FIRST LOOK - Alpine A290 - Finally an EV about lightweight, handling and style !

Here is my first look at the Alpine A290. An EV that is all about lightweight, handling and style. Based on the recently revealed Renault 5 the Alpine A290 is actually very different under it's skin. It has a 6cm wider track, new dampers, brakes from the Alpine A110, a motor from the Renault Megane, bespoke tyres developed with Michelin and an even nicer interior than the Renault 5.
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Video Contents
00:00 - Genesis and Exterior Design
06:18 - Interior
09:40 - Power and Performance
11:04 - Bespoke Michelin Tyres
13:03 - Model Range and Weight
14:57 - A special livery
15:45 - Final Thoughts
#PetrolPed #Michelin #AlpineA290

[@davidthegolfer]

Pete, I was proud to sell the original R5 at launch in bright orange and bright line green with their wet look seats. Earlier that year I was a guest of Renault visiting all their factories. The crowning glory was to Deauville to the Alpine factory and watching them spray fibreglass into a mould to make the bodies and see the solid pole central chassis. Often the workers had a Gauloise in the corner of their mouths. (Other brands were available). I left the industry in 1973, but I’ve been a petrolhead all my life, now massively proud I managed to obtain a Porsche 992 in 2021. The point is. I would love to sell/own the A290. What a great modern car. It’s the first and only EV that has stirred me. I may be tempted to do a petrol conversion on it though. A nice V6. Please M.Renault, release an ICE version. Which of course they won’t. Thank you Ped. A great review of an exciting and individual new car with real character.

[@eugenux]

this is in no way, shape or form a real Alpine. First of all, RenaultSports was the brand which Renault used for hatchbacks and Alpine brand was used for 3/4 exotics at 1/3 of the price. This is no exotic, nor at least a sports car and thus, it brings shame to the Alpine legacy name.

[@jimcabezola3051]

"Dream Garage," indeed! I like this one, too! In the modern world, the old "too many exhaust emissions" argument can go away thanks to electric power. I hope the US allow more of these electric cars here. This car is far more engaging than the CUV/SUV rubbish we're drowning in here.

[@ThrottleBody]

I’m a fan. Right power, right range.

[@BobH809]

They have done an amazing job making the R5 look that good. It just looks, right. All around it has that ability to just draw you in, and makes you feel like you need one, NOW!

[@user-uy8fb6xv6j]

I don't consider Minis to be small cars anymore (cost, size or weight), so this could well be a zero competitor car when it launches. Looks great!

[@stevetigersix]

Great vid as always looking forward to full details may be the second car replacing the i3s

[@watchcommander2012]

That’s a beautiful looking car and so different to the rest of the market. Great video!

[@PetrolPed]

Thanks 🙏🏻

[@JezArcher-yk9pw]

Liking this a lot.. hope to see you road test this as soon as possible.. keep the content coming mate 👍👍

[@PetrolPed]

Thanks, will do!

[@SDK2006b]

A great video and summary of the car 👍

[@PetrolPed]

Thank you! 👍

[@mackemc3021]

Liked the look of this ever since I saw the concept car. Have my name down to test drive one as soon as they hit the dealers. Thought the performance may have been a little “hotter” but will have to see what the overall drive is like.

[@shakesnbake]

LOVE THIS!! In addition to the R5 turbo nostaligia, it's giving me pocket Ionic 5N vibes (hope you get to drive that one sometime). Hope the A290 drives as well as it looks :)

[@user-qr4se9wt4z]

Another excellent video Ped,thank you.👍👍

[@PetrolPed]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@stevecompton7197]

Not sure on the x's on the front

[@colinirvine1869]

That looks lovely. Especially in blue!

[@shaheenevans]

I’m sure your ordering one Ped even without watching

[@edmondsalsali1416]

If it comes to the US, I'll get one in a heartbeat.

[@jamiep61]

I enjoyed watching the video, looks very good 😊

[@PetrolPed]

Thank you so much 🤗

[@simonwhitcombe841]

It’s a shame they didn’t make its 0-60 less so it’s the quickest thing at the lights. Make the top speed less if they had to. Not sure how you do it on an ev like changing the gear ratio🤷🏻‍♂️ Every 40 year old would love a blast in this Great Video Pete 👍🏼, you’re interested in all the things I am

[@AmandaJayne46]

Bloody stunning Car Pete, when will you get this to test drive? I’m looking forward to seeing that. I’ve always loved the Renault five and the Alpine, so drop us a line let us know when that’s coming up. Anyway take care love I’ll catch you soon.

