Why the new Alpine A110S is the best kept secret of the sports car world

Renault relaunched the Alpine brand in 2017, and this is the face/tech lifted A110S that is the best kept secret of the sports car world. Why? Because it is a French Lotus that is bijou, feisty and incredibly fit for European roads. In fact, the 1100kg, 170mph, mid-engined 1.8-litre turbo 16v A110 could be the today's perfect sports car.
Thanks for stopping by The Late Brake Show.
Think of the S as the GT3 version of the 911 really. 19% stiffer damping, carbon aero pack (optional), special Sabelt buckets and 296bhp instead of the entry level car's 252bhp. Torque is 340nm in the S and GT as opposed to 320nm in the entry level car. Same 1.8 16v turbo engine in the middle, just calibrated to be a bit more shouty at the top end of the rev range.
All Alpines are aluminium and gloriously light, which translates to responsive controls, joyful body control, and the realisation that this is the formula for sports cars that so many manufacturers have forgotten. It doesn't need a big engine to be quick or feel amazing. 0-62mph in 4.2 for the rapido S and GT, 4.5 for the entry level Pure. The S will spit and crackle on the over-run to bring the grins. It's also efficient - Alpine quote 43mpg combined. And because it doesn't have many cylinders or weigh much, I bet running costs aren't too squeaky-bottom for a sports car. Sounds good.
To read more about Jonny’s personal take on this Renault (he had it for a week) then head over to our Patreon page: / thelatebrakeshow
Thanks for stopping by The Late Brake Show.
Jonny wears
Hoodie: A-Cold-Wall orange hoodie from Selfridges www.selfridges.com/
Hat: Carhartt beanie
Scarf: Tartan neck buff by Spirit of Le Mans www.solm.co.uk/
Trousers: G-Star raw black jeans
Footwear: Nike Sportswear Crater Impact recycled trainers from Selfridges www.selfridges.com
Jacket: Triumph Motorcycles Avenham Jacket
Wristwatch: Aquadive Bathysphere 100 GMT in turquoise with ISOfrane rubber strap
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Filmed and edited by: Matty Graham @ Pixel Click pixel-click.com
Thumbnail by: Matt Tarrant www.matttarantdesign.com
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Jonny Smith
Creative content maker, car presenter & car pervert for hire since '98
Website: www.carpervert.com
Instagram: / jonnycarpervert
Twitter: / carpervert
CHAPTERS
0:00 Intro
1:08 Remember old Alpines?
1:33 Smith and Sniff podcast
2:02 3 models available
4:39 Cabin materials and seats
5:10 Telemetrics app
5:46 No manual gearbox
6:32 Switch gear
8:32 Famous Alpine owners
9:16 Rear boot space and cabin storage
11:26 Rival cars
11:57 Should they make a rally version?
13:00 Power figures and engine position
13:40 0-62 run
15:20 Pricing
17:02 Exterior design
18:33 Front boot
19:27 Rally onboard sounds
20:19 Jonny's verdict
#newalpinea110s #secretsportscar #alpinea110sreview #frenchsportscar #a110s #thelatebrakeshow

[@clarktjl1]

Attended the late brake show live Manchestour, ordered one in December 21. Took delivery last week. Thank you Jonny, it’s AMAZING on that side of things. The Spppppooooorrrrrrttttttt button is great! 👍🏻

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Ryan, this is excellent to hear. Really hope it's a hoot.

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Just a quick one to apologise for the in-car sound in this vid. We had issues, but no time to correct them. Sound has been our on-off nemesis over the past 2-years, but just when we thought we’d consistently cracked it, life goes ‘oh no, here, have a 💩💣’

[@jwvandegronden]

the transition of the sound track asynchronous to the video images gives it a very real time feel which I don't mind at all! And it is only second to the content itself, so we will live ;-)

[@stefvds]

I think you did well enough to mitigate the issue. Voice was still clear.

[@marknorman8112]

Get your coat 😂

[@dancarter482]

Deal-breaker; ya barred!

[@Ankur3108]

Appreciate it,that you acknowledged it Jonny. It happens. Love the colour of the car by the way

[@eddeedman9309]

I’ve had an a110s for just over a year now with a carbon roof and atelier paint. Great car - I’ve tracked it all over from Anglesey to Spa to Silverstone… it’s comfortable, quicker than you’d think and the interior is lovely, aside for the lack of storage and slightly rubbish infotainment system. The “popping” people are talking about on here only happens in sport mode so you don’t need to hear it all the time. I really recommend the car - not see thing I’ll be selling any time soon

[@ashliehiggins]

It's the turbo Miata and 86 we've all been after, and it's the Cayman for those who like thinks a little differently. I'd love one as I love small cars, but could never afford one new. so here's to hoping more people buy them so I could get on used.

