220 hp, bodywork, all the external signs of sportiness and performance: the recipe is well-known. And, on the retro line of the very appetizing Renault 5it has its little effect! For Alpine, it is the first 100% electric. And the first front-wheel drive. And it's the first sedan! It is also the heaviest car ever produced by the brand, 1,479 kg, due of course to the mass of the batteries, 300 kg. This is 375 kg more than the A 110 modern, so successful. If this is inevitable for an electric car, it is still a serious setback in relation to the philosophy of the brand, for which weight has always been the enemy.
Everything has been done to eliminate the weight…
Like all electrics, the Alpine accelerates hard and, at all speeds, it responds vigorously to the slightest pressure on the accelerator. Compared to the Renault 5the gain is clear on all fronts: acceleration at start-up, restarts, everything is more lively, more invigorating. Relative to weight, the power appears well placed. But all the development focused on agility and steering response, which should not be impaired by the increased weight of the model. In fact, the stability, agility and responsiveness when cornering are completely satisfactory. No feeling of inertia at the wheel: direct steering, light but ultra-precise, informative, and reactions full of vitality on winding roads.
And of course a look to match
Externally, the shields are sculpted to optimize aerodynamics, the wheel arches have been widened, the rear doors are decorated with new reliefs. On board, sporty treatment too, with specific dashboard decoration and front seats with redesigned enveloping contours. Beautiful real leather, very soft to the touch, is standard on the GT Premium and GTS trims. Incidentally, let's note a surprisingly well-preserved suspension comfort: in all seats, and even in the middle of the rear seat, you are well supported by a tolerant suspension supported by well-padded upholstery.
Nothing is free, obviously…
Compared to a Renault 5 high-end 150 hp electric, the additional cost is €4,700 for the 180 hp GT, which is a little less equipped. The 220 hp version tested here costs another €3,000 more. In terms of consumption, we noted 12.2 kWh/100 in the city, 14.7 on the road and 24.5 on the highway. Which gives ranges of 400, 335 and only 200 km on the highway. It's not much.
We liked
Exciting temperament, authentic sportiness, rewarding agility, racy presentation, very well preserved comfort, smooth driving, rich equipment, heat pump as standard
We appreciated less
High price, heavy weight contrary to the brand's philosophy, unenthusiastic push-button control of the gearbox, limited autonomy when driving fast, thick windshield pillars hindering visibility
Also read. Self test. The 100% new Mini changes course
Alpine A 290 from €38,700
Version tried: GTS, 44 700 €
Length : 3,99 m
Chest : 277 l
Engine : electric, 220 hp
Batteries : 49,2 kWh
Performances : 170 km/h, 0 to 100 km/h: 6.4 seconds.
Autonomy announced: 364 km
Bonus : 4 000 €
Main equipment
19-inch aluminum rims, automatic LED headlights, keyless entry and start, front and rear radars, reversing camera, 10.1-inch digital dashboard, 10.1-inch touch screen, single-zone automatic air conditioning, pump heating with heat, 4 one-touch electric windows, electric lumbar adjustment of the driver's seat, heated steering wheel and front seats, 2 USB sockets at the front.
The rivals
Abarth 500e Tumrismo40 900 €
Attractive, 155 hp, smaller and less sporty. Stiff in suspension. 4 places only. Low autonomy.
Alfa Romeo Junior Fast46 900 €
More powerful (280 hp) and barely more expensive, supercharged version of the very recent little Alfa. Serious competitor for the Alpine.
Mini Cooper SE JCW37 770 €
218 hp and a very well placed price for the new electric Mini. Less sporty and less comfortable than the Alpine. 4 places only.
