FIRST Alpine A290 UK review + NEW Renault 5 Turbo confirmed! | What Car?

[@alexlee-isted5046]

Really hoping to see a lot of these and the Renault 5 on the road in 2025. They look fantastic. Bring back small fun cars!

[@dodgywheelsandropeywiring5697]

With half the weight and triple the range, they might finally be worth it.

[@stevewhitmill2037]

I don't think you will.

[@purple-porker-productions]

Me too, I'll be waiting for the very first secondhand ones.

[@purple-porker-productions]

@@stevewhitmill2037 why do you think that?

[@KennethPaul]

Renault is smashing design out the park just now, so much more interesting than the competition. Nice to see a company trying to inject fun back into driving 😎❄️

[@robsmith1a]

Looks great and the power is about right. I have an SLK and the 184 horsepower is easily enough on the roads in my area of the Surrey / Hants border. A narrow car is probably the thing I want most, too many modern cars are way too wide to enjoy.

[@paulyb_tech]

This is the kind of relaunch that the Capri should have been. A proper hatchback not a bloated SUV! Hopefully the new Puma EV can give this a run for it's money!

[@stevewhitmill2037]

The new Puma looks bland and awful. RIP Ford.

[@paulyb_tech]

@@stevewhitmill2037 Hi Steve, styling is indeed a matter of taste. Mine isn't for huge SUV's that few people actually drive for the use intended. I prefer a smaller, more fun to drive car, which the Puma seems to be by most accounts. I would have preferred a modern take on the Capri without it being a huge SUV but that didn't happen so possibly the next best thing from Ford is an EV Puma. Only time will tell.

[@SWR112]

Yes, yes and yes…..Grew up around the GT and even the Turbo2 . Times move on and some need to realise it. So refreshing to not see another Car brand just put out SUV.

[@lazzaboyman8003]

I really regret selling my Williams Clio, it was an amazing car to drive but did really snap at the ultimate limit which luckily I discovered on track rather than on the road.

[@sevensixtysteve8662]

What a fab looking thing. Will be on my shortlist when I change my car.

[@718YellowSubmarine]

Okay, I am biassed since I have a A290 PE Beta on order. But yesterday, I saw the new R5 for the first time IRL where it was parked when I walked by, in Gent (Belgium), under a gray sky. My goodness, it looks amazing in yellow next to all the the boring cars next to it!! Just pure joy!!

[@forestdad]

You don’t really need a cup holder anyway, you’ll be able to drink your coffee while you’re waiting to recharge the bastard

[@terryholman750]

Really nice Renault+Alpine The number 1 Euro Brand for me

[@youtubecarspottersguide1]

very cool id buy one if they where sold in the U.S.

[@justinbennitt835]

7:22 yes, but the Ionic 5N also doesn't mimic a manual transmission, it mimics an auto with paddle shifts.

[@chasf3433]

Unfortunately small fun EVs like this are seriously compromised by poor range due to existing battery tech. You would be lucky to get 150 miles in winter. Roll on solid state batteries which should double energy density.

[@alexlee-isted5046]

@@chasf3433 yep one of these that could sit at 70 on a motorway for 250 miles is all I need from an EV. Even that 170 miles range is a realistic usable of 130ish if charging from 10-80 to keep going. I want a guaranteed 200 usable if doing a long drive as anything under 3 hours I don't want to stop. Having said that, that sort of drive only applies to me maybe 15 times a year and would work fine the other 95% of the time.

[@jondonnelly3]

Still to expensive and depreciation is going to bite hard. It's also very slow on quarter mile. It's not even tepid.

[@akayjay697]

Looks great and would be great as a second car to the household. Alongside a diesel estate that can do the few long journeys a year and also for when a boot is needed. For 95% of the time this car would be perfect.

[@dmc12345678910]

Getting around 110 from my mini at this time of the year so I imagine the a290 is a real world 160ish mile car.

