A few questions...
Discussion
Hi there,
I've decided my next car will be an Alpine A110, coming from a Renaultsport Clio 197 Cup for over 10 years and approaching 100,000 miles behind the wheel. I was looking at going German but realised the cost of my dream car isn't that far off a top spec Golf R or Audi S3.
It will be my daily driver and is amusing to think I will even be saving a decent amount on fuel costs over the RS Clio! I've had a read of the forum, have a few questions and appreciate any help. If you don't want to read the lengthy post the questions are in bold.
What size are the standard discs? I would like to go for the standard 17" wheels for ride quality but don't want to skimp on brakes, it depends on how big the difference really is. I will certainly do the odd track day but as stated previously, it will be my daily driver.
How difficult is the car to work on? The engine looks a bit tucked away but not sure how easy access is and exposure once you remove undertrays. I do all work on my cars bar paintwork and timing belts and would like to continue doing so.
Do you have to be filthy rich to maintain the car? I've read up on the common faults, namely leaking rear windows, fuel pumps, alternators and headlights... I will most likely be buying out of warranty and as above can carry out most repairs myself, just the thought of a £2.5k headlight cracking out of warranty is a bit daunting.
Are there any part systems online? Where we can look up parts and design diagrams etc, similar to catcar.info.
Is it really a decent GT car? I live in London and like to drive to Yorkshire, Wales and the South West regularly. The Clio Cup is quite harsh in that respect and I've managed but not sure whether the A110 will be worse?
Should I get the active sports exhaust? I have had the Akrapovic fitted to my RS Clio for the last couple of years and although it's a bit much sometimes as you really have to ring the power out of the N/A 2.0ltr Clio engine to get going, I generally love the pops and bangs.
Is the telemetric system a gimmick? Based off what I've read these are the specs I'm after below, if there's anything else which you think is a must have please chime in.
Pure
Alpine Blue with Blue Calipers
17" Wheels
Focal Speakers
Rear Parking Sensors
Aluminium Pedals & Footrest
Active Sports Exhaust?
Telemtrics?
Thanks for any advice.
I've decided my next car will be an Alpine A110, coming from a Renaultsport Clio 197 Cup for over 10 years and approaching 100,000 miles behind the wheel. I was looking at going German but realised the cost of my dream car isn't that far off a top spec Golf R or Audi S3.
It will be my daily driver and is amusing to think I will even be saving a decent amount on fuel costs over the RS Clio! I've had a read of the forum, have a few questions and appreciate any help. If you don't want to read the lengthy post the questions are in bold.
What size are the standard discs? I would like to go for the standard 17" wheels for ride quality but don't want to skimp on brakes, it depends on how big the difference really is. I will certainly do the odd track day but as stated previously, it will be my daily driver.
How difficult is the car to work on? The engine looks a bit tucked away but not sure how easy access is and exposure once you remove undertrays. I do all work on my cars bar paintwork and timing belts and would like to continue doing so.
Do you have to be filthy rich to maintain the car? I've read up on the common faults, namely leaking rear windows, fuel pumps, alternators and headlights... I will most likely be buying out of warranty and as above can carry out most repairs myself, just the thought of a £2.5k headlight cracking out of warranty is a bit daunting.
Are there any part systems online? Where we can look up parts and design diagrams etc, similar to catcar.info.
Is it really a decent GT car? I live in London and like to drive to Yorkshire, Wales and the South West regularly. The Clio Cup is quite harsh in that respect and I've managed but not sure whether the A110 will be worse?
Should I get the active sports exhaust? I have had the Akrapovic fitted to my RS Clio for the last couple of years and although it's a bit much sometimes as you really have to ring the power out of the N/A 2.0ltr Clio engine to get going, I generally love the pops and bangs.
Is the telemetric system a gimmick? Based off what I've read these are the specs I'm after below, if there's anything else which you think is a must have please chime in.
Pure
Alpine Blue with Blue Calipers
17" Wheels
Focal Speakers
Rear Parking Sensors
Aluminium Pedals & Footrest
Active Sports Exhaust?
Telemtrics?
Thanks for any advice.
Edited by 7en on Tuesday 2nd May 20:52
What size are the standard discs?
The standard discs are 296 mm front and rear. The optional bigger brakes are 320 mm. I have the standard brakes on my A110 and I have found them to be perfectly adequate for my use (no track use for me).
Is the telemetric system a gimmick?
Personally I find the telemetrics useful. Only reason I wanted it was because it allows me to see the oil temperature and that it does. There are lots of other features on the telemetrics but I don't need them.
The standard discs are 296 mm front and rear. The optional bigger brakes are 320 mm. I have the standard brakes on my A110 and I have found them to be perfectly adequate for my use (no track use for me).
Is the telemetric system a gimmick?
Personally I find the telemetrics useful. Only reason I wanted it was because it allows me to see the oil temperature and that it does. There are lots of other features on the telemetrics but I don't need them.
I can help with the ride, I’m sure better qualified contributors will help with your other queries.
Is it really a decent GT car?
Absolutely.
It is a surprisingly comfortable long distance motorway cruiser - in terms of ride, seats and noise levels. Luggage space is limited but sufficient with some planning. Plenty of people here have done some long European trips quite happily.
Luggage space is traded for light weight to facilitate the ride and handling - which are superb.
Is it really a decent GT car?
Absolutely.
It is a surprisingly comfortable long distance motorway cruiser - in terms of ride, seats and noise levels. Luggage space is limited but sufficient with some planning. Plenty of people here have done some long European trips quite happily.
Luggage space is traded for light weight to facilitate the ride and handling - which are superb.
Thanks for the posts.