[@jeffbrooker5183]

These are some awesome cars coming out of France. I look forward to hearing a more in-depth review of the car. It would be so cool if these cars would come to the USA. Thanks for the awesome information that you provide!

[@markburke2414]

MINI … please note the dash and gauges. Please bring back a driver-focused dash rather than just a HUD.

[@nigelk780]

You really have got the hang of this Ped 👌 I like the car a lot although not sold on the faux tape leds

[@alasdairwilson4806]

Nice looking car and a very good comprehensive review.Thanks.

[@PetrolPed]

Glad you liked it!

[@888mattd]

Notice they made a big thing of flipping the Alpine badge on the front wing but didn’t bother with the centre caps 🤪

[@jefffarrell5603]

I like it, but acceleration is disappointing. Over 6 seconds to 62 mph. I’d also prefer RWD with a rear motor.

[@GCD8]

Great Video

[@PetrolPed]

Thanks!

[@adamrawlings6789]

Looks stunning. I'd have it as my daily driver to compliment my A110

[@PetrolPed]

Good choice!

[@richardpiper4828]

Looks great - literally - and promises to be a fantastic hot hatch. I have a Megane E-Tech and was previously a serial Mini Cooper S owner (of all three iterations of the BMW series) so the A290 could well be my choice when I come to replace the Megane. A little to my surprise the new Mini SE impressed me more in the flesh than I had expected - nice premium finish although could do with some buttons for H&V controls, I moved out of Mini’s because they are just a bit small with their very cramped rear accommodation. The Alpine strikes me as a better balance and Renault are absolutely tops for styling. I suspect the A290 in a nice spec (must have more powerful motor) will not be cheap which of course means exceeding the nasty £40k for the higher rate VED. I will be speaking to those very nice people at Hendy’s who have given me superb service.

[@alecporter1784]

So much better than the over bloated mini range

[@grahamfry812]

Stunning little car, but afraid in my opinion those “X” on the front lights total ruin the front aesthetics. Nice video, enjoy Le Mans.

[@GRfourfun]

I agree, what’s that all about??

[@Adrian-vh4my]

I've just seen some outdoor footage - although I'm not a fan of the X-lights, they don't look as bad in daylight

[@GRfourfun]

@@Adrian-vh4my I’ll reserve judgement then 🤞🏻

[@Wolfman57]

How stupid are those X lights !!!

[@Wolfman57]

I wonder why nobody has ever made wheels look square !!!

[@mrmawson2438]

It is a nice bit of tin I like it cheers mate

[@ObiePaddles]

I love it except the X on the front additional lights. Looks daft to me compared to the originals with the tape on them.

[@mrmawson2438]

Afternoon mate

[@nickrendell4300]

Looks much better inside and out than the new updated mini.

[@ViscountCharles]

I'm really torn between this and an electric MINI JCW ("what JCW?" I hear you say; well, we all know one is coming). Have spent the last 15 years in an R32, but I'd like to go back to my roots and drive something smaller. Performance of the two looks very similar, so it's going to come down to interiors, handling and liveability.

[@flaw3dgenius222]

Utterly gorgeous

[@RoamingCumbria]

EV's are not for me, at this point in time, but that really is a great looking car and loving the colour and wheels. Not sure about those X lights though.

[@markscars1069]

Agree on the square wheel design. Looks odd. But the car itself looks fab. Paint quality looks good too and that blue just pops.

[@PetrolPed]

Thanks 👍

[@cotswoldphotographers]

Wow I love it and agree with you about the wheels. I’d choose the same as you. I think for what is essentially a city car the range is ok for most journeys but obviously won’t suit everyone.

[@HQBProductions]

Hello Peter…yes the wheel and tyre choice you like is exactly what I would order…the square ones look terrible though! Not sold on the X lights which look a bit overdone BUT I think this is an exciting car…it has inspiration and delight. It is £12000 up on the R5 but it has enough differentiation and it will sell in loads. I hope you get one for test soon! Richard🤔😀😀😀😀

[@PetrolPed]

Thanks 👍

[@TuRo-Maserati]

Thanks PP, TBH bit dissapointed ...looks more fussy/overworked than that clean R5 in green/yellow you showed IMHO few months ago....For me, it's too high, doors too tall, wheel arches look tacked on and wheels look too big....in essense looks like a mini MPV somehow !!! Probably gonna keep my (heavily discounted) £27,500 1,450 KG 500 E Abarth Turismo.....but I'll take it for a peddle when in UK ! Black with those square wheels cleanest version to my eyes...

