FIRST DRIVE: Alpine A290 - New Hot Hatch Champion?

[@TopGear]

What do you think: is the new Alpine A290 the car to save the hot hatch?

[@JaapRood]

I sure hope so. Either this or the Mini. I’m ready for a way more engaging drive after years in something with double the power and way more range, but also so boring.

[@neelsduplessis1591]

Nope.

[@burkaanc]

stopped being interested after "front wheel drive" not interesting in wrong wheel drive cars, there is no reason for evs to be wrong wheel drive and only 0.3 sec faster to 100kmh than my volvo estate

[@wiggly1]

Do you just say the car is "well priced" in the video conclusion?! £38k for a relatively weedy 217hp. That's hardly affordable fun for the masses, probably the most key characteristic of a hot hatch.

[@Horton138]

@@burkaanc use your brain, it's a hatchback. Front wheel drive is very much standard for hatchbacks.

[@BenGoodbrand]

38K? They'll sell tens of these!

[@thejfg7741]

People buy on finance and monthly affordability. The actual price of the car is rarely what people pay. You’ve been slightly caught out in not understanding that.

[@BenGoodbrand]

@thejfg7741 come back after these have been on sale for a year and tell me who's been caught out.

[@thejfg7741]

@ but that’s not what I am saying. People don’t walk into a dealer and pay the asking price… lease or PCP is how they own the car. That’s the crucial point. If it’s 40k but the monthly price is affordable, then people will buy it.

[@BenGoodbrand]

@@thejfg7741 my comment stands. They will sell so few of these that any argument over paying upfront or through finance is moot. A sale is a sale regardless of how or when the payments are made. People are not as silly as you think...they can still see value, or lack thereof.

[@thejfg7741]

@ but your original point was about the actual entire cost. Which is not how most people buy vehicles. You can for example lease an ID Buzz for relatively reasonable monthly payments because the lease is based on residuals. And the Buzz is a 60k vehicle potentially. If you’re now saying they won’t sell many of these, that o don’t know. I’d buy one personally but the real world range will be below 200 and that would be my main gripe

[@oskar6661]

You hinted at why in your first sentence...the "affordable" part. No modern "hot hatch" approaches being affordable. Companies all got carried away with performance, expensive seats, huge wheels, expensive tires, tech, fancy lighting/interiors, power figures, etc.

[@TheImperfectGuy]

The death of Suzuki Swift Sport absolutely demolished the lasting bastion

[@Giuliana-w1f]

I'd trade off all of the fancy stuff for lower weight and price. I don't want electric adjustable heated/cooled seats, i want a sporty car

[@billymays7210]

It amazes me how many people completely forget about inflation. Guess what a 2003 VW GTI started at? $19k. Guess what a 2024 GTI starts at? $32k. Guess what $19k in 2004 is in 2024? $32k. The prices have literally only followed inflation. They are just as affordable now as they were 20 years ago. Sounds like you should be complaining about your job? Real estate, on the other hand, has NOT followed inflation, so in that sense, it does affect what cats you CAN afford.

[@TheImperfectGuy]

@billymays7210 you addressed the cost of housing problem already and hinted at wage usually not being up to speed with inflation. Both of contributes that the "if you account for inflation cars are technically cheaper now" argumentative falls apart from average Joe's perspective. If you can't afford it be you're already getting screwed up two ends, you don't care that the higher price technically represents less value! It's still not affordable

[@billymays7210]

@@TheImperfectGuy First of all, I didn’t say they are cheaper now. Second, I am an average Joe, and a brand new GTI was a massive purchase for me in 2004, but a brand new GTI in 2024 isn’t too bad at all. My wages have kept up with inflation, which any good job should do at the very least. Where I live, the GTI went up roughly 70% in the last 2 decades. Minimum wage has gone up roughly 140% in the same span. Housing affordability is a different story as it is really dependent on timing. (Luck) Where I live, houses were the same price in 1990 as they were in 2000, with massive fluctuations in between. Houses were the same price in 2007 as they were in 2017, with massive fluctuations in between.

[@paulhancock]

Would I take one over a GR Yaris? Absolutely not but it's a step in the right direction and it's a really cool and desirable object... Not just a soulless electrical appliance. Good job!

[@ll01dm]

GR yaris has a huge waiting list and is 11k more tho. I'm not sure if they are in the same category

[@thedirtyscotTV]

@@ll01dm Agreed, not the same category. I do think this particular car is priced a wee bit too high, and it's not a hot hatch. If this is a hot hatch with 150hp per ton then an MX-5 is fast in a straight line with 145hp per ton.