I think I will happily go for the standard brakes with 17" wheels then as 26mm isn't a huge difference. I believe on track that the material of the brake pads will matter more when it comes to brake fade.
In my Clio on the motorway cruising at 70mph it is loud in engine, exhaust and road noise, sitting at just under 4k rpm. I'm sure the Alpine will be better it's just hard to get my head around as it's even sportier and seems like it would have little sound/road noise isolation. A related question to this is how is the 2 speaker Focal sound system when driving on roads and motorway? I know this is a secondary thought with this car but I love music so hoping it is decent. The reviews I've seen are very mixed.
I'm sure the storage will be a challenge, for example when going on 2 person camping trips with 70 ltr backpacks, I guess having to empty the contents of the packs and stuff it in, instead of just throwing them in the back, but it's a sacrifice I'm willing to make as 95% of the time it will be fine.
I think I will happily go for the standard brakes with 17" wheels then as 26mm isn't a huge difference. I believe on track that the material of the brake pads will matter more when it comes to brake fade.
In my Clio on the motorway cruising at 70mph it is loud in engine, exhaust and road noise, sitting at just under 4k rpm. I'm sure the Alpine will be better it's just hard to get my head around as it's even sportier and seems like it would have little sound/road noise isolation. A related question to this is how is the 2 speaker Focal sound system when driving on roads and motorway? I know this is a secondary thought with this car but I love music so hoping it is decent. The reviews I've seen are very mixed.
I'm sure the storage will be a challenge, for example when going on 2 person camping trips with 70 ltr backpacks, I guess having to empty the contents of the packs and stuff it in, instead of just throwing them in the back, but it's a sacrifice I'm willing to make as 95% of the time it will be fine.
Edited by 7en on Tuesday 2nd May 21:48
There are previous threads which cover everything from track days to luggage storage - read some more and many of your questions will be answered (apart from DIY maintenance - if you can afford the car it should still have some warranty so why compromise that by doing the work yourself - and parts books which are not easily found online although the French sites may have had more success)
Many find the reversing camera more use than just the sensors & the Focal is not critical - over the past year quite a few recent cars have come in for dealer stock with standard brakes & 18 in wheels - the ride & stopping are fine - you don't say if you are after new or used but don't get too fixated on your preferences especially if you are trying to buy a used low spec car
Many find the reversing camera more use than just the sensors & the Focal is not critical - over the past year quite a few recent cars have come in for dealer stock with standard brakes & 18 in wheels - the ride & stopping are fine - you don't say if you are after new or used but don't get too fixated on your preferences especially if you are trying to buy a used low spec car
Edited by johnnyreggae on Wednesday 3rd May 06:36
johnnyreggae said:
There are previous threads which cover everything from track days to luggage storage - read some more and many of your questions will be answered (apart from DIY maintenance - if you can afford the car it should still have some warranty so why compromise that by doing the work yourself - and parts books which are not easily found online although the French sites may have had more success)
Many find the reversing camera more use than just the sensors & the Focal is not critical - over the past year quite a few recent cars have come in for dealer stock with standard brakes & 18 in wheels - the ride & stopping are fine - you don't say if you are after new or used but don't get too fixated on your preferences especially if you are trying to buy a used low spec car
I would most likely be going for a 2018/19 which would be out of warranty by now, assuming its the usual 3 years. Thanks for the tip on the camera.Many find the reversing camera more use than just the sensors & the Focal is not critical - over the past year quite a few recent cars have come in for dealer stock with standard brakes & 18 in wheels - the ride & stopping are fine - you don't say if you are after new or used but don't get too fixated on your preferences especially if you are trying to buy a used low spec car
Edited by johnnyreggae on Wednesday 3rd May 06:36
I'm in no rush so will hold on for one with my desired spec and price, I think by next year there will be a few used at or just under £40k. There is currently a low mileage one with the spec I want and 18 months left on the warranty but it's just a bit too much for right now unfortunately.
Hi, A110 pure here on 17" wheels and standard discs here. Reasons for me were basically ride quality as I intended mine for longer road trips than track days. I've had no issues on the standard brakes, the car doesn't weigh very much so it doesn't take as much stopping. They do need a good push though as the level of servo assistance isn't as high as many cars. It provides a solid feeling pedal and lots of feel but doesn't impact on stopping power.
The other reason for standard brakes for me was replacement cost. I intend mine to be a keeper so was keen to know this. The lovely branded discs on the upgraded brakes are several times more expensive to replace than the standard ones. I guess aftermarket is less?
I've got telemetrics and focal. Mine's a '21 model so it has the earlier infotainment / telemetrics. It's a bit of theatre really as I don't track mine, but I tend to use it to keep a check on oil and water temps. There's loads of other data, charts and graphics in there that are fun to look at.
Focal is great. It's without the additional sub but sounds really well balanced, clear and is plenty loud enough. It's great for long distance, as the car is very civilised on long journeys. It's not c-class quiet and never will be, but not shouty or wearing after hours at the wheel.
I've got the standard exhaust to for the same reasons as above. In sport mode you get some subtle pops and bangs if thats your thing, but more the burbling type than the shotgun type!
Luggage is tight. Defiantly recommend thinking about squashy bags only in the boot and buying dedicated bags for the front that maximises the space that's there. Having said that, we did 3 weeks in Europe last summer with few issues. Space behind the buckets is fine for other soft stuff / bottles of wine etc.
Mine's definitely a more GT/sporting road car spec than a track focused one though. But it's plenty nimble and fast enough to keep with he big boys. In the local car club I've not been embarrassed by Cayman GTS's and various 911's, although I had to accept a McLaren 720s had the legs on me... Fun trying though.