[@guynicholson5438]

Love your videos, excellent ! Seems there is a new norm in 1500 kgs, for a small hot hatch being called light ? 400 kgs more than an A110 ? Shame they did not make the show car with the 4WD, 2 doors and central driving position.. That was so so special.

[@PetrolPed]

That would have been cool 👌

[@davelawrence594]

Awesome video as ever pete & absolutely love this apart from the black bits & to be honest it actually looks awesome in the black colour because it then looks fully colour coded but I actually hate black so unless whatever colour you order one in you can have it fully colour coded & now if they were to make this in a petrol version where do I sign?? But as there wont be a petrol version I won't be ordering one unfortunately!!😬 Nice one Pete!!👌🏻👍🏻

[@PetrolPed]

Thanks 🙏🏻

[@Watson1973]

Nice looking car Shame they didn’t offer it as ICE version

[@IanDavis-hy8xt]

Hi Pete, do you think it's worth paying extra for Alpine A290 (180 BHP) over the standard Renault 5 (150 BHP). I have to admit the A290 looks great but is it worth the extra £6,000 or so for an extra 30 BHP or am I missing something?

[@PetrolPed]

Need to drive them before I can answer that 😬

[@CK-297]

I hope they bring out an R version with quicker acceleration and more carbon!

[@stevecarter5084]

Another great review, still shows more work required to convince people EV is best

[@PetrolPed]

Thanks! 👍

[@willfriar5163]

Lovely , where do i sign

[@apb3251]

4:23 mentions direction of arrow on the A for Aloine seconds earlier then instantly it’s the wrong way round on the wheel. Why have attention to details if you don’t pay attention to the detail

[@grahamwest1079]

Will be popular in Scotland with those Saltire headlights

[@718YellowSubmarine]

The white one with the square wheels for me please! Two questions:1/ how low is the driver seat compared with the Mini SE or the Fiat 500e? The Fiat sits way to high compared to the Mini. 2/ Which was the interior trim in the white "beta" tribute?

[@jameslsm]

(Runs straight out to _instigate_ Launch Mode in my car ❤)

[@timoliver8940]

Why on earth do car designers persist in putting the charge port just behind the front wheel arch so you risk scratching your pride and joy dragging the cable around the front bodywork or catching it in the usually front hinged charge port flap? So much easier if it’s on one of the rear quarter panels

[@robertjames3378]

I appreciate your enthusiasm,I like the new Renault 5 ,but the alpine what a dogs dinner ,I can understand that alpine has to justify and differentiate from the 5 but it clearly is very fussy and not coherent ,those alloys my god and all that enforcesis on performance with very mediocre 0-60 time of just under 7 seconds.very disappointing.

[@andyking576]

Really love the look, but badging it an Alpine seems a bit of stretch. Amazing how they’ve kept the weight down, but range hasn’t benefited so much. For me though it’s more desirable than the new mini.

[@richardkeane3051]

Love the A290 especially the wheels and I would go for your choices. Pricing will be critical.👍

[@PetrolPed]

Agreed!

[@user-ei4wk8yw3v]

Thanks very much. At last. Be great to see small evs not blocking B roads and parking. Had a 5 turbo, complete with spare clutch cable. 😂

[@robinhosleftfoot]

My brother had one too, remember the clutch cable kept snapping 🤣🤣

[@stevencampbell1150]

I think this car along with the 5 it's based on look fabulous. I'd have this over the new Mini every time as the Mini looks awful in my opinion. The swoosh down the side reminds me of the old R5 turbo maxi rally car.

[@PaulRedmore]

Nice !!

[@PetrolPed]

Thanks!

[@captricharddee3634]

Good car, just a shame about the state of the roads, with potholes.

