After an official debut at the 2024 edition of the Le Mans 24 Hours, the Alpine A290 is now available worldwide, or at least in the many countries where the brand has been launched. That means 18 European markets plus Morocco, Australia, Singapore, Türkiye and Japan.
Way more than a restyled Renault
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Its market share is a mere point one of a per cent in the region which encompasses the EU plus EFTA and the UK. Which means Alpine’s cars are – for the moment – selling at the same level as Lancia or smart. ACEA data show registrations of 4,871 cars during the first half of 2025, a year-on-year gain of 90 percent, almost all of that due to the new A290.
Renault has done an excellent job of reinventing and developing this division. How the A390 will fare when it’s launched later in 2025 might be another matter though, as ambitious pricing may prove to be an issue, but we’ll see. For now, the little A290 is off to a very strong start, no doubt helped along by its obvious connection to the much in demand Renault 5.
Motor choices: 179 PS or 220 PS
The basics of this small hatchback are a five-door body, drive to the front wheels, a relatively large capacity Li-NMC battery and the choice of two motors as well as four model grades. These are called GT, GT Performance, GT Premium and GTS with the motors having outputs of either 132 kW and 265 Nm or 162 kW with 300 Nm. I recently had a brief steer of a GTS, pricing for this top-spec variant starting at GBP37,500.
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By GlobalDataFirst things first, the A290 looks utterly cool, starting with those X-shaped lights up front which for me correct the only thing I don’t really like about its Renault equivalent. The colour palette is also well chosen, while the interior is just different enough to that of the 5 to justify the idea that the Alpine is a separate model. Something the rival Abarth 500e can’t quite pull off compared to the Fiat 500.
There’s only one major issue with the A290 and this applies equally to its Renault brother, that being access to the rear seats and not much room back there either. The doors do at least open wide but the impression gained is that the cars should really be thought of as two seaters. But that’s hardly going to be too much of an issues for most people considering this model and its competitors.
Charging: up to 100 kW
Fitting only the big battery – the 40 kWh one in the 5 isn’t available – means range is good, that being an official 226-236 miles depending on trim, and the car itself is fun with a capital F. Weight is less than 1,500 kilos and Renault has done a terrific job of keeping body roll well in check while comfort is amazingly good and the steering sharp.
You won’t find an oversized screen dominating the dashboard – finally OEMs are learning that not everybody wants to be constantly distracted whilst trying to drive – and the HVAC controls are real, physical ones. And while noting the cosy nature of the back seats, I cannot fault boot space, which is a really decent 326 litres. As for charging this should be relatively rapid, maximum power being at up to is 100 kilowatts.
Summary
On the strength of this brief drive, the A290 has success written all over it with the bonus of it now being eligible for an up to GBP1,500 Electric Car Grant. Base trim starts at GBP33,500.
