There it is. The Alpine A290. The spiritual successor of the classic hot hatch, coming back in a completely new guise: fully electric, front-wheel drive, compact, fun, and rather cheeky.

We might have said something similar before — the electric Abarth 500e, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N — but those were bigger, heavier, more expensive and perhaps a little less approachable. With the A290, Alpine has made something that feels like the return of the hot hatch in the purest sense: fun, practical, accessible, and with enough spunk to make you smile every time you press the throttle.

 

Let’s dive into this car: what it is, how it drives, where it triumphs — and yes, where it compromises. Because every electric sports-small car has trade-offs, but the A290 seems to lean hard into what really matters for the enthusiast.

 

The hot hatch is one of the most cherished automotive categories: small, nimble, fun, usable every day. But as the world pivots to EVs, many of those old definitions get diluted: heavier cars, bigger batteries, higher prices, more complexity. The Alpine A290 stands out by not doing that. It wants to be small, sharp and accessible. Based on the same architecture as the new Renault 5 E‑Tech, this is Alpine’s shot at saying: yes, EVs can be thrilling — without descending into mega-SUV territory or paying ludicrous money.

 

Under the skin the A290 uses the AmpR Small platform (also called AMPR by some) from Renault. That means a compact footprint, a battery under the floor, and the opportunity for a front-wheel-drive hatch that still feels sharp.

 

It’s the kind of car that speaks to hot hatch enthusiasts.

 

 

This means that in practice, you get a hatch that’s easy to manoeuvre, still practical, but with the proportions and footprint that feel right for a sporty machine rather than a heavy EV slab. Alpine has also dropped in 19-inch wheels as standard, wrapped in Michelin sports tyres — no optional smaller wheels, no cheap rubber. Again, a statement.

 

Suspension and chassis packaging are not afterthoughts either. Although the basic geometry (struts front, multi-link rear) echo the Renault 5 beneath, Alpine has developed bespoke bits: aluminium front sub-frame, hydraulic bump-stops, anti-roll bars, the works. Weight distribution is quite respectable at around 57:43 front:rear. Kerb weight is in the region of 1,479kg for the higher-output version. The battery pack sits under the floor, contributing to body stiffness — a fundamental requirement for a true hot hatch, not just a heavy EV sonic blender.

 

Inside, the A290 takes what’s good about the Renault 5’s interior and gives it a special Alpine twist. The finishes, the seats, the steering wheel — everything leans toward driver engagement. That’s a nice touch: for a small-car price (or smaller-car footprint) you get some premium touches.

 

Stepping into the A290, you’ll immediately notice the attention to detail. The cabin may be compact, but it’s been treated seriously rather than cheaply. In the GTS trim you’ll see two-tone leather, Alpine badging, purposeful controls. The touchscreen runs Google’s OS, and it’s snappy and intuitive. Meanwhile you still have physical buttons for climate, lights, drive mode — a mix many drivers prefer over an all-touch screen nightmare. (Alpine please note: good choice.)

 

To the steering wheel — F1 inspired, not perfectly round, with coloured buttons: one for drive modes, one for an overtaking-urge kick-down (yes, really), and a dial for regen setting. It’s playful and purposeful at once.

 

Space is good for a car of this size, but let’s be real: you’re not getting a massive five-door SUV. The front seats are large and comfortable, but the more lean-mean your frame, the more you might find them a bit shallow or sliding around when you push hard. The rear seats are usable for two adults — just about — but if you’re tall and the journey is long you’ll know you’re in the back of a small sports hatch. Boot space? Good: 326 litres is quoted space. For occasional shopping runs or light luggage it’ll do fine. For serious cargo? Probably not your first pick. But again: compromise accepted, because you’re in a car built for fun.

 

One thing to note is the absence of cup holders. When you consider what the Alpine brings in terms of driver experience, this lack is one you can live with!

 

Alpine’s approach is refreshingly straightforward. Two power outputs and a clear interior hierarchy, and pricing that, while not cheap, is less outrageous than many EVs of similar intent.

 

In the UK you’ll find starting prices around £32,000, going up to around £36,000 or more for GTS version. For what you’re getting — small-sporty EV with Alpine badge, bespoke chassis, 19-inch tyres, good tech and distinctive looks — it’s fairly competitive.

 

Of course, it’s not cheap in absolute terms (you’ll pay more than many conventional hot hatches) but it sits in a sweet spot between gimmicky and expensive performance.

 

Here’s where the A290 really starts to shine. Two power outputs, both front-wheel drive, both electric, both tailored for fun:

 

Lower spec: about 178 bhp (130kW) and approx. 0-62mph in around 7.4 seconds.

Higher spec: around 217 bhp (160kW) with 0-62mph in around 6.4 seconds.

Top speed is in the region of 99-106mph, depending on version. The battery is a 52 kWh usable capacity pack (nominal about 54-55kWh) and DC charging capability up to 100 kW.

 

Now: yes, the 0-62 times don’t shatter the supercar class. But that misses the point. This car is lighter than many EVs (1,479kg for the higher spec) and the chassis is tuned so that every bit of that output feels sharp, connected and engaging. The electric motor delivers torque instantly, and Alpine’s chassis tuning means you can exploit that torque in corners, play with lift-off oversteer, enjoy the subtle torque steer interplay — you feel like you are part of it.