[@Ellis01234567890]

If it's electric it is most definitely NOT a step in the right direction. The futre should be efuels. Not electirc cars that have less than 10 year useable lifespans. Not saying that electric cars don't have a place, just saying they cn't possibly be the future.

[@heyanewsunset6713]

​@@ll01dmFor the price of a Yaris GR you can even buy two Alpine A290's in my country so buying a hot hatch on petrol is hardly an option anymore.

[@martinogold]

@@heyanewsunset6713 That's a sensible country. EVs are the way to go.

[@existentialselkath1264]

So it's power, 0-60, and weight, is comparable to a Nissan leaf, but it's almost 40k! How is this a hot hatch?

[@thesupremekai1980s]

This is accurate.

[@magnustan841]

I don't know, how about trying to chuck a Leaf around some bends at speed? I don't think it'll be very nice and does it have the brakes to cope?

[@VictorioLopes]

​@magnustan841 unfortunately "enthusiasts" nowaday only care about power and 0-60.

[@ChR0nos_7734]

better (stiffer) suspension, better brakes, better standard tires,....

[@GreatistheWorld]

yeah but you’re leaving out the leaf kinda sucks and is a Nissan

[@sanderveenman599]

So tired of car channels wanting to make us believe that 38K is "in the right place" for a tiny electric car. Its a joke

[@andrewtingate6658]

As far as being a hot hatch goes, it seems like it does it well. The days of 1.6 turbos are gone sadly but this and the ioniq 5 N are only the beginning of electric hot hatches and im actually happy they're trying it, instead of just killing them off.

[@homiefizzle5260]

217 HP for £33k is ridiculous, I know power isn't everything, but it's not like it's offering a super engaging experience either...

[@shittysolutions]

38k for 217hp, not 33k :(

[@wiryantirta]

I mean 217hp would've been plenty in a hot hatch that weighs like an actual hot hatch from ten years ago.

[@matthewcoleman8267]

You only get 178bhp for the 33k, you need to spend 38k for the 'full' 217bhp.

[@thedirtyscotTV]

​@@wiryantirta Yep, it needs more power as it weighs 1500kg. With that weight, this is luke warm at best due to poor power to weight ratio.

[@JaapRood]

You buy an engaging and fun drive, not a horsepower figure, with this Alpine.

[@dominicrusho]

ABSOLUTE GARBAGe it should have a V12 with 1000BHP and cost £8k max 👎

[@magnustan841]

@@dominicrusho haha! Dream on

[@mikedelicus]

…and it should offer 3.000 km range and 5 tons towing capacity

[@GolfGti-g8x]

😂😂

[@yunseosextras]

Dream about it broski, a V12 will never fit

[@yunseosextras]

​@@mikedelicusBLA BLA BLA dream about it broski

[@AngusRShamal]

Every review complain about the "high" curb weight of this Alpine, even though it's one of the lightest in it's segment. So I thought, let's look up some specs of the hot-hatches you've mentioned here - just for fun: Golf GTI mk8: 1381-1501 kg Golf R mk3: 1476-1562 kg Hyundai Ioniq 5 N: 2194-2248 kg (EV) Toyota GR Yaris: 1,110-1,280 kg Honda Civic Type R: 1429 - ? kg Abarth 500e: 1,410 - 1720 kg (EV) Mini Cooper SE JCW: 1670 - ? kg (EV) Alpine A290: 1,479 - 1579 kg (EV)

[@hernonsenka]

Yes, but now compare it with same size rivals such as GR Yaris, Fiesta ST, 208gti(at least last), i20n, last Clio RS. They will have almost same power but ~300kg less. Lightweight cars gives much more fun on lower speed, even if they dont have a lot of power. Bigger car can be much more capable on medium and high speed corners, but require you to be more expirienced driver to get to this speeds.

[@billymays7210]

1) There is no such thing as a MK3 Golf R 2) The GTI, Golf R, Hyundai, and CTR are NOT in the same segment, they are all the next size up. 3) Only the Abarth, Mini, & GR are in the same segment. The GR is substantially lighter, and the other 2 are also way too heavy.

[@janred94]

The weight is okay. Especially with that low center of gravity due to the battery.

[@jafu745]

I would like to point out that this is not a Golf rival but a Polo rival. There is an almost 30 cm length difference between a golf R and this. The Polo GTI is 100 kg lighter. Granted, not that big a difference but it is 4000 euros cheaper than this.