[@stevencampbell1150]

I think this looks fabulous and for the money is great. I think having the gear selection on the floor is far better than the stalk heavy option on the standard 5. I don't get though why everything has to be compared to a VW, in this case a Polo GTi? VWs aren't all that. I mean if it was a bigger hatchback all the reviewers tend to compare the cars to a Golf, why? Have they no other imagination?

[@a13w1]

wonder how it will compare to the ID2 GTI once that comes out.

[@kevinnicholson7722]

don't hold your breath

[@ALf-mn3qe]

The Chinese have more battery technology, but the design is undoubtedly European.

[@krisg.4257]

What about a comparison test between the new Alpine A290 GT vs Abarth 500e vs the Cupra Born to decide which one is the best EV hot-hatch? ⁉️🤔

[@MrLense]

Just knock the stupid "turbo" label out of the name when it's an EV and doesn't have a turbocharger.

[@mikadavies660]

Nice little "warm" hatch... No arguments with the price, as it is around the same as a Citroen E-C4.

[@kevinnicholson7722]

what we need is price parity with ICE equivalents

[@rtr1901]

Thanks for the nice video but at the end you don't mention about the upcoming Mini JCW electric... not sure if the Mini cooper SE is a competitor for this but the JCW should be ... Or not ?

[@SWR112]

Considering the SE fully loaded with the JCW pack is already £43k so god knows what a true Works version will come in at £50k. And not a lot has been leaked about the true JCW.

[@718YellowSubmarine]

@@SWR112 The Mini dealer over here in Belgium made me a quote for the Mini SE with JCW pack (I prefer the interior it comes with) but told me the red roof from my configuration would not be available for at least a year (WTF!!) so I didn't bite. 12 months later, that exact same configuration is now 6k€ cheaper! And low and behold, the proper JCW is only marginally more expensive in my configuration because the only thing that I consider a must have is the HK sound system which is part of a very costly option pack on the SE, but which is simply standard on the proper JCW. I am very glad I held back and went for the A290 in stead.

[@spike4461]

Thanks for review 😎

[@whatcar]

No problem 👍

[@supersonic79]

I was really hoping the R5 Turbo would be a slightly warmer version of the regular R5, not some wide bodied 500bhp monster (that’s probably v expensive) 😒

[@rv_x3976]

I start watching these videos with great interest, but as soon as I see the price, I skip them because the base is set by Tesla. Nice-looking car, though. I wish it were £30K.

[@haukikannel]

That is what regular Renault 5 is for…

[@waltermolina7115]

Hi there!! I've notice no journalist talks about driving the car at night. None of you give us a hint of how good or bad the headlamps are. Can you see deep down the road? Do the light illuminate wide enough?

[@drfisheye]

Is there any modern car with led headlights that doesn't illuminate well?

[@waltermolina7115]

@@drfisheye I don´t know I don´t test cars. But for my family and I, when we drive our 2023 jetta, we can tell that the reach of the low beams is not far enough. The high beams, although white led reflector, are too narrow. When you come to a corner, you can´t see at a distance. Same with the kia Forte 2022. But we all can see pretty well with the 2020 Suzuki Swift and our 2018 BMW X1. You can see far and wide.

[@drfisheye]

​@waltermolina7115 interesting. Wouldn't expect that for a 2023 car. Well anyway, long term reviews will be coming at some point no doubt.

[@drzoidbergmd3200]

Great looking car, particularly in that blue. Top quality reviews as always on What Car.

[@whatcar]

Much appreciated!

[@Bob-_-Smith]

That thing looks amazing, it’s just a shame that we’re all being forced down the electric route. Even if we could have compromised with petrol hybrid for longer I could live with that.

[@ridgmont61]

I really do not like the DRLs - great video though

[@knelletv]

Congrats Renault !

[@Tsenngu]

Dang...i want this car!

[@maxkendal5152]

A small hot Renault with 4 doors? Can't wait for the Fuego people carrier!

[@mikadavies660]

Good Review.

