The Alpine A290 has quickly become one of the UK’s most discussed electric cars. It is making headlines as a hot hatch with electric power, striking design, and performance that connects with the spirit of classic British motoring. This small but powerful model is trending in automotive searches and stands out as a rival to the likes of the Mini Cooper Electric and Abarth 500E, backed by Alpine’s motorsport heritage.
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Are Alpine A290 Good Cars?
Alpine A290 impresses reviewers and early owners with a blend of style, agility, and practicality. This five-door, five-seat supermini is built on the new Renault 5 platform, engineered for hot hatch flair but with modern electric innovation. The car sits low and wide, hugging the road with confidence, making it enjoyable to drive in daily traffic or on twisty B-roads beloved by UK drivers.
Judges at the European Car of the Year competition awarded it the top spot for 2025, sharing the podium with the Renault 5 E-Tech. The A290 stands out for its focus on driver engagement rather than just raw speed. While not as extreme as the two-seat Alpine A110, the A290 offers genuine fun behind the wheel. Its well-weighted steering, instant torque, and clever chassis tuning give you that essential hot-hatch joy. Reviews highlight both the composed ride and the playful handling that make every drive feel special.
How Much Is the Alpine A290 in the UK?
Alpine A290 pricing makes it one of the more accessible performance EVs in Britain without scrimping on features or engineering. The base GT trim starts at £33,500. Higher trims, like GT Premium, GT Performance, and the GTS, stretch up to £38,500. These prices mirror premium competitors but include more equipment, like a custom Alpine and Devialet sound system, heated seats, and 19-inch alloy wheels as standard.
Entry-level cars are available for £345 per month for those using Alpine’s finance options, with a representative 2.9% APR and a typical initial deposit. For early birds, Alpine offers up to three years of complimentary servicing and unique Alpine VIP experiences, such as on-track days and exclusive event access.
| Version | Power | Price (UK) | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| GT | 178bhp | £33,500 | 19″ alloys, rear camera, parking sensors |
| GT Premium | 178bhp | ~£36,000 | Leather seats, heated steering wheel |
| GT Performance | 217bhp | ~£36,000 | Michelin Pilot Sport tyres, sporty trim |
| GTS | 217bhp | £37,500 | Performance plus luxury features |
| Premiere Edition | 217bhp | £38,500 | Limited edition, most equipment |
Monthly payment and pricing agreements may vary depending on recent Alpine campaigns and dealer offers.
Alpine A290 Features That Stand Out
This is where the Alpine A290 distinguishes itself from the crowd, combining state-of-the-art technology with a nod to classic hot hatch culture. Every version uses a 52kWh battery, offering up to 236 miles of official range in the GT trim and about 226 miles for higher-powered variants. Rapid charging supports 15-80% top-ups in only 30 minutes at public DC stations.
Built for agility, the car employs a sport-tuned chassis, short wheelbase, and innovative hydraulic bump stops. It features brake torque vectoring and a virtual differential to sharpen its front-wheel drive responses. Four driving modes let you tailor your experience, from smooth efficiency to a sport setting that heightens response and fun.
Inside, every Alpine A290 feels sporty and modern:
- 10.3-inch infotainment touchscreen with Google-based system
- Android Auto and Apple CarPlay as standard
- Physical controls for comfort, including air conditioning
- Real-time telemetry, driving challenges, and coaching for enthusiasts
- Premium Alpine and Devialet audio experience for immersive sound
- Comfortable, supportive seats and customisable driving position
Rear parking sensors and a reversing camera come standard, aiding visibility in tight UK car parks. Although some hard plastics are present, reviewers say the overall build quality outshines many electric rivals. Safety equipment also impresses, including a full suite of driver assistance features and up to a 10-year/100,000-mile warranty on the battery and drivetrain.
Performance on British Roads
The Alpine A290’s entry-level 178bhp powertrain accelerates from 0 to 62mph in 7.4 seconds, with the 217bhp version cutting that time to 6.4 seconds. Top speeds are 99mph for GT models and 106mph for the GTS. These figures put the Alpine on par with rival hot hatches, but the true enjoyment comes from its responsive steering and spirited handling. In Sport mode, drivers will experience instant electric torque and just enough torque steer to keep things lively, beloved by those who remember the best ‘80s and ‘90s hatches.
Despite its 1,479kg kerb weight, the Alpine A290 feels light and nimble. The regenerative braking system has four modes, including one-pedal driving. Brakes remain strong even after hard driving, a key detail for enthusiasts.
Everyday Usability and Practicality
Although performance is a highlight, practicality is not overlooked. The 326-litre boot offers more space than most compact EV rivals and the five-door configuration provides access to the surprisingly roomy rear seats, making the Alpine A290 more usable for families or those carrying sports kit. Connectivity is top-notch, with easy smartphone pairing and navigation via Google Maps.
Why the Alpine A290 Is Set to Be a UK Favourite
The Alpine A290 has arrived as Britain embraces the electric revolution. It stands as a strong alternative to established names and ticks all the boxes for style, performance, tech, and value. Drivers looking for excitement in their daily commute or weekend jaunts will find the A290 provides a fresh take on the hot hatch formula.
As the Alpine A290 enjoys its electric debut, it marks the beginning of a new era for this storied French brand, promising British drivers a taste of both nostalgia and modern innovation.
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