[@baronvonlimbourgh1716]

Not sure how these will depreciate. If they stay rare they can easilly stay expensive. But if the brand doesn't get more popular going forward they could also become cheap 5 years from now. Especially the earlier onea.

[@peterbonnez]

@@baronvonlimbourgh1716 The cheapest one on Pistonheads is a 2019 @ £45,000.

[@danielthomas8507]

Good comparison...I supercharged my miata and now it's how it should've been all along...it's stunning actually 👌 cheers.

[@benjimc1]

Sniff and smith is not an automotive podcast, it's a podcast where 2 blokes talk absolute nonsense etc etc for an hour and I listen to it every week 😅

[@morganzola100]

GT for me. Getting it on Friday. Short test drive was all it took..stopped considering alternatives. Not worried about future values as It'll be my 'see me out car'. Getting on a bit 😏

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Nick, great to hear. Really looking forward to know what you think it's like to live with.

[@tomwagemans1872]

Love the car. The only thing thing that would drive me nuts is the popping and banging of the exhaust. That is getting pretty old.

[@chrisogrady28]

Living in a city centre, every single Golf R and A45 that goes past sounds like a broken banger, literally, so obnoxious and uncool

[@Racingwespe]

just drive it in normal mode..

[@snkcorp.502]

pops and bangs sounds like the Renault Megane RS. Oh, maybe it's the same engine?

[@aston-martin-internationalist]

My first thought!

[@aston-martin-internationalist]

.....and it sounds so fake

[@niklaswejedal463]

As someone who hates that cars like the 911 is becoming half sportscars, half luxury cars, and who love all things french, this is the sportscar for me.

[@rotorhead5006]

Another good video review Jonny! I know liking a car is subjective, but what is laudable irrespective, is that Alpine set out a design brief and appear to have stuck to it, without Marketing "gurus" leading them astray. As you said, they've out-Lotused Lotus!

[@Joshcarsandcollectibles]

Loving my Sunday Late Brake Show morning! And your uncanny ability to color match your outfit to the car! Thanks Jonny!!

[@taxus750]

Love the plug for Smith an Sniff (the most famous podcast almost no-one's heard of). I'm also growing increasingly fond of the (new-ish) Alpine, even though you can't get 'em here (Oz) any more: as much as I appreciate big engines making big power, it necessarily means more weight. In the latter days of internal combustion engines, the Colin Chapman/ Lotus philosophy is having a revival and I'm glad to see it.

[@Dog4life]

Ordered a A110 GT in the same color orange fire. So much fun to drive , great performance, engine has torque almost the whole rpm range , great car dimensions. The S is a great track tool , but is less fun on the road being very planted on the ground and "on the rails" compared to the standard /GT A110. I had a modified Brz with 300 hp.... sorry a stock A110 is on another level and i dont really miss the manual that much. this is already an instant classic that will be appreciated years to come.

[@Berndt35]

Always excellent content on TLBS. Unfortunately there’s and issue with sound on this episode. Can hardly hear 👂 what Jonny is saying.

[@DroneShots_UK]

The sound was painful unfortunately

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Apologies!

[@Berndt35]

@@TheLateBrakeShow One of the best Channels on KZbin 👍🏻🇬🇧

[@grayfool]

Great little car, really good review. Thanks yet again Jonny.

[@ernied3123]

Thanks Jonny for another great review. I really look forward to every new video as its always something different or unusual. By the way, Retropower announced in their latest video that they’re doing not one but two Austin Allegros. Can’t wait to see yours. Cheers.

[@Will._Power]

This is a pretty unique car on the market. Love it, really love it.

[@kaiwaterfield8073]

Hi Johnny love you channel, I was looking through the barn finds really enjoying them. I am a bit surprised you're not dropping the oil and renewing both the oil and filter before starting, especially on the ones that won't require a nuts and bolts rebuild. I had a idea for fueling as well, if you get a aftermarket electric fuel pump and mount it on a bit of alloy or plywood pipe it up to draw from your fuel can and wire it up with crocodile clips you could go straight onto your spare battery, even wire a switch in. It would make your life a lot easier. It's also a good idea to remove the plugs and put a good squirt of oil in each cylinder and then give her a good few winds over with the coil discontinued to lube the cylinder and ring's and flush the fresh oil you have changed round all the galaries. Keep up all the great work mate it's so refreshing to watch a car journalist that actually knows how a engine work's.

