Mike Stamp
18 Aug 2025
The Alpine A290 proves electric hot hatches can be thrilling, stylish, and practical — a pocket rocket with French flair that turns every drive into an event.
Picture this: you’re standing in a car park, keys in hand, and a hatchback with the swagger of a hot hatch but the conscience of a hybrid stares back at you.
That’s the Alpine A290 — Renault’s sporty little number reborn under its Alpine performance badge.
Think of it as the younger cousin who turned up to the family barbecue in designer trainers and immediately stole everyone’s attention.
If you’re wondering whether this car is just another souped-up city runabout, think again. The A290 is the kind of car that makes Monday morning traffic feel like Monaco qualifying (minus the pit crew and the fines).
The Pop Culture Moment
If car launches were Netflix shows, the Alpine A290 would be Emily in Paris. Chic, French, and effortlessly stylish — somehow making even the weekly Aldi shop feel like a scene from Cannes. That’s the Alpine effect: ordinary errands with cinematic energy.
Who’s It For?
First-Time Thrill Seekers – You’ve just passed your test and want something that doesn’t scream “learner plates” anymore.
Commuting Professionals – Sleek enough for the office car park, nimble enough for rush-hour traffic.
Weekend Escapists – That Sunday blast down a winding B-road? This car was born for it.
It’s not a family hauler — the boot takes shopping and weekend bags happily, but Labradors and drum kits might struggle. This is a driver’s car first, lifestyle car second.
Performance Without the Drama
Built on the Renault 5 EV platform, the A290 is a hot hatch with a clean conscience. Instant torque gives it that satisfying “push-you-back-in-your-seat” feeling, while sharp handling means even the dullest commute has a touch of theatre.
And here’s the best bit: Alpine hasn’t sucked the fun out of it. This isn’t a laptop on wheels. It’s an EV with genuine character — alive, eager, and never dull.
Running Costs: The Honest Breakdown
Because hot hatches are only fun until they start draining your wallet, let’s talk costs.
Fuel/Energy – Fully electric, meaning cheap home charging and a big wave goodbye to petrol station prices.
Insurance – Expect group 20–25 depending on spec. Sporty, yes, but not unmanageable.
Servicing – Less faff than a petrol hatch. Tyres, brakes, and the occasional software update.
Tax – Currently exempt from road tax. (Enjoy that perk while it lasts.)
Depreciation – Alpine’s boutique status helps, but like all EVs, tech moves fast.
Lifestyle Scenarios
City Run – Coffee in one hand, playlist blasting, and the A290 slicing through gaps like it’s auditioning for Fast & Furious: The Commute Edition.
Date Night – Pull up outside the restaurant, and the chic styling does half your flirting for you.
Weekend Getaway – Bag in the back, Spotify road trip playlist on, and you’ll be choosing the long way round on purpose.
The Gentle Truths
No car is perfect — so here’s the fine print.
Range – Think “daily commute and weekend fun” rather than “cross-Europe without charging.”
Space – Rear seats are fine for mates, less so for basketball players.
Availability – Being Alpine, it won’t be parked on every street corner. Cool? Absolutely. Common? Not at all.
But honestly, these quirks just add to its charm.
Verdict: Why It Works
The Alpine A290 isn’t just a car. It’s a mood. A hot hatch reimagined for the electric era. It proves that EVs can be fun, stylish, and more than just eco-friendly appliances.
For buyers, it hits the sweet spot: affordable enough to be realistic, premium enough to feel special. It’s not just transport; it’s your hype playlist on wheels.
Final Word
So, is the Alpine A290 for you?
If you want thrills without guilt, style without pretension, and a daily drive that doubles as a weekend toy, the answer’s simple: oui.
Because sometimes, driving isn’t just about getting from A to B. It’s about smiling every single time you hit “Start”.