[@LorenzoTuratti]

If there was an Alpine version planned since the beginning, why wasn't the R5 built with a rear-engine/rear-wheel drive? With an EV, everything is simpler, and the Alpine would have made much more sense

[@chenille28]

They did that with the Twingo, and it's shitty to drive. In Europe, 99% of the people have no idea how to handle a rear wheel driven car. So it was a more sensible choice to stick with the front wheel drive. Which is sad, because I'm looking for a fun affordable sport car with rear wheel drive and there is... only the Mazda MX-5. And it is now about as expensive as this Alpine, with 40bhp less (but 400kg lighter)...

[@Neojhun]

@@chenille28 But VW ID.3 and Cupra Born are Rear Motor RWD. Quite sure those are for Europe, they don't even sell them in North America.

[@boaz787]

The original renault 5 alpine was fwd as well, so it makes sense imo

[@yousausage]

Imagine how many people would die with that being RWD?

[@tiagobelo4965]

​@@yousausagenot many, its an EV with TC, ESC, all the fancy shmancy stability stuff smarts were extemely short, rear engined and rear wheel drive, and they weren't dangerous in any way

[@kindface]

And its little brother, the Renault in yellow absolutely nailed it in aethestics too for 10 grand less.

[@deadkemper]

he said that at the end.

[@magnustan841]

Can’t wait for solid state batteries, but i think Renault and Alpine did a very nice job from everything I’ve seen. It’s looks great, is a good size, not too expensive for 2024 and power figures are just about right. 220hp doesn’t sound like much but I imagine that electric torque will make it feel very fast. The Corsa-e that my family rents using car sharing from time to time feels mega quick for a small hatch and it only has around 140hp and 250Nm.

[@kristoffer3000]

It's stupidly overpriced and not very.... hot. Hardly even lukewarm.

[@TijgerTim]

The first Clio RS was a 138PS sub 1-tonne, sub 8-second hot-hatch. Now over thirty years later, the A290 GTS weighs over 50% more, and therefore needs nearly 60% more power to drop the 0-62 acceleration another 1½ seconds...

[@gypsyemperor7535]

Yeah but that car was a literal deathtrap that could be stolen in two secs

[@TijgerTim]

@@gypsyemperor7535 Most cars of that era were pretty easy to steal; but deathtrap? Hardly. It had one of the most sorted chassis of the period and was no more dangerous than anything else on the road at the time.

[@IncoG8]

Not a bad looking thing, but i like the look, of the front, of the normal Renault 5, way better. Those X running lights on the Alpine, just looks off, and the missing Renault badge too. The normal wide daytime running lights on the stock Renault 5 is spot on.

[@TheImperfectGuy]

those X lights might work if you they'd have to a round frame, but I guess no one dares to put some as outwardly cute as round eyes on a perform version these days

[@ghostridertom]

In person it is quite OK, it is like a hologram style light, looks fine. Price should be 7.5k lower to really be attractive.

[@westwalian1018]

I drive a Polo GTI (2023) which has the same performance as the Alpine, and looks very similar in shape and size. The Polo too has that level of refinement for normal driving conditions as well as the grunt factor. Mine cost £28k last year, and the Alpine is £38k. I think for £38k I'd want something extra - perhaps more acceleration. EVs need to get cheaper.

[@russhawker1718]

what car give the Polo GTI just 2 stars. Has grunt but doesn't drive like a hot hatch. This Alpine would eat the Polo for breakfast in the twisty stuff.

[@oj7177]

They will get cheaper, in the eu they started producing them late, and already we are seeing prices dropping compared to some years ago Give it another 5 years

[@albertperks3476]

Love the sound, it looks great to. That must be the first EV I've seen that I thought I would actually like to own.

[@aegean_444]

And now look at the Turbo3e version 😍

[@ifirebolti2789]

*So:* - It costs similar to a 2023 Audi S3 (8Y) w/

[@dirtyfl0w]

new S3 costs way more than the alpine, so you cannot compare it

[@ifirebolti2789]

@dirtyfl0w to be perfectly honest, new for new, you’re right, and I didn’t realise how expensive they’d been priced for this model year! I’ll requalify my statement with the caveat of a 2023 S3 w/

[@lptomtom]

Yeah, but then you should wait to see depreciation on the A290 too: how much will it cost after 4000 miles?

[@GolfGti-g8x]

😂😂

[@UKTopGun]

You can buy a Ferrari for £35k This post is dumb

[@marcakko2010]

Thank you for thr review nice to watch . For perspective the cupra born 230eboost weights is 1840kg so this alpine is 340kg lighter so Renault have done well to save that much weight thats like 4 medium adults lighter so definitely going in the right direction . The bmw i3s weights 1365kg and that has skinny tyres and very thin seats and full carbon fiber structure so Renault have done well . I do think though once the 4wd version of this alpine comes out with around 300bhp+ that will be the one to watch for sure as this front wheel drive version doesn't seams spicy enough for most people spending thet kind of cash.