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Kai, these are fantastic suggestions, thank you so much. I do need more prep kit for barn finds.

[@mikeb5895]

Best car ever, period. Do I say that because I own one? Probably… 😇 Joke aside, very good and complete review, as always! I also think that you’re very right about the standard one being the sweet spot of the lineup. As capable as the S is, each time I tried one I always came back to my « Pure » without any regret. The softer suspension and the body roll it generates is an absolute must to feel what Alpine is truly about. Yes the S will be more efficient on track, but for daily use on normal roads the standard A110 shines. And the GT will add more to the bill but none of these extra are really necessary, it’s just a matter of taste. Owned mine for almost 3 years now and used it as my daily for 2 years, no regret at all! A real keeper, for as long as it can be! 😃

[@darrenlomax1283]

As long as it can be? Why can't you keep it forever?

[@mikeb5895]

@@darrenlomax1283 Well, you never know in life! But for sure, forever is the goal 😉

[@peteredwards7872]

Beautiful car. On my wish list. Great video👍

[@ChrisBrown-dy8ts]

Had my first drive in one last week and was very impressed , that engine pulls hard . Massive fun for the money.

[@robinsonsadventures2174]

Great video, fantastic car, we need more cars like this

[@tbonesenior6736]

You absolute legend, I asked you to review this car when it came out and wow

[@projectno5]

it's one of those cars where the photos didn't do much for me BUT when i finally seen one in person, i thought it was one of the best looking cars on the market. also, some of that switchgear is on my 2011 twingo.

[@bigjoe1396]

Good video as always 👌 there is a rally version of the A110, have a search for the Alpine A110 RGT.

[@samchisholm1250]

Absolutely love seeing these types of videos and cars being filmed in little old Stamford 😍

[@silentracer911]

Another wonderful video Jonny!! I will unfortunately never get to drive one being in the US, except maybe in 25 years

[@bigjobby11]

Very colour coordinated with the car, great vid 👍😄

[@alackofspeed]

Good though it is, I really wish Alpine offered a manual version.

[@bicyclist2]

For that reason alone, I'd go with a Porsche 718 instead.

[@colin5577]

@@bicyclist2 For that reason alone, I did.

[@Chris-ww7fy]

Great looking car and really interesting, but that’s a hefty price tag. From what I remember (I believe from Chris Harris?) that the intention from Alpine was to provide more of a mid range (price wise) sports cars but then they overshot that. In any event, great review as always Jonny! You’re excellent at revealing the cars you’re in!

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Thanks for watching Christopher 👊🏽

[@miutzyh]

Personally feel like 50k entry is pretty good, a touch more than a base Cayman but close enough. The S with special paint etc can get very crazy, close to 70k at that point. A lot of owners feel like the less you spend, the better it is, and I agree!

[@olik136]

the trick is that former cheap cars are pretty expensive now... with a stupid VW Golf at about 35k, the 50k entry for a actual sports car seem to be technically mid range

[@EssexTuscan]

The Pure edition is the same price as the entry level Cayman so it's not expensive comparing like with like

[@RandallSlick]

Love how, in the interests of lightness, the left channel of the audio was drilled out at the start. Brilliant!

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Whoops, apols...

[@RandallSlick]

@@TheLateBrakeShow Don't apologise. It's part of the charm of the KZbin motoring world :-) Keep up the great work.

[@AndySnap]

A colour co-ordinated car review... As rare as the Alpine itself. The 110S is 19% stiffer, just enough to shake & disconnect a clip-on lav' mic at one point..? Lovely car, tres bien.

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

We are really sorry for the dodgy audio on this episode. Clearly the Alpine hated Jonny's mic while driving, despite Jonny loving the car!

[@AndySnap]

@@TheLateBrakeShow no probs, I could hear Jonny ok, and I still loved the video!

[@garyhawkins9246]

Great video as always from Jonny, I think the biggest problem with the A110 is no manual, at £70k with options I think people will go to the V6 Emira with a manual and 400 BHP to off set the increased weight and better looks to my eye, though both cars have the issue of a lightly used 981 GT4 which would be my choice

[@EssexTuscan]

Many will but the Pure edition is £50k so the Emira, with very similar performance, is £75k. That's a lot more money.

