The Renault 5-based Alpine A290: An Exciting New Electric Hot Hatch
The Renault 5-based Alpine A290: An Exciting New Electric Hot Hatch
The A290 is the performance division of Renault making it the company's first electric vehicle. This sporty new vehicle, based on the all-electric Renault 5, made its grand debut at the 2024 Geneva Motor Show. While the Renault 5 is known for being a stylish city hatchback, the A290 steps it up a notch with a design inspired by rally cars. The car’s front is particularly eye-catching, featuring Alpine's signature quad lighting with X-shaped graphics. The aggressive styling is further enhanced by a wide air intake on the front bumper and a ducktail spoiler at the rear for better aerodynamics.
The Alpine A290 boasts a striking dual-tone body with a black roof and hood, accented by a thin red line running down the center. Compared to the Renault 5, the A290 comes standard with larger 19-inch wheels. It measures 3,988mm in length, 1,819mm in width, and 1,519mm in height, making it slightly larger in all dimensions than its Renault counterpart. Weighing in at 1,479kg, it’s designed to be both substantial and sporty.
Under the hood, the Alpine A290 is powered by a 52kWh battery, offering an impressive 380km range on the WLTP cycle. The battery drives a front-mounted electric motor available in two power variants. The entry-level GT and GT Premium versions deliver 172bhp, while the more powerful GT Performance and GTS versions push out 212bhp. The top versions of the A290 can accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in just 6.4 seconds, thanks to a peak torque of 300Nm.
Charging the A290 is both quick and convenient. The 52kWh battery supports a 100kW DC charger, capable of boosting the battery from 15% to 80% in just 30 minutes. This ensures that you can spend more time enjoying the drive and less time waiting for a recharge.
The Alpine A290 shares its suspension setup with the Renault 5 but includes bespoke hydraulic bump stops for a balanced mix of agility and comfort. The car features front Brembo brakes with four-piston red/blue calipers, a nod to its gas-powered sibling, the A110 sports car. Drivers can also choose from four driving modes: Save, Normal, Sport, and Perso. The Perso mode allows for individual customization of throttle response, engine noise simulation, steering assistance, and ambient lighting.
The interior of the A290, and you will be greeted with a Formula 1-inspired three-spoke, flat-bottomed steering wheel adorned with aluminum buttons. A standout feature is the red 'Overtake' button for instant performance boosts and a 'Recharge' knob for regenerative braking control. The car's tech includes a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system compatible with Apple CarPlay.
The A290’s interior is designed for both comfort and control. It features body-hugging front seats, metallic pedals, and footrests. For those who like to push their cars to the limit, the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) can be fully turned off, allowing for a more raw driving experience.
In Summary, The Alpine A290 proves that electric vehicles can be both practical and exhilarating. With its rally-inspired design, powerful performance, and advanced features, it brings a new level of excitement to the electric vehicle market. Whether you’re navigating city streets or enjoying a spirited drive on winding roads, the A290 offers a unique blend of style, speed, and sophistication. This car is not just a step forward for Alpine but a leap into a future where electric cars are as fun to drive as they are efficient.
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