This story showcases speculative renderings that are not affiliated with Renault or Alpine. Furthermore, we have updated both the illustrations and the article with the most up-to-date information available (Sep 1).
Alpine‘s new era will be inaugurated by the A290 hot ahatch, set to join the A110 sports car. This introduction will be followed by multiple launches, eventually culminating in a lineup of seven electric vehicles by 2030. The performance-oriented A290 model, which is based on the 2024 Renault 5 electric supermini, was previewed a few months ago through the Alpine A290_β concept. It incorporates various enhancements in terms of performance, chassis, and style, to justify the use of a distinct emblem.
During the presentation of the Alpine Α290_B concept in May 2023, Chief Designer Raphael Linari confirmed that 85% of the concept’s exterior will make it into the production version. With this insight, our team produced a set of renderings inspired by the concept, incorporating only minor adjustments for production. As evident, the significant alterations from the standard Renault 5 result in a distinctive Alpine version, boasting a sportier and heritage-worthy stance.
More: What We Know About The Upcoming Sub-€25k 2024 Renault 5 EV
The model-specific bodykit is set to continue the tradition of wider front and rear wheel arches, covering the elongated tracks and highlighting the modern large-diameter alloy wheels. Other features will likely include deeper bumpers, more aggressive intakes at the front, X-themed split headlights reminiscent of past rally cars, a prominent diffuser, and a rear spoiler that could be joined by an integrated bump on the Alpine-branded tailgate.
While the exterior design direction is being preserved, the interior of the A290_β concept, characterized by its unique three-seat layout and roll-cage, will not be carried over to the production version. Instead, the automaker will adopt a more traditional four-seater configuration, akin to that of the Renault 5 sibling, albeit with enhanced sporty and premium elements.
Anticipate a pair of bucket seats featuring integrated headrests, a flat-bottom steering wheel, distinct upholstery materials, numerous Alpine emblems, and the concept-inspired OV button, providing a noticeable 10-second power boost. The minimalist dashboard is reportedly devoid of touchscreens, with essential information communicated through the head-up display.
Front-Wheel-Drive Hot Hatch With An Aggressively Tuned Chassis
Alpine A290_Β Concept
While the A290_B concept came with a dual electric motor setup, the production version will feature a single electric motor, honoring the FWD tradition of French hot hatches. The unit will be sourced from the Renault Megane E-Tech, making 215 hp (160 kW / 218 PS) and 300 Nm (221 lb-ft) of torque which represents a significant increase over the standard R5 supermini. There are also reports about another FWD variant with a more powerful electric motor producing 268 hp (200 kW / 273 PS).
As with most EVs, the Alpine A290 is expected to carry more weight compared to conventional ICE-powered hot hatches. Nevertheless, Alpine aims to capitalize on the advantages of a low center of gravity due to the battery pack’s underfloor placement, along with the improved weight distribution that results from the absence of an internal combustion engine in the front.
While the specific battery capacity and range figures for the A290 remain undisclosed, its R5 counterpart will adopt a 4-module battery pack, available in 42 kWh and 52 kWh variants. The latter is said to offer a range of up to 420 km (261 miles). It’s plausible that the larger battery option will be the primary choice for the Alpine A290, potentially leading to a slightly reduced range due to the added performance considerations.
More importantly, the CMF-BEV architecture will receive Alpine-specific tuning, further improving the class-leading handling and driving pleasure promised by the standard Renault 5. According to the latest reports, the Alpine A290 will feature hydraulic bump stops – similar to the ones in the Megane RS – allowing engineers to use stiffer springs without ruining the ride quality. The basic setup of the McPherson front struts and independent multi-link rear suspension found on the R5 will be retained, albeit with different settings, wider tracks, and a smaller ground clearance.
Pricing And Rivals
Alpine’s take on the Renault 5 should arrive in showrooms before the end of 2024 and will signal a shift in the brand’s positioning from a niche sports car maker almost unheard of outside the car enthusiast community to a builder of desirable, relatable, and practical performance cars. Naturally, the Alpine A290 is expected to carry a significant premium over the sub-€25,000 ($27,000) Renault 5, reportedly starting from above £40,000 (€46,620 / $50,000) according to Autocar.
As for the competition, a direct rival of the Alpine A290 will be the rumored VW ID.2 GTI and the officially confirmed Cupra Raval that are both expected in 2025. However, if you are less strict about the criteria, alternative options could include the smaller Abarth 500e and the larger Cupra Born, VW ID.3 GTX, and MG 4 XPower, all promising electric thrills in hatchback bodies.
Rich Hot Hatch Supermini Heritage
The original Renault 5 Alpine (sold as the Gordini in the UK) predated the original VW Golf GTI, making it one of the very first hot hatches. It later spawned a more powerful turbo version, but Renault retired the badge in the 1980s for the second generation of the R5, preferring the simpler GT Turbo badge.
The supermini hot hatchbacks that followed didn’t come with the R5 or the Alpine moniker but certainly left a mark on the automotive landscape. The iconic Clio Williams, three generations of Clio RS models, and the exotic mid-engine Clio V6 paved the road for Alpine’s return in the hot hatch segment, taking the reigns from the now-defunct RenaultSport division.