[@fredericberthou]

I have 981 gt4 but I have this in blue color , Porsche not better , lotus the same , just différant cars in very large category my friend 👌🥰

[@CosmicSeeker69]

@@fredericberthou nice to see some experienced honestly on the keyboard good fellow!

[@swansmeister]

Ow dear god here comes the manual bandwagon again holy shit.

[@garyhawkins9246]

@@swansmeister I like the manual bandwagon, has a very snickity short throw 6 speed 🤣

[@ijustfelldown]

6:40 oh god my parents' 2013 India spec Renault Duster has the same style of stalk with the same functions on it haha. Many people might not like it but I love it.

[@mothaybabonnam5632]

Its a French thing. Peugeot and Citroen have similar media stalks. Takes a while to learn (because the controls are not visible) but theyre functionally awesome !

[@jonathancollard3710]

The Chrysler Alpine is a nice link into a car you have omitted to investigate but right up your street; the Matra Bagheera. This used all the running gear from the Scima/Talbot parts bin. Launched in 1975, plastic body, mid engine, 3 abreast seating and the then lowest cd @ 0.31 of any production car. Later upgraded with more svelte style and bigger 1442cc engine. Then a total rebody 1980’s version called Murena with 1.6 and 2.2 engine from Talbot Solara, fully galvanised chassis. A fine looking car and on par performance with 924 and Lancia Montecarlo. Deffo worth an episode chap. Matra were aero engineering firm and so dashboard used fibre optics and had some switches in roof line. I had a few back in the day, all LHD and suited my Wham! haircut and espadrille style perfectly 🙄

[@davidbillberg2203]

It looks so good in this colour!

[@ralmo9762]

Great review Jonny as always,What is the place towards the end where the fairground is? Looks really nice

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Funfair was in the town of Stamford, Lincolnshire. It comes once a year for a week, and has done since the 1700s

[@jimmyquinn9639]

Lovely sports car and good video 🚗🚙🚘👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍🚤

[@eoghanfla6343]

Jonny you are throwing out content like a 20 man team, how are you keeping the pace? Can’t wait to watch this over my morning coffee, will be a long wait 😁

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

I don't sleep. I am getting tired.

[@user-ih7gc7dt9l]

What a delightful little car!

[@ash9988777]

Love this review! Looks great, excellent speedo covering too 🤥

[@JimmyTomes]

Great review!

[@mattbourne4401]

Good review. Juste a couple of notes : seats height is fixed but can be changed over 3 positions at Alpine service. Telemetrics is not a new option of the 2022 model, it was in 2017 version too but with a different design ( but roughly same functionalities)

[@benwhitton2315]

Love your channel, I drive a 20 year old TT....There is that nugget that's too much powaaaàaah

[@paulthorpe766]

Gonna pop one alongside my K plate yellow (Peter Tomalins -Performance Car- 3 month loaner) Radcliffe Engineering tuned (400bhp) A610 ! Nice vid and hat jonnymeister!

[@timhayward6833]

Great review as always thanks! Personally I’d go for a combination of GR Yaris CP for £35k & a used Elise for £25k for the same money. Then you’ve got a rally homolgation car (better for winter) that also has decent storage with back seats down and a more focused RWD roadster (better in summer).I do have great respect for the A110 but price and lack of practicality work against it.

[@leesbian]

Agree with that - I seriously considered the GT model as a weekend/road trip car, but decided on the (CP) GR Yaris - which has got a near identical power/weight ratio of the A110, but also has a proper boot and 2 rear seats (debatable as to whether they're actually any use, but it's still additional storage space). It's also got 4WD, and the dynamic modes that adjust power delivery The icing on the cake was that it was £20K-£25K cheaper than the A110 GT As much as I want to believe there's a place for the Alpine, it's hard to define it's niche. You could have an overall better outcome by buying 2 different cheaper cars for overall less than the cost of the Alpine

[@Xenstein]

@@leesbian I couldn't agree more. Other option will be a 2 series from BMW. În that price range of 60k you can have way more car, space and performance. A110 is just too expensive

[@dajw]

Well I went for the A110 premiere edition and a few upgrades. I have absolutely no regrets. It is the funnest car in all conditions. I bunged some winters on it for the cold weather and drove it through the winter. Just got the Life 110 induction kit and panel filter to complement an engine map which has really woken the beast. Will be very interesting to compare it to my neighbour's GR Yaris when it turns up later this year.

