inch alloys
- Multi-link rear axle with hydraulic bump stops
- Alpine Telemetrics live performance data display
- 100 kW DC rapid charging: 15–80% in 30 minutes
- Nappa leather sport seats (GT Premium and above)
- 326-litre boot with 60/40 split rear seats
Common parts & prices
| Part | Price (GBP) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cabin pollen filter | £23.99 | Replace every 2 years |
| Front wiper blades (pair) | £26.99 | Flat blades |
| 12V auxiliary battery | £119.99 | AGM type |
| Performance front brake pads (set) | £129.99 | Brembo fitment; bed in carefully |
| Front brake discs (pair) | £189.99 | Brembo ventilated discs |
| Michelin Pilot Sport EV tyre (225/40 R19) | £175 | Sport fitment; check pressures monthly |
Pros
- Genuine hot-hatch handling and agility
- Fun overtake boost button
- Strong brakes and grippy sport tyres
- Featherweight 1,479 kg for an EV
Cons
- Expensive next to the Renault 5 it is based on
- Firm ride on rough British roads
- Rear legroom is tight
- 100 kW charging is only average
