Hey there, car enthusiasts! Buckle up, because today we’re diving into the Alpine A290 review in 2025, a little electric beast that’s been turning heads and sparking conversations. I’ve been itching to share my thoughts on this zippy hot hatch ever since I first laid eyes on it. Imagine a car that’s part Renault 5, part rally-inspired dream machine, and 100% electric—it’s like the French decided to sprinkle some je ne sais quoi on the EV world, and boy, does it deliver! This isn’t just another soulless electric box on wheels; it’s a fun-sized fireball that’s here to prove small cars can still pack a punch. So, let’s peel back the hood (figuratively, of course—EVs don’t mess with that nonsense) and see what makes the Alpine A290 tick in 2025.
What’s the Alpine A290 All About?
Let’s start with the basics. The Alpine A290 is the first fully electric offering from Alpine, Renault’s sporty sub-brand, and it’s built on the bones of the retro-cool Renault 5 E-Tech. But don’t let that fool you into thinking it’s just a jazzed-up grocery getter. This little monster has been beefed up with a muscular bodykit, a punchier electric motor, and a suspension setup that screams “drive me hard!” It’s like the Renault 5 went to the gym, got a tattoo, and decided it was time to live a little dangerously.
In 2025, the A290 comes in two flavors: the GT with 178 horsepower and the GTS with a spicier 217 horsepower. Both are front-wheel drive, powered by a 52 kWh battery, and promise a range of up to 236 miles (GT) or 226 miles (GTS), according to the WLTP cycle. Now, I know what you’re thinking—those numbers don’t sound earth-shattering in a world of 500-horsepower EVs. But here’s the kicker: the A290 weighs in at just 1,479 kg (about 3,260 lbs), which is downright featherweight for an electric car. It’s like the A290 looked at those chunky EV SUVs and said, “Hold my croissant, I’m going on a diet.”
I got a chance to see one up close at a car show earlier this year, and let me tell you, it’s a stunner. The X-shaped headlights give it a rally-car vibe, the flared wheel arches make it look ready to pounce, and the 19-inch wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport tires? Chef’s kiss. It’s compact—less than 4 meters long—but it’s got presence. Think of it as the automotive equivalent of a French Bulldog: small, aggressive, and impossible to ignore.
Driving the Alpine A290: A Joyride with a Side of Torque Steer
Alright, let’s get to the good stuff—how does this thing drive? Picture this: I’m behind the wheel of the GTS model, winding through some twisty backroads, and the first thing I notice is how alive it feels. The A290 isn’t about neck-snapping acceleration (0-62 mph in 6.4 seconds isn’t going to scare a Tesla), but it’s got a playful spirit that’s rare in the EV world. You mash the throttle, and there’s this satisfying surge of power that feels more like a well-tuned gas engine than a sterile electric motor. It’s not “pin-you-to-the-seat” fast, but it’s “oh-heck-this-is-fun” fast, which is honestly more my speed.
The steering? Spot on. In Sport mode, it’s nicely weighted, giving you a real sense of what the front wheels are up to. There’s a bit of torque steer—where the wheel tugs in your hands under hard acceleration—which some might call a flaw, but I think it adds character. It’s like the car’s saying, “Hey, I’m a hot hatch, not a robot—deal with it!” The suspension is firm but not punishing, thanks to those fancy hydraulic bump stops. Bumps and potholes don’t rattle your teeth out, and the multi-link rear axle keeps everything composed when you’re chucking it into corners.
Here’s a little anecdote: I took a sharp hairpin a bit too enthusiastically, and the A290’s rear end gave a cheeky wiggle, almost like it was winking at me. With the traction control off, it’s got a hint of that old-school French hot hatch naughtiness—think Peugeot 205 GTI vibes, but with electrons instead of petrol. On the flip side, if you’re just cruising around town, it’s surprisingly comfy. It’s like the A290 knows when to party and when to chill—versatility at its finest.
Performance Specs at a Glance
- Power: 178 hp (GT) or 217 hp (GTS)
- Torque: 285 Nm (GT) or 300 Nm (GTS)
- 0-62 mph: 7.4 sec (GT), 6.4 sec (GTS)
- Top Speed: 99 mph (GT), 106 mph (GTS)
- Weight: 1,479 kg
- Range: 236 miles (GT), 226 miles (GTS)
Inside the Cabin: Sporty Meets Practical (Minus the Cupholders)
Sliding into the Alpine A290 is like stepping into a cockpit designed for fun. The seats—oh, those seats—are heavily bolstered and hug you like a long-lost friend. They’re comfy too, whether you’re blasting down a B-road or stuck in traffic. The steering wheel is flat-bottomed, F1-inspired, and comes with some nifty buttons: one for regenerative braking (twist it to adjust on the fly) and an “OV” button that gives you a 10-second burst of max power. Is it a gimmick? Maybe. Did I press it every chance I got? You bet I did.