[@whatcar]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@dirtybob2633]

Finally more affordable options! About bloody time sub 40k fast electric hatches are going to have more people interested in making a switch to electric. ⚡️

[@royed31]

I would take the X lights off , they look terrible ,

[@718YellowSubmarine]

No chance of that happening. What bothers me about many EV's is the single red LED line over the entire width of the car's back end. Especially when they are not going fast enough on the fast lane. Can we all agree to get out of the way when we see those 4 crosses approaching? I thank you all very much.

[@Gw49172]

Only thing we are interested in 6:18

[@men5m2k]

Ranmore common! I know that road and it's so bumpy if it can handle that ok then it can handle most uk roads!

[@you_aint_seen_me_right]

Adjustable regen is essential for spirited driving, it's basically like changing down into a bend and of course because it's an EV you're always in the right gear when you exit it. However, accessing that via a knob on the steering wheel is a mistake, it would've been infinitely better to have used flappy paddles like a Kia or Hyundai as they can be operated without the need to see them. Power, probably enough given the battery size, but I'd like to have seen a bit more of both. Styling wise, its a little Max Power for me, I actually prefer the standard five, just as I did the Gordini Turbo over the GT Turbo, both of which I've owned.

[@OK-mb7zb]

Vs mini se ?

[@cfergie89]

Doesn't really count as a proper UK test if it's the LH drive though

[@pigeonpoo1823]

You mentioned the Fiesta ST, but this will never get close to one for driving lols. How does it compare (not power) to a Fiesta ST-Line for fun, ride, handling?

[@stevewhitmill2037]

Over £33,000 is not reasonable at all. Most people can't afford that.

[@718YellowSubmarine]

That's what the basic R5 is for then. But I agree, most new cars are too expensive for the average buyer.

[@Martin-dx5zs]

The Renault 5 EV starts at £22k

[@kevinnicholson7722]

better than the Alfa junior veloce??

[@VittorioSergi]

controversially, I do think the a290 is the sexiest car on sale period, at the same time, shame it's electric

[@nigelk780]

Leather seats. Do folks still want this I know I haven't for many years. So many reasons not to have leather in lieu of cloth especially in a hot hatch.

[@Tsenngu]

I like the combo of fabric with leather on the wear edges.

[@kevinnicholson7722]

yes i do .Still the best covering for car seats

[@gavjlewis]

My preference is part leather part alcantara.

[@stevewhitmill2037]

It doesn't look stunning at all. What are the silly squares on the front??

[@kristoffergo6973]

The car looks amazing. A good second car , but it,s on the expensive side.

[@marioaquilina3803]

might as well buy a Captur. Same top speed.

[@grahamthomas6381]

That A290 looks bloody awful. The price is even uglier. Who will be daft enough to pay that?

[@Raybo1uk]

Knock 100 miles off the claimed range so that’s at least a couple of trips to the shops for 34K 😂 and what will it be in 3 years time? Maybe a bus ride to the shops 🤣 34K down the drain pretty much like all battery cars and their inflated prices. Trade-in will be peanuts too. I wonder how much carbon it took to dig up all the elements for the batteries which will have to be replaced in a few years time at a huge expense to the owners. None of this has been thought out and the UK infrastructure for charging is pretty much non-existent along with all those houses who are unable to even have a charging point.

[@gregorypaulbox3035]

The X-shape daytime running lights look ridiculous.

[@jondonnelly3]

My old 1.2 corsa in 2002 has a higher top speed.

[@FéargalO]

No cupholders..i'm out.

[@peterhollings309]

DTRL are a no no. Look like they have just been stuck on as an afterthought. Otherwise looks pretty good. Again big wheels knacker the range.

[@DerrickSmith-v5e]

Looks great (But not a patch on the 5 turbo) and is a worthy contender with the Cupra Born or electric Mini. It has nowhere near the performance with the MG 4 Xpower and this can be bought with a substantial discount. It has nowhere near the practicality of a cheaper Ford Puma ST or the performance and practicality of similar priced Ford Focus ST or Golf GTI.

