Get ready for a thrilling ride as we dive into the world of electric hot hatches! I, a self-proclaimed skeptic of electric vehicles, embarked on a journey to explore one of the latest sporty EVs - the Alpine A290 GTS. And let me tell you, it was an eye-opening experience!
The concept of a hot hatch is a genius blend of practicality and performance. Picture this: a compact hatchback transformed into a spicy ride with sporty aesthetics, a tweaked suspension, and an extra kick of power. This blueprint, crafted in the 1980s by icons like the MK1 Volkswagen Golf GTI, Peugeot 205 GTI, and Renault 5 Alpine, has become a beloved performance car category.
Over time, hot hatches evolved into masterpieces like the MKI Ford Focus RS, MKVII Fiesta ST, and EP3 Civic Type R. However, with their gradual size increase, weight gain, and tech overload, coupled with the rise of SUVs and EVs, the hot hatch's edge seemed to dull. But fear not, for a ray of hope has arrived in the form of the retro-inspired Renault 5 and its sibling, the Alpine A290 GTS!
The Alpine A290 GTS is a modern interpretation of the Renault 5, built on a rich racing legacy. Renault has always excelled at compact city cars, and the original 5, nicknamed "le Car," was a clever and spacious B-class gem. Faster versions, like the Alpine/Gordini, GT Turbo, and Turbo II, further solidified Renault's reputation. So, it's no surprise that Renault decided to revive this spirit with a modernized 5, and the result is a car that's everywhere you look!
Enter Alpine, the sports-oriented arm of Renault. Founded by Jean Rédélé in 1955, Alpine quickly caught Renault's attention due to Rédélé's expertise in modifying Renault cars for sports and racing. In 1973, Renault acquired Alpine and merged it into Renault Sport in 1976. Alpine and Renault Sport have since dominated rallying, endurance racing, and Formula 1, claiming numerous titles.
In 2017, Renault resurrected the Alpine brand to build sports cars once more. The first revival car, the modern Alpine A110, paid homage to its 1960s predecessor with its lightweight and nimble handling. The next revival project, based on the Renault 5, was co-developed with Renault from the start. The A290, with its various performance levels, culminated in the powerful A290 GTS - the very model I had the pleasure of testing for a few days.
The Alpine A290 shares many similarities with the Renault 5, but it also brings some surprises. From its wider wheel arches and distinctive door and hood contours inspired by the original 5 GT Turbo II to its PlayStation-like gadgets, the A290 GTS is a unique and fun machine. The interior offers plenty of comfort, with heated seats and steering wheel, air conditioning, and adaptive cruise control as standard. But it's the overtake button, driving settings, and Gran Turismo-style challenges that truly set it apart.
With 220bhp, the A290 GTS delivers a satisfying driving experience. It accelerates to 100kph in 6.4 seconds and tops out at 170kph. Despite being a front-wheel drive, the car feels planted and engaging, thanks to its revised suspension system. The interior sound, adjustable from mild to wild, adds to the fun, even if it's artificial.
During my time with the A290 GTS, I realized that while I still appreciate the sensory experience of internal combustion engines, the A290 almost made me forget about it. Some elements are enhanced to amplify the driving experience, but I found it enjoyable. It's a brilliant little car that looks good, drives fantastically, and puts a smile on your face.
Sure, it has its quirks - the weight is noticeable when changing directions, and the range could be better for daily driving. The price tag is also a consideration, with my test car nearing EUR 49,000. But overall, the Alpine A290 GTS won me over. It's a hot hatch that embodies the spirit of its illustrious predecessors while offering a unique and fun electric driving experience.
So, what do you think? Are you ready to embrace the future of hot hatches? Let's discuss in the comments!