[@Neojhun]

There is the awesome Cupra Born VZ which is 320 hp just to the REAR Wheels. You don't need AWD BEV to have fun in the corners. That seems like the best recipe for a Hot Hatch. I don't care it's correct wheel drive, it doesn't need to be FWD to be a fun Hot Hatch.

[@CoppertopFPV]

​@@Neojhun but its a cupra so itll try to crash every 5 seconds with its idiotic safety features and if it doesnt youll crash trying to reset the infotainment that has died or from looking at what the latest bong warning light on the speedi is telling you. Modern cupra is as far from a fun car as is possible

[@Flared]

I still think making this the hot version of the new R5 instead of an homage to the mid-engine Turbo seems like a missed opportunity to me.

[@ThePedroDB]

Agreed. The 3 seat prototype with mid mounted Battery and an engine on each rear wheel could have been very special. The A290 isn't much more than a cosmetic makeover. Fit an R5 with a set of coilovers and you're pretty much there...

[@Flared]

@@ThePedroDB I'd forgotten about the Turbo 3E concept! It was also co-developed with Ligier if I remember correctly. Apparently the Renault boss has mentioned that they could make a limited run of road versions if it made financial sense, which usually means that it wont happen.

[@Razormindsplace]

The original "sport" variant of the R5 was the R5 Alpine, from an "heritage" stand point it makes sense (even if they just went full Alpine this time). Beside, the EV R5 and by extension the A290 both use design cues from the Turbo, and Renault current CEO wants to bring back the Turbo anyway.

[@aegean_444]

Nope, it was like this back in, the days : -"normal" Renault 5 -Alpine Renault 5 (like the same but the sporty everyday road version) -Turbo Renault 5 (extreme with maxi aerodynamic kit, special car for special peoples, a niche and absolute car) And well, it's still the same today : -most peoples will buy the regular Renault 5 -some peoples with extra money who want the high end / sporty version and exclusivity will put 10k more grants and buy the Alpine version -and a few will buy the Turbo3e, just announced yesterday, but those one are in another league, the car will have the Turbo / Turbo 2 maxi look, 500 HP rear well drive, probably cost 100k or whatever (who care at this point), and is more like a rally / track car for the road, when the Alpine is a road car make sporty for fun but also can be a daily

[@peroperic3692]

I want to see a petrol version of this with a V6 in the trunk 😊

[@pauliewalnuts240]

217hp & 0-60 in 6.4 seconds are typical hot hatch numbers. Everyone thinks EVS are fast, but as they become more affordable, they're going to have smaller electric motors to cut cost. They have to "wow" with impressive power now, but the models people will actually be able to afford will have modest electric motors, similar to their ice counterparts.

[@SayakMajumder]

hate to say it but .. .small and fast might be the ideal combo for hot ev hatch in future but wish they did an ICE Alpine hot-hatch

[@stoff3r]

The bmw i3 is small, rwd, weighs about a tonne, and has about 190hp. Pretty descent.

[@aegean_444]

Yep I can't get enough of that oil and filters to change ever 6 month and all the rumble and noise and the smell of pollution

[@44shibby]

Can't wait to read the reports of someone accidentally pressing that red button on the steering wheel while manoeuvring in a multi storey 😂😂

[@ThePedroDB]

otherwise known as the "up ramp" button... 🤣

[@dgood911]

That’s a great review. Really good presenting!

[@pipimontana]

6.5 seconds? 😂 Numb steering? 😂 High floor? 😂 I think the i3 was ahead of its time

[@ThaDutchDK1989]

Wow a EV geek I see only obsessed with 0-60 🤦‍♂️ you to clock you re on the toilet ? And a i3 has bicycle size tyres . These are 2 the size in width . Who wants a i3 anyway 🤣

[@pipimontana]

@@ThaDutchDK1989 the i3 came to market 2013... DK? dumb kiddie? 1989? You clock coming too early?

[@pipimontana]

@@ThaDutchDK1989 your fathers could have raised you better

[@blanchimont5587]

@@ThaDutchDK1989 actually the i3 was a pretty good car for what it was, it was not trying to be a sports car. watch jayemm on cars review on it, he covers it well

[@pipimontana]

@@blanchimont5587 mass produced composite, 2013, now ancient battery technology, designed and decided 2010, great door design. the dutch boy from '89 doesn't get it.

[@zeiar1987]

So there is a button on the steering wheel for full throttle? I can't understand why if there is a power (gas) pedal. Have to read more on that possibly.

[@Zerobar78.]

I had a 14' Fiesta ST, great little car that was a blast to drive!