[@alko_xo]

R5 turbo ev is like starfish! Nothing to do with stars or fish.

[@kinocchio]

No one over the age of 28 should be seen driving this

[@juhojalonen3046]

Yep, only Turbo 3e for the older men.

[@David-tg8ku]

A range of 226 miles which in real life means 170 miles. Until worst case genuine range is 350 miles I'll never buy an electric vehicle. Why don't the regulators require car manufacturers to issue a true range and minimum range as without this it is just a con.

[@alexlee-isted5046]

@@David-tg8ku it's no different to claimed MPG figures is how I view it. Every diesel I owned claimed 70mpg but I never got better than around 50mpg. The way I view range is whatever number they say, take about 80% of it and that's real life. But for the basic human with no car knowledge that sees the world as black and white and trusts a car manufacturer, you are right. They will be in for a big shock.

[@ThrottleBody]

It’s a city car. A city car doesn’t need 350 miles and most drivers don’t need 350 mile ranges if you can charge at home.

[@thejfg7741]

Actually range is a bit of misnomer. It’s the efficiency that you need to know and understand. Car makers should be regulated to provide that.

[@thejfg7741]

@@ThrottleBodyso when you bought petrol or diesel cars did you ask for the fuel tank to be made smaller because you didn’t need the range?

[@laser_simon922]

If it had 350 miles of range, it would be 2 tons and huuuge. It‘s a CITY CAR. You don‘t need that range. Just rent an EV for a week und tedt it yourselfs…

[@S0me0ne_S0meWhere_SaysHi]

I reeeeaaalllyyyyyy wish you reviewers would dump the concern around cup and bottle holders. They are pointless and encourage people to consume the wrong things that use single use plastics. STOP moaning about not having these pointless things. ESPECIALLY in cars like this!

[@Bigzy1960]

Why are you trying to sell electrical cars that now one wants and are not even byeing and dont wont they dont really work because the batteries don't last and too replace them it's too much money

[@crm114.]

Does your mummy know you’re playing with the tablet?

[@lw835]

Way way way overpriced nice but won’t be spending 30k on a small car that’s just insane

[@80y3r9]

Too busy to review back seats again? Utter BS Finish the review in the back if you think you'd lose ppl (you don't gain a lot leant on the bonnet)

[@whatcar]

If you want to find out more about the rear seats and boot, you can find it by clicking here 👉 kzbin.info/www/bejne/qaSainuamNiJqdk and skipping to 10:56

[@A-BYTE64]

rubish EV

[@YakuzaR35]

106 mph 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 what a shity car 💩

[@zimpon]

Literally, what a complete and utter loada nonsense, utter shite 💩 Celebrating a stick on badge and a few placky panels, expensive...but wait for it...cheaper than a 65k other piece of 💩 genius! And finally 100k plus, other piece of 💩 And car "journalists" applaud all of this?? No integrity!

[@ingmarlangerak8973]

Useless with no range

[@huss1205]

Another EV review, no thanks...

[@AverageJoe840]

Don’t click on the video then?

[@huss1205]

@AverageJoe840 I saw Alpine so I thought it is a cool 2.0L petrol powered car...

[@TheClumsySpectre2]

​@@huss1205😂 sorry mate, there's not going to be many of those going forward

[@huss1205]

​@@TheClumsySpectre2 what's funny?

[@TheClumsySpectre2]

@@huss1205 Renault: "were going to make an EV hatchback. There will be an Alpine version that's luke-warm" Alpine: "were making a new car! It'll be called the A290 the Luke warm version of the Renault 5" What car: "we have a review of the Alpine A290 also Renault 5 news" You: "I've been excitedly waiting for a new Alpine car. Maybe I've entirely missed all the news. This A290 thing everyone has been raving about must be a 2.0l petrol car as well as the long-awaited Alpine EV covered by every motoring journalist in previous months" I was bemused you did not expect the review to be exactly what it was.