[@gtsussex3467]

Proof I suppose will be in the pudding - let's hope Alpine have cracked it as a good drivers car. Personally, as a Mini EV owner, I'm glad that this end of the market is being explored more and they are trying to keep the weight down. I've no need for massive range as it's our 2nd car but driving fun is high on the list. Tried the new Mini and it was okay but didn't move the game on at all in terms of dynamics (or in fact space efficiency) - no faster and still the same unruly ability from the front wheels to cope with the power. Certainly not worth the frankly terrifying £45k they wanted for same spec as demo, especially when it's going to dump a huge amount of that value - would rather spend the difference towards a V8 Vantage! Surprised Alpine didn't have a higher power one but I suspect that's probably on the cards (along with Mini producing something pokier). To be honest, the Mini's lost so much value that I'll probably keep for a fair old while - it does the job. I'll probably put onto decent set of coilovers once the warranties done. I'm still amazed, considering the Mini EV drivetrain has been around so long in the i3, that no-one's worked out how to play with the motor and tweak it.

[@lewishunter]

Love it 👍

[@PetrolPed]

Thanks 😁

[@johns14a]

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and this beholder thinks it's minging! What a disappointment after the A110. One of these? Never. An R5? My deposit was paid ages ago.

[@DjNikGnashers]

I agree. It's trying too hard, too fussy, the wheels are vile, the back bits stuck on everywhere are just cheap looking. I know lots of people will love it, but it's not for me. It looks massive too. Each to their own, I'd rather have a Renault 5 Turbo2. I am surprised it is under 1500kg though, well done Alpine for that.

[@rhysmainwaring396]

Will have to see in the flesh but fist impressions are not good. Really don’t like those x lights at all. Can’t see any business case to have that over the R5 in that format. Maybe there’s a hotter one coming in the future to create a gap but if I had to choose it would be the R5

[@markrhoden68]

Get onto Michelin to release the PSS5 in 19" for a wider range of performance car's or it'll be the Conti SC7's for me

[@briangriffiths114]

Looks like a nightmare to wash and keep clean with all these jagged angles at the front. Prefer the standard R5 EV, although the new Mini Aceman seems to strike the ideal blend of looks, space and decent acceleration in the 4 metre class.

[@global_nomad.]

i know i should be marking student work right now, but this is much more interesting....its all design anyway...all looks great - though proportionaly, the side windows do look too narrow/squashed (realise its bacause of battery depth. . looking forward to seeing these in real life and watching your drive review.

[@PetrolPed]

Thanks for watching!

[@grantlouw3182]

Seems like the performance is a bit underdone especially for an electric car - I would have thought somewhere in the low to mid 5s would be the expectation for a modern hot hatch.

[@martynrollinson]

Most of the video telling us it's not a R5... But obviously it is? Should have been a Gordini probably and 300hp turbo 3 cylinder 😊

[@keithweybury5212]

Special little sporty motor Pete. I am 6 foot 3 inches in old scale will I fit??

[@PetrolPed]

So am I…YES 👍

[@stevenbennett3922]

A290 suggests 290BHP. Strikes me as a bit of an indulgence for Alpine but I'm sure they will sell quickly.

[@richardhargrave6082]

Love it! But is it worth it over the R5?

[@Spocksgoat]

I like this and the R5. I wish there was an ICE version 😢

[@Stuwill1969-hr6cf]

Any idea of availability in UK?

[@PetrolPed]

Later this year 👍

[@johnbrown3951]

Wow that looks good

[@robinhosleftfoot]

Can you spec smaller wheels with bigger sidewalls for more comfort? UK roads a nightmare

[@PetrolPed]

No 👎

[@robinhosleftfoot]

@@PetrolPed Bugger, no deal for me then

[@richy69ify]

@@robinhosleftfoot Get your own. Ronal will probably spec some, keep an eye on their website.

[@robinhosleftfoot]

@@richy69ify 👍

[@mrmawson2438]

Stellantis are really at it 👍

[@jinxvrs]

Renault and Alpine are nothing to do with Stellantis.

[@owenmcdonald5922]

That in blue or the sister car in yellow.

[@HQBProductions]

Peter…I would buy one! Only have time for the first ten mins just now but I hope you get one for test soon…! Back asap! 😀😀😀🏃‍♂️‍➡️🏃‍♂️‍➡️🏃‍♂️‍➡️🏃‍♂️‍➡️

[@Martin-ng5br]

I like it. We will, probably not be seeing them on our side of the pond. 😑

[@andyhb1970]

Im not sure over 6 seconds to 60mph cuts the mustard anymore!