[@alexisbendelamousseauchocolat]

I enjoy watching Jack Rix version of TG. Of course, his team. Thank you BBC.

[@christopherbellisario9195]

looks like a crossover to me...needs to be about 3" lower, at least...

[@daniel-ino]

to drive where?

[@christopherbellisario9195]

@@daniel-ino wherever

[@xXDaNiJaJaXx]

8 years ago I bought a Peugeot 208 gti by Peugeot sport for less than 20k new. This car doubles that, with almost the same power, 300kg more, and near half range... It's called progress, isn´t it?

[@derkretschesven]

38K, 6.5s, 217hp??? I get the feeling that the older combustion Hot Hatches were superior in every aspect. A young Fiesta ST would be still my way to go

[@ThePedroDB]

Exactly. I'm sticking with my i20N..

[@jamespatagueule4599]

and 1500 kg... give us meganes and clios back

[@gileral]

Pity they didn't equip it with the fantastic A110 seats!

[@junkfoodeater]

Really cool car for 10k less than a GTi i only wish it wasn't an EV. They could have put the old Megane RS engine and dif in this that would have been lovely

[@liamjohnhawkins4212]

A Golf GTI doesn’t cost 10k more though, it costs about the same.

[@raphaelcazenave-leveque7991]

Great review. Top Gear rules.

[@Alex-ud4tl]

How is IONIQ5 a hothatch? its bigger than Tucson or RAV4 etc. Its a practical SUV turned into a track machine.

[@rudymwaurah]

1500kg for a hot hatch? You're having a laugh.

[@joeynessily]

Same weight as the Golf GTI

[@rudymwaurah]

@joeynessily yes, and? STILL grossly overweight for a hot hatch. For reference, an Evo 9, is 1400kg.

[@rudymwaurah]

@@JingleBombzz "weight doesn't really matter as much as it did then" 😂😂😂😂😂 made my evening, thank you.

[@DaveSpecC]

@@JingleBombzz weight always matters.

[@HMoyn215]

Did you see that ludicrous display

[@niklaswo]

This is a serious contender to be a substitution to my current daily, Honda e. But having sat in the Renault 5 a couple of weeks ago, my 190cm is really struggling to fit comfortably.

[@corbendavies6593]

Someone take this, rip out the extra weight of the EV system and stick the 1.8 litre from the megane Rs in there. And it will be fixed.

[@Neojhun]

Eww yuck, it's sad what you bunch is willing to down grade to.1.8L 4 Banger is such a sad engine to fight against BEV. Unless it's some special Turbo 6 Cylinder (preferably Inline) or V8 or better it has no place trying to compete with BEV

[@corbendavies6593]

@Neojhun clearly don't know or understand what a hot hatch is all about.

[@Neojhun]

@@corbendavies6593 Yet BMW somehow fit a Inline 6 in E87 and F20 1 series. Do better if you want to compete. The classic characteristics is not worth preserving. If you truly want to screw up Hot Hatch characteristic. Could just get a Cupra Born with a tail happy lose traction control with a Rear Motor RWD Hatch. BEVs is how we bring back driving pleasure.

[@justinbennitt835]

The "extra weight" being the 50kg that this weighs more than a 2024 VW Golf GTi?

[@ThaDutchDK1989]

Neojhun Calls a bmw a “ real “ hot hatch 🤦‍♂️ yet a REAL hot hatch is a car based on a simple high volume car wich is FWD . A rwd without a lsd is pointless anyway . Yet you kids don’t understand..

[@jamesphelps1958]

I swear every 3rd car in San Francisco is a golf GTI. They still exist for sure. This would sell well there if it’s offered

[@andrzejz4218]

39k for a 217 bhp hot hatch (based on entry level EV) is fair price these days? You gotta be kidding. Thats Model 3 RWD money, that is objectively superior in every way to this "hot hatch". I'll pass.

[@thejfg7741]

But if you buy a Tesla - you’re giving money to Elon Musk and that can never be acceptable.

[@andrzejz4218]

@@thejfg7741 It's perfectly acceptable unless you think that supporting freedom of speech and lesser goverment control is bad for you.

[@4literv6]

Well said!

[@martinogold]

@@andrzejz4218 Except Elon doesn't support free speech as demonstrated by the way he runs twitter. He just believes in it when it suits him. Tesla thrives on subsidies from erm, oh yeah the government 🙄

[@existentialselkath1264]

A Nissan leaf can reach a similar spec for a lower price. There's nothing hotter about this besides the styling.

[@owenangel4648]

It looks amazing but clearly becomes rough under intense use. I would only be interested if they made a petrol version.