[@dajw]

@@Xenstein As an owner, I think this is missing the point. You can have so much "more" car for your money objectively. I came to it from a similarly priced 2013 Vantage for example, but within seconds of moving this thing out of the test drive I was hooked. It's so special to drive. So fun!

[@Xenstein]

@@dajw I belive you, and I understand. Generally speaking this car is not easy to be sold because the price tag. I am sure that is very fun to be driven. Enjoy the car. Have fun!

[@frumpd63]

Wish these were available in the states. For now, my high spec 2.0L Giulia will just have to do.

[@YounesLayachi]

Amazing review

[@doug3011]

great work as usual..I love this car and would love to own one, one day. the French just do this stuff well..

[@chrisprice4658]

"Some bloke called Chris Harris........" Lmfao❤️❤️❤️ Great review, my only quarms about the car is the engine isn't on show....love the style, the "bomb bomb bomb" on down shifts.... Keep it up Johnny luvin your work

[@banjopete]

Qualms.

[@jwvandegronden]

I was very much in love with the Alpine A310 back in the day. And I do remember Renault using the Alpine name for this series of sports cars, including the more stylized A610. But possibly as a type rather than a brand, I suppose. As it was clearly a Renault branded car, back then. I'm not necessarily a big fan of the retro kind of look with the more rounded design language of old like this car and for instance the Karmann Ghia. But I'm an eighties kid, when everything had paper cut designs ;-) EDIT: note to self: Bullocks! its a beautiful car...

[@celliott16]

I saw these in the metal at your Manchester show, I so so wanted to order one, but no manual, plus as you say switchgear etc for the pricetag, I ended up with a 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 which is too good to ignore.

[@ninja12lawbreaker]

A very cool brand I remember googling their factory in Dieppe next to a harbour. The prices hold very well on second hand ones which is shocking for a French car

[@nazgo9061]

This is already awesome and I haven't finished the video yet 🤣🤣

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Naz, you can be in our gang for life!

[@nazgo9061]

@@TheLateBrakeShow now that is for Sure 🥰

[@Trendyflute]

Love the A110, wish it came to the US though I'm sure it would sell poorly if it did...the color of this one too is ace! I love those shimmery red-orange metallic colors, and on such a great design.

[@AdamsWorlds]

Lovely looking car. (ignoring the round lights front centre never liked them on Alpine's) Love that it has physical buttons! You could almost take this car back to the 90's or early 2000s and it would fit right in, this imo is a good thing we have gone somewhat backwards.

[@ollianddelphine]

Agreed, I am with Gordon Murray on this one. I hate huge touchscreens and capacitive buttons in cars. I am hoping it's a phase that will go away.

[@planespeaking]

I think the petrol pops in the exhaust would get old really quickly.

[@jayfarthing]

I was just thinking this, sounds terrible

[@thinfourth]

It just sounds broken

[@EssexTuscan]

Only happens in sports mode with the sports exhaust. Normal mode it doesn't do it. Standard exhaust it doesn't do it

[@mikehipperson]

Nice of you to colour co-ordinate your clothing for this car. Yes I remember Chris What's-his-face burning out the factory prototype but that can be expected with new models. I saw coverage online of the Imola GT4 race last week and there were a handful of works A110s competing and they were doing well until the heavier Porsches, Aston's and Lexus's (Lexis?) hip and shouldered them into retirement! Would love to own something that exclusive and rare (because people don't know they exist) but at my age and lack of moolah means it's only a pipe dream.

[@AbandonEarth911]

Thank you Jonny Smith, for another good review with no bullshit patter, my fav road tester.

[@robinleach2390]

Lovely car, clearly loved by Jonny. Not sure performance car reviews are his sweet spot compared to Harris or Sutcliffe but his enthusiasm always comes across.

[@bartoni79]

Nice video. Any news on Late Brake Show roadshows this year?

[@thedrivebygg]

Great video, did you know the original ford ka had the body painted panels on the inside of the cabin back in 1996, still like the idea today, looks cool and stripped out.

[@emmajacobs5575]

Did you know that loads of everyday cars had the body painted panels on the inside of the cabin back in the 50s 60s and 70s?

[@thedrivebygg]

@@emmajacobs5575 no, probably cheaper and easier to spray them instead of covering it up.