 

Ride quality is a pleasant surprise: despite the sporty intentions, the suspension absorbs bumps, the hydraulic bump-stops do their job, and the steering offers linear, accurate feel. On the motorway it remains composed; in tighter roads it delivers agility rather than wallow. For a small electric hatch with serious intentions, this is very impressive.

 

Here’s the trade-off: the 52kWh battery is modest by modern EV standards. Range is therefore moderate. Alpine quote around 226 miles WLTP for the higher spec (and about 235-236 miles for the lower spec). Real-world numbers will vary: some tests found nearer to 180 miles in mixed conditions.

 

Charging is decent: up to 100kW DC allows for roughly 15-80% in about 30 minutes under good conditions. AC charging onboard is up to 11kW.

 

So, if your use of the Alpine A290 is daily driving, commuting, smaller trips, fun driving in evenings/weekends — this works beautifully. If you’re planning epic road-trip heavy loads, you might notice the trade-off. But that’s the clear compromise: you get performance and fun in exchange for slightly reduced range compared to big EVs.

 

Get behind the wheel and what strikes you first is that this isn’t just “electric car” with badge tweaks. It feels like Alpine meant business. The throttle is sharp, the weight is kept in check, the front tyres are grippy. Push into a corner and the chassis responds: you can feel the front inside wheel slightly braked to help turn-in, you can feel the car settle and pivot rather than push like many FWD EVs. Reviewers have compared that behaviour favourably to old school hot hatches.

 

Steering is relatively light (which helps urban cruising) but has enough feedback and linearity that it doesn’t feel numb. The suspension strikes a fine balance — firm but not punishing — so daily use is comfortable, yet dynamics are sharp when you push.

 

The tyres are a clue: Michelin Pilot Sport EV or PS5 depending on trim. These aren’t economy tyres; they’re serious rubber. That tells you Alpine’s intent: they didn’t skimp.

 

Sound? Yes, “sound”: the car offers an Alpine Drive Sound profile, developed with Devialet (in higher trims) and rather than fake engine noise or artificial gear shifts, this one aims for something more refined. Some will love it; some will prefer silence. But I found it adds to the engagement rather than distracting.

 

What about everyday use? In normal mode the car is composed, smooth, usable in town and on the dual-carriageway. In Sport you feel more alert; the chassis tightens, the steering sharpens, the throttle picks up. The front-wheel-drive layout means limits exist: yes, you’ll feel torque steer under full power mid-corner, and it’s not quite the rear-wheel-drive drift-machine many dream of. But within its remit, it is seriously good fun. The fact that you’re discussing chassis balance, torque management, cornering behaviour rather than “what’s the range?” or “how many kW does it have?” is a good thing. It means the hot-hatch ethos is alive in an EV.

 

Because we’re not dealing with a 5-metre SUV, the A290 retains real day-to-day usability. With its compact footprint it’s easy to park, manoeuvre, and live with. The 326-litre boot is fine for a couple of bags or a weekend trip. Rear seats will accommodate two adults in short-medium runs (just about). In terms of cabin comfort you get a well-sorted environment.

 

Running costs of an EV: you’ll save on tax, fuel (electricity costs vs petrol). Tyres might cost more though (because of sport tyre spec). Charging infrastructure means you’ll want a home wall-box or ensure access to out-of-home rapid charging for longer journeys.

 

That being said, it’s worth pointing out that the range is modest. If you habitually drive 250+ miles a day or rely on 100+ kW charging as a daily norm, then the A290 might feel limited compared to bigger EVs. But if your typical use case is 30-70 miles a day plus a weekend jolt, then this car nails it.

 

When you consider what other manufacturers are doing, the A290 stands out. There are few electric hatchbacks that target enthusiast drivers rather than pure commuting or luxury. The upcoming mini EVs from other vendors will bring more choice, but right now the Alpine is one of the most compelling “fun EV hatches”.

 

Compare it with a higher-price electric hatch or SUV and you find yourself paying more for less driver engagement. So the A290 occupies a niche — small, sporty, electric — and it executes it exceptionally well.

 

The Alpine A290 doesn’t just feel like the hot hatch is back — it is the hot hatch for the electric era. It doesn’t pretend to be a giant SUV, it doesn’t try to offer five-hundred miles range and tan your wallet. Instead it honours the spirit: compact, agile, driver-focused, attractive.

 

If you’re looking for an electric car that still makes you grin and engages you, then this is one of the very best bets. It’s not perfect, but the compromises are reasonable given its ambition. For the enthusiast who also wants an EV, the Alpine A290 is an electrifying answer…literally.

 

 

In short: this is fun. This is usable. This is the hot hatch for the electric age.

 

Power: 178bhp / 217bhp

0–62mph: 7.4s / 6.4s

Battery: 52kWh usable

Range: 226 miles (WLTP)

Charging: 100kW DC

Weight: 1,479kg

Price: From £32,000 (UK)

 

 

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