[@kingphiltheill]

Seeing it's 1500kgs, I'm so glad I bought a A110 GT. 😂 Doesn't deserve the Apline brand sticker, should have sticked to RS nomenclature.

[@thenoobonconsole9249]

Love how he said price and performance seems about right.

[@YanalFanio]

The music slaps, great choice!

[@saletedeflash]

Can you use metric units too? Thanks

[@abysoon]

What's with the cup holders obsession ? It seems that's a typical British/American need.

[@tubejorrit]

indeed, I just put water in a bottle and trow it on the passenger seat or door pockets.

[@Blo0dyMustard]

Not only them, but also every normal human being

[@r6scrubs126]

@@tubejorrit you put it on the passenger seat and then the first time you go round a corner or brake hard it falls off...

[@tubejorrit]

@@r6scrubs126 I can drive for 2 or more hours without the need to sip on a cup or bottle

[@DaveSpecC]

@@tubejorrit so you're the reason for the smell at Leeming Bar services.

[@opusgazelle]

First glance I prefer the standard R5 looks-wise. Exciting proposition nonetheless although a low mileage A110 would tick all my quirky French exotica boxes for a few £Ks more.

[@sbeer]

Guys am I the only one who sees a 30-40k £$€ every day car just out of every sense of budget and affordability?

[@aviobrain]

At last, a fun city EV. Not sure if it is worth the price premium over the standard 5 though, still gets a big thumbs up!

[@teerbaby1074]

I'd be interested in the mileage when you try to have fun on a mountain road like that.

[@justinschultz4325]

My experience is you lose range going up, and you gain going down via regen. Many times it washes out or close to it.

[@markseeger3352]

I really like it, hot hatches have never been about out right power, more the way they drive and from the reviews I have seen is pretty good. I would certainly have one over the MG4 XPower, that not only looks awful but seems to be completely overwhelmed by the power it has.

[@billymays7210]

Very true about power, but hot hatches have also always been relatively light weight, so they didn’t need a ton of power to be fun.

[@Yesterzine]

@@billymays7210 It is *relatively* light weight these days though.

[@filipealves77]

I'll keep my i20N, thank you very much.

[@ThePedroDB]

Me too! 😇

[@popsandbangs8858]

Of course you should

[@paulgoff5068]

Lovely, only 2 things stop me from asking where to sign! 1, I have a 2021 GR Four Yaris with 13000 miles on it on my drive. Baloon payment due in about 3 weeks, I WILL be paying it. 😊 2, I've had 5 French cars, most from new, all with very little electronics, they were all good to drive, but all prone to electrical problems. A French car that is ALL electric............................................😮

[@richieduck67]

38000 quid? No way Jose

[@helipeek2736]

Surely it’s no way “Nicole”?

[@peterdevreter]

Why not? The golf 3 VR6 was also very expensive and nobody complained back then.

[@GolfGti-g8x]

You are joking?? The vr6 was an absolute beast back in 1992 sounded amazing it was worth 19 grand back then. Tbis libtard piece of junk needs to be put in the bin.

[@billymays7210]

@@peterdevreterThe Golf could keep up with the competition…

[@jose-Maki]

No way

[@rare6499]

When the Abarth 500 launched in 2008/9 it cost around £13,500 brand new. That was a genuine cheap fun little car. Remember the 172 Cup? It was dirt cheap brand new. Nearly £40 grand is not hot hatch territory in my mind, that’s a whole other segment.

[@carebox5932]

£38,000 for that... Nope. So many better cars used or new you can get for that money. The range is also far too low for a "sporty" car... push it on a windy road and expect to get half the range or less. I mean you can get a GR Supra/m2/m3/m4/ Lexus RC F/ a110/Focus RS/ GR yaris/ GR86 / Megane Trophy R / Civic Type R etc etc for less money why would anyone buy this.

[@larscastelijns2168]

A bit pointless to compare used cars with a new car lol

[@louisholden5127]

New to new is the only valid comparison. If this depreciates like other EVs then we'll be able to get one for £15k in 4 years anyway.

[@DaveC1964]

Will be an amazing second hand buy at 2 years old 😮

[@peterdevreter]

I want this very badly. Would be a nice addition next to my green petrol cinq from the 70's :)

[@MrQmie]

The decline of hot hatches... It's more a small SUV...

[@HesteBremse]

With some more power as a choice it would be nearly perfect / perhaps integrate an over boost as the button is already there. Nothing bad to say about the styling and design, it’s appealing and I’m happy to see some small EVs coming to market.

[@MM-t7p]

Prime example of China's technology and cost advantage and why Europe is panicking with tariffs.. Ridiculous, this vehicle should be half the price!

[@latimeria2]

Was on that road last week.

[@neilwheel]

It's battery powered. It will NEVER, EVER be "hot" - unless the battery catches fire.

[@luistiago5121]

lol

[@ewadge]

Yawn. Closed minded much!!??

[@neilwheel]

@ewadge No. Quite the opposite in fact. That's why I'm able to call bullshit on the green agenda, the SDG scam & other assorted climate grifters and not be brainwashed

[@r6scrubs126]

boomer spotted

[@neilwheel]

@r6scrubs126 yeah, you'd better get back into your climate fallout shelter...

[@goreallyspeed4819]

Will pick up a second hand one in 12 months when I can ditch my MG4 Xpower - I think it looks amazing, and I want a smaller car, but at £38k it's completely overpriced for it's lack of performance.

[@Cpm_Neon]

This is just a rebadged Renault 5

[@Monty-sd6tc]

Isn’t that the point?

[@ThePedroDB]

a perfect example of 'Badge Engineering'..

[@ThaDutchDK1989]

A hot hatch is baised on a normal high volume car . Golf …. Gti , clio ….. rs . You live under a rock ?

[@esm7708]

That's kind of the point

[@beinghappy1312]

Does it have the option to turn off the synthetic engine noise?

[@on_wheels_80]

That OV button is about the most glaring safety hazard I've ever seen in a car. I just don't understand anymore what is necessary or allowed to be street legal.

[@nickd86]

Why? It does the same job as the foot pedal

[@on_wheels_80]

@@nickd86 Yeah, but nobody is used to a button on the steering wheel that does full acceleration.

[@imaweerascal]

@@nickd86 It's difficult to accidentally floor the throttle, but I can see someone accidentally pressing that button

[@grb454]

You put the brakes on fire. How many lap you can cover before running out of juice, brakes fades or tires became slick ?

[@LeiChat]

2020 Golf R is listed with weight of 1408kg. The Clio 182 weighed 1100kg and had a 0-62 mph of 7 seconds. This A290 has claimed 0-62 of 6.4 seconds. Turns out these EVs aren't that much heavier than the fossil fuel counterparts. Because the majority of the weight is lower down in an EV it potentially can drive/handle better.

[@grb454]

Original Alpine R5 is 900kgs and 93ch. Max speed is 170Km/h, same than this Alpine.

[@LeiChat]

@@grb454 You cannot compare, aside from anecdotally, the weight of cars that are decades apart. I am grateful that Renault have delivered a relatively small and stylish fully battery electric hatchback, which is a welcome change to all the unnecessarily large and bland SUVs.

[@DaveSpecC]

Bet the 182 is night and day better car to drive.

[@LeiChat]

Not sure I would agree. Will let you know when I drive an A290.

[@billymays7210]

A MK8 Golf R is a foot longer, AWD, 100 more hp, 2.5 seconds quicker to 60… no, it is not on par with its “counterparts” 😂

[@randomrob2221]

Wished they put out a petrol version of this

[@GripEnemy.]

Electric tripe, if it had an ice i would be excited as the design is cool. Such a shame how cars are butchered nowadays

[@DorsetSaferRoads]

Ice is dead... Get used to it.

[@GripEnemy.]

@DorsetSaferRoads haha thats why ev residuals are as toxic as depleted uranium, the people have spoken. We dont want to drive around in dishwashers and coffee machines

[@jeremyclares4851]

@@DorsetSaferRoadsnot completely because Porsche is still currently formulating their new Efuels and 6-stroke flat-6 engines for use by 2030 or so…

[@tadasnever]

@@GripEnemy. boohoo. Get over it. Wanna ICE? Get some with cream...

[@TheQuestionTheAnswer]

ICE is not dead, electric cars are not all bad. Both formats have their place.

[@julianlord2697]

Renault 5 Alpine in 1982, sold as Renault 5 Gordini in UK. 1400cc ohv engine tweaked by Alpine, all the hot French go faster stuff, a rocket. This thing is not the same.

[@PierCiccarelli]

Embarassing for Renault….Rip Renault Sport 😢

[@niklaswejedal463]

And if you think even the Renault 5 is too expensive, pick up a Zoe R110, take it to an empty small,narrow and twisty country back road and marvel as it let you zip through the corners, like I did the other day. I bought mine to be my sensible commuter-bubble, but man, is it fun on the right kind of roads.

[@WeFixWater]

Stopped the video as soon as I heard “full ev”

[@fernandofragoso4118]

The fact of being electric is not the problem for me. Nobody would care if it was electric but it weigh 700kg with the same distance between axis and track width. It would be mental! Overweight in a sports car is a turn off.