[@mrmawson2438]

Great video Johnny 👍

[@stephenholland5930]

...with very poor in-car audio.

[@mrmawson2438]

@@stephenholland5930 is that all you can complain about ?

[@freddieskeates281]

There is a lot of orange in this video, and I, for one, am a big fan

[@MrAhmmm]

great review,great car,but that exhaust note would be a dealbreaker for me..is it an optional spoaaarhts exhaust or can you turn it down?seems strangely at odds wirh the whole concept to have that synthisized bark every 5 seconds..

[@Groaznic]

That is absolutely not the same audio controller stalk as on the Zoe. You even zoomed on it, and you even owned a Zoe long term, so you should know. They are both audio controller stalks however they are flagrantly different, sir.

[@Gorbyrev]

Right size for British roads and can handle potholes with aplomb. S nudges near the fabulous 300hp/tonne figure which is plenty fast enough. Wonderful car.

[@rotoehu9266]

Well there’s 2hrs of a Sniff & Smith podcast right there, “Tele, Tele, Tele, telemetrics…” 😁

[@markbroadheaf1593]

Brilliant car. A usable Lotus effectively. 215/40 fronts ! In other words all the benefits of low weight, with some reasonable usability, lowish running costs.

[@ricardo1e93]

To imagine this has the same weight as my old CHAMADE 16v but double the power 😳 Saw one doing a launch on the french highway and it went woosh and we could tell the turbo from afar which was very nice 😎

[@kramnam4716]

Is the base car not better? I hear your reply.. I agree.. go Lotus: Gordon Murray.. it’s a less is more car .. “ left over crescent.. 2, right “ love your work J . Top notch .

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Watch til the end for my verdict!

[@user-jq5tj7kq8w]

Beautiful car and that’s from someone who is usually more into the German brands this looks very special and is actually also put together quite well in the flesh it did not disappoint me. A real future classic and so much more a drivers car than anything in the same price range, a Lotus for instance will fall into pieces and always reminds you that you bought some kind of kit car build for you by a small manufacturer, a Porsche is a lot heavier, will cost you significantly more when new (the base models are not the real driver’s cars) and also more in insurance, maintenance and petrol.

[@mrmawson2438]

Looks lovely

[@-DC-]

Absolutely gorgeous vehicle if you enjoy driving it's only one pedal and a stick away from perfection.

[@CosmicSeeker69]

I'm 67 and very old skool - and If I hadn't spent time with this chassis than I might have agreed with you. However - when you're really pressing on there is a lot to be said for keeping both hands on the wheel..

[@jonmaddison]

Great review as ever. One of those cars where the depreciation is low enough you may as well get a new one. Same as an Ariel Atom, which is possibly around the same price as well. Hated that stalk on my Megane RS250 but had a test drive of one of these and have wanted one ever since. Have any of the base models ever been sold? Does it still come on 17s as standard? (The spec that was worn by exactly zero press cars, which is odd as you’d think the smaller wheels would make the magic ride of the base model even better).

[@ianchambers2731]

17s are still the standard wheels yes

[@bolf]

did a heater matrix in a A610 once , hated them ever since :)

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

I can believe that..

[@markrizzofield9403]

Looks great in that colour.

[@davidmcmen]

That Audio control stalk was on the Renault 19! They made it a little rounder for the Megane, but then at some point reverted back to the original design.

[@uleertel]

I love this car, I have never seen one in red but it looks good on it. I hope one day second hand ones will be in my price range, until then I may buy a cayman.

[@jimbob67]

Definitely find space for one of them 😍😍

[@IfInDoubt..]

As much as I like the car and understand the reason for a DCT transmission, I can't help but feel a manual gearbox would really take it to the next level

[@russcattell955i]

Me too for manual box. A few kg's extra on an already light car. I could compensate by going on a diet.

[@luniaenglundt4904]

Also wished for it sometimes. The DCT does a pretty good job however.Given the reaction needed in corners, I think a manual choice would be only for hardcore and very alert drivers. At least I feel the DCT is very fitting to the character of the car.

[@AnnicK.Zoloft]

@@russcattell955i Im not even sure that a manual would be heavier, DCTs arent that light, sequentials are.

[@marcob1729]

it’s a crime IMO

[@EssexTuscan]

The Pure edition is the sweet spot as you say. Don't need the stiffer suspension unless tracking it. As for the power, a remap will take it to the same 300 bhp as the S, it is the same engine after all. And the bucket seats are adjustable in height as there are three fixing points in the frame.