[@richy69ify]

not on paper, but in real life it's suited for today's less fun roads

[@swampwise]

I didn't hear a word I was hoping I'm going to hear....differential.

[@PetrolPed]

That is done with electronics 👍

[@mikadavies660]

Whilst I agree that the Renault 5EV is a very sexy design, it's price and bhp just disappoints. This Alpine R5 actually further disappoints as its 220bhp and tiny battery makes it as useful as the useless Electric Mazda. People are looking for "value for money" and this isn't it.

[@ThrottleBody]

Disagree tbh. It’s a city car, Doesn’t need more power or range imo.

[@colinharvey1049]

Bigger battery than the new MINI with less range, same 0-60 as the MINI and MINI haven’t introduced there JCW spec version. The little hot EV market is getting interesting.

[@RobertLevers]

Still prefer the mini icl

[@albertsmith1048]

Cost of the 19 inch bespoke tyres. £150 a corner?.

[@Adrian-vh4my]

I'm not sure that this type of car warrants a bespoke tyre - sure, a little gain, but feels more about being able to charge a premium 🤔

[@chasf3433]

Probably a lot more than that for the high performance version and it will eat them.

[@philiphawkins8627]

Alpine is just Renault by a different name!

[@PetrolPed]

That is quite literally what they are 🤷‍♂️ As are Dacia 🧐

[@TestTest-eb8jr]

Renault really f"ed this one up! (compared to the original concept)

[@michaelstaunton1632]

👍👍👍

[@brutusoftroy2810]

Slightly overuse of the word beautiful, sounds a bit limp... beautiful seats? I like the car though, gutted they're not doing a petrol version, they'd sell big numbers that could maybe take a bite out of the fiat 500. Interior is just a well designed, stylish living space, I can't get onboard with black wheels, it just looks like a black void in the wheel housing as there's no contrast between the tyre wheel and body.

[@GRfourfun]

Beautiful reply 👌🏻

[@mrmawson2438]

Ioniq 5N sounds 😆

[@rayclarke5367]

Umm, its attractive yes. But, I think a prefer the unadorned Renault version. A bit too much egg-in-the-pudding for me.

[@trev8591]

6.7 seconds 0-62 isn't exactly "sporty" when it comes to modern milk-floats, Pete?

[@dimsoneill]

I like it. We need to embrace lighter EVs.

[@BadToelz23]

But why with an elektrik motor? Alpine made it's first mistake by concepting the A 110 E. Why creating these special sports car ( s ) with an elektric Motor? For me, a LOT of fun vanished if i' m sitting in a car feeling this " bungee- jumping- rubber- band- electro- acceleration " . You can' t simpy " throw out " this fascinating " grip on the driver " by a real good designed and engineered piston engine. You may have another opinion ...that' s ok.

[@harrycummings6501]

First thought is that it’s bloody ugly compared to an A110, is it lighter than an equivalent R5? Would have been great to have been a bespoke aluminium bodied three door EV with lightweight mechanicals and running gear to mimic the A110 rather than just be a tarted up R5. Go for something a bit like a 2wd EV Toyota GR Yaris……by the way since you’re Mr Michelin, perhaps you could tell me why the bespoke Michelin Pilot Sport 4S for the GR Yaris Circuit Pack cars don’t appear to be available in the UK?

[@bispal]

How does a man of your vintage bend down like that without groaning and farting as you get up again? Can you do a video on that please?

[@PetrolPed]

😂😂😂

[@RB-lt8kt]

Not sure if its for me. A bit to much styling and limited to Michelin tyres, expensive.

[@andrewjohnson9896]

No one needs a hot hatch EV. What is needed is the little BYD Seagull, without the EU putting a 100% inport tax on it. £7000 for a entry level EV.

[@SDK2006b]

To be blunt - no new car in 2024 is going to cost less than £10k in the UK. e.g. The Dacia Spring starts at £15k and that is about as basic as a car you want/will get. Before Ford cancelled the Fiesta, a new entry level, low powered model cost £20k

[@ISuperTed]

Dream on. No BYD is gong to be less than £15k here.

[@richy69ify]

@@SDK2006b The new EV Bubble Car from Switzerland is 15 grand !

[@dereklupton5259]

I was really interested until he said "all EV". I'm off..

[@user-ol5zt9bt9i]

MMM