[@jacobfoster9185]

Sadly the front is sinfully ugly

[@MárioBarata-z3l]

wish they have done a combustion version of it! looks great

[@zohircherifi5616]

Another disappointing electric car

[@tooranghassemi5563]

For real electric cars have no salt and feelings to them I’m not staying there, but when a car is electric, it means the car is not carrying

[@Elenir-e9j]

amo assistir esses vídeos muito bom ❤

[@onyedikamicheal349]

This is what we call cool car❤

[@jaughnekow]

but the base model price is too much

[@franciscojaviervaldeonpaez9864]

That's a nice little car, in my opinion it needs more muscle, probably 250 HP its a perfectly hatchback number for to be considered 😊👊🏁💨

[@alext2933]

You lost me when EV was mentioned.

[@Hello_there_obi]

Looks awful. And no one wants an ev hot hatch that weighs 1.5 tonnes 😅 Fun to drive? No because it’s an ev (so no noise or gear change) and weighs far too much (so worse driving dynamics and braking feel) Practical? Not really since it’s range is so awful which mean’s you’re more at the mercy of charging stations. Cheap? The entire point of the hot hat was cheap thrills. This is not cheap. £15k is cheap.

[@alexanderdelia8771]

Any modern hot hatch weighs pretty much the same and costs the same, regardless of fuel. Welcome to the 2020s. Have you bought yourself a pint lately?

[@4literv6]

Yup my 2013 ford focus st2 was over 3,380# with fluids, but no passengers. It cost over 30k back in 2013 dollars and was slower than this 0-60mph! Ad a real motor 270-300hp+and a semi solid state or solid state pack to this? Taking off 100-150kg. And it would be a right little pocket rocket imo!

[@Hello_there_obi]

@@alexanderdelia8771 not quite. This thing is more like 1.6 tonnes with fluids. A GR Yaris is 1.3 tonnes. Still a bit porky but nowhere near as bad. And it will go further.

[@martinogold]

It looks nice and I quite fancy one.

[@Hello_there_obi]

@@4literv6 A battery never takes off weight. It always adds weight. And you'd lose the noise and gears too. That's a huge chunk of the fun gone!

[@Kavinda-x2t]

Good to see another non boring EV

[@EmoDKTsuchiya]

EV nonsense 😂

[@Lukey-jy4ez]

May I ask what roads you are driving, pls?

[@boscochan3728]

0:52 I thought he's going to say, "Is this Alpine A290 going to wrap around lamp posts as well?"

[@harkendoich2]

I actually really like the look of it,, now if they just got rid of the battery powered motor and put in a proper engine, which would also reduce the weight quite a bit,, perhaps 300kg then this would be a decent homage to the good old hot hatches of the 80's, 90's and 00's.

[@RogueRail]

I love it, I want one so badly

[@stitcha123]

Looks lovely. The end.

[@ivogievski]

Not making this RWD was a missed opportunity imo. Yeah, hot hatches were almost always FWD, but because of engineering constraints. In this case, it would make the car way more desirable, while being easy to implement.

[@billymays7210]

Exactly. So pointless.

[@SaffronWorldCR]

Just make it AWD at this point.

[@wizardrhyme9597]

It would just add even more weight and costs to the final price tag

[@chriswagner9573]

All they had to do was put the A110 ICE powertrain in it, and all the Americans would be drooling. But meh

[@richardhannay7105]

My citroen C5 mk1 weighs 1377kg, and it is not exactly what I would call chuckable. Is the 900kg 200hp hatch trully dead?

[@IslaSprollie]

This or rear wheel drive Honda e ? Ignore the Honda's small range/boot please. Just driving feel.

[@alexbooth9766]

It weighs almost as much as a Jaguar XF! (my comparison due to driving an XF myself)

[@swoozilicious]

hot hatches were hot thanks to the pricing, this is missing the point if it's costs 38K. You can get a model Y for that price which is 10x more practical

[@willemschell]

Seeking some advice in the comments: I am picking a new company car in January 25. Needs to be EV. Used to drive a Peugeot e208 GT. Was a lovely little car. Only issue was I never got more than 200-250 km’s out of the battery. Now the obvious choice for me as a car-nut would be to go for the Renault 5 or Alpine A290, however it has the same battery and fast-charging capacity as my old Peugeot so doesn’t really feel like an upgrade. I’m also looking at Volvo EX30 or Mercedes EQA (which has almost twice the range). But they do seem a bit boring compared to this Alpine.. what to do..

[@dalexa]

All I have to say is that Renault did a terrific job in this car. You can trully see a R5 in some shots, specially from the side.