[@CosmicSeeker69]

I'd agree - to a point. After driving both B2B on track I still found the Pure a sweeter, more fluid experience. I 'firmly' believe the increase in stiffness (19%) is in fact far too much. Given the same engine power I'm certain I could have matched my S times in a Pure chassis

[@patricklund6497]

Had an Alpine 18 years ago - swore never to buy another Renault ever ever again ! But, I like the look of this one, provided after sales service has improved (a lot)

[@666louis]

Omg, these programmed pops annoyed me after the 2nd time. What were they thinking?

[@DivideBYZero69]

The A110 was on my list when shopping for a two seat sports car, but ultimately the Cayman GTS 4.0 won out, with a flat six and a manual trans.

[@bikesfrench8524]

Alpine the best because champion world rallyes WRC X2 Porsche zéro Ferrari zéro BMW zéro Mercedes zéro Alfa Romeo zéro Jaguar zéro Saab zéro McLaren zéro Lotus zéro Volkswagen zéro 😆

[@hondansx1000]

really want one of these. I think when i settle down and have a bit of ££ saved up in the near future, i might seriously consider getting one

[@michaeltorpy3366]

back to petrol well done Johnny I have a soft spot for all alpines saw the old type in the 70s while in France 😊

[@Satchm00]

Love the fire orange!

[@bwm999]

Jonny rocking a Wes Anderson vibe 😉🦈

[@grizzlyrags62]

That is a thing of beauty....

[@mclouj]

I love that the audio control stalk is the same one on my almost 20 year old clio :)

[@tillyfoxtrotter]

I have never quite understood Renault's fondness for that set up. It was less than great on a Modus, yet as you say 17 years on its still here. Go figure.

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Keeping it real 👍🏻

[@mikesage9544]

I agree with his Jonnyness on all levels of discussion...........except the Caymen topic. A manual should be a must have option. Especially as a drivers car. The P is a hard act to follow. Very hard act to follow. IMHO, the Alpine may provide a toughter, sportier drive at a lower price but as a daily driver I think the Caymen wins hands down. I have had the pleasure of a Caymen at Hockenheim. As yet I have been thwoughted by the Renault network. Where the P smells of a stale Rolex, the Alpine smells of mountain air. Funny that. Thanx for a superb video J. Bw Mike

[@mikematthews2k181]

Stunning car. 😍 I drive past the Alpine showroom in Manchester everyday. But for me the money you will loose buying an Alpine. Id buy a secondhand Megane RS trophy R and save 10k

[@graemethorne677]

Nice to see a car that has design and style instead of the stuff these days that looks like it came from Currys. Bit concerning that you can't get to the engine though. Great review 👍

[@DaCoder]

Great review, fantastic car. However the audio was pretty sub-par. Not sure what was going on in this one. Usually your reviews have great audio.

[@meiman5223]

Jonny - what are those trainers? They’re 🔥👊

[@SmallBlogV8]

They did build a rally car for the R-GT category, for what it's worth. And a GT4 track racer! Also, "if you're gonna be picky about componentry," then remember that Renault/Alpine had to spend its money on a one-model-only bespoke aluminium sports car platform (yes with initial collaboration with Caterham, but they bailed out before the end) and if that means having to raid the interior parts bin to make ends meet then it's better than the car either not being on sale at all or costing £80,000+. That said, I've driven a 2017 launch-edition car and the media stalk on the steering column does feel disappointingly crap in such a nice car... like the chunky Dell computer keyboards at my old school...

[@GingerPiston]

Get the base model, chuck a grand at Litchfield and get the same power unlocked as the S/GT

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

😉

[@Gorbyrev]

Thanks Ian 😊

[@PutSomeDsonThatBlink]

I also have that weird noise in my right ear!! It's like a solenoid sound, the way I described it to the Alpine technician was what it sounds like if you get too close to the adapter for your laptop, but a lot louder. I noticed that it isn't as bad in sport mode but it's very noticeable in normal mode.

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

I kinda like it. Feels motorsporty and important.

[@davidevans4089]

Nice car, what more needs to be said.

[@SirLoinOfsteak85]

It's lovely looking and I'd love one except... No manual... I know they said they couldn't afford to make one for the few people who would buy it, but that makes me sad. Why wouldn't you get a small, engaging road car with 3 pedals? It boggles my mind.