The dashboard is borrowed from the Renault 5, with a 10.25-inch digital driver display and a 10.1-inch central touchscreen running Google’s slick automotive software. It’s fast, intuitive, and even has little extras like G-force meters and a “warp speed” graphic when you floor it. Physical climate controls below the screen are a godsend—no fumbling through menus to turn up the heat. But here’s my beef: there are no cupholders. Seriously, Alpine? I get that you’re channeling the A110 sports car vibes, but this is a five-door hatchback. Where am I supposed to put my coffee? Tucked between my legs like some kind of caffeinated balancing act? Come on, guys.
Space-wise, it’s decent but not cavernous. The front is roomy, the back is tight for adults (fine for kids), and the boot offers 326 liters—enough for a weekly shop or a weekend getaway, but don’t plan on moving house with it. It’s practical enough for daily life, though, which is more than you can say for some hot hatches.
Cabin Highlights
- Seats: Sporty, supportive, and comfy
- Tech: Dual screens with Google integration
- Controls: Physical buttons for climate—hallelujah!
- Quirks: No cupholders (boo!)
- Boot: 326 liters—small but usable
Range, Charging, and Real-World Efficiency
Now, let’s talk juice. The Alpine A290 rocks a 52 kWh battery, which sounds modest compared to some EVs, but its light weight helps stretch that range to 236 miles (GT) or 226 miles (GTS). In the real world, though? Expect closer to 180-200 miles, especially if you’re driving it like the hot hatch it is. I took it for a spirited spin on a chilly March day, and the range dropped faster than my hopes of winning the lottery. Still, for a car this size, that’s solid—better than the Abarth 500e’s measly 157 miles, for sure.
Charging is decent but not groundbreaking. It supports 100 kW DC fast charging, getting you from 15% to 80% in about 30 minutes. At home, an 11 kW AC charger will fill it up in under 5 hours. Oh, and here’s a cool bonus: it’s one of the first EVs in Europe with bidirectional charging. That means you can use it to power your house or even sell energy back to the grid (starting spring 2025). It’s like the A290 is saying, “Not only am I fun, but I’m also a team player!”
Charging Breakdown
| Charging Type | Speed | Time |
|---|---|---|
| DC Fast Charging | 100 kW | 15-80% in 30 mins |
| AC Home Charging | 11 kW | 0-100% in ~4.5 hrs |
| Trickle Charge | 7 kW | 0-100% in ~9 hrs |
How Does It Stack Up Against the Competition?
The Alpine A290 isn’t alone in the electric hot hatch game. It’s got rivals like the Abarth 500e, Mini Cooper SE, and Cupra Born breathing down its neck. So, how does it compare? Well, the Abarth 500e (152 hp, 157-mile range) is a bit of a buzzbox—fun but cramped and short on range. The Mini Cooper SE (218 hp, 250-mile range) is a close match, with sharper looks and a premium feel, but it’s pricier and less playful. The Cupra Born (230 hp, 260-mile range) is bigger and faster, but it lacks the A290’s nimble charm.
Price-wise, the A290 starts at around £33,500 for the GT and climbs to £37,500 for the GTS (UK prices as of early 2025). That’s competitive—cheaper than the Mini, on par with the Cupra, and a tad more than the Abarth. For the money, you’re getting a car that balances fun, practicality, and style better than most. It’s not the fastest or the longest-ranging, but it’s got soul, and that’s worth its weight in gold (or lithium, I suppose).
The Verdict: Is the Alpine A290 Worth It in 2025?
So, after all this, what’s the final word on the Alpine A290 in 2025? It’s a blast. Plain and simple. It’s not perfect—range takes a hit if you drive it hard, the rear seats are snug, and the lack of cupholders is a crime against humanity—but it’s got heart. It’s a car that makes you smile, whether you’re carving up a country road or just nipping to the shops. In a world of bloated EVs and soulless crossovers, the A290 is a breath of fresh, electrified air.
Would I buy one? If I had the cash, heck yeah. It’s the kind of car that reminds you why driving is fun, not just a chore. It’s not trying to be a Tesla-killer or a range champ—it’s here to put a grin on your face, and it does that in spades. So, if you’re in the market for a small, sporty EV that doesn’t take itself too seriously, give the Alpine A290 a spin. Just bring your own cupholder.
What do you think—would you take this little French firecracker for a ride? Let me know in the comments! And if you’re hungry for more car reviews, check out my take on the Renault 5 E-Tech—the A290’s less rowdy sibling. Happy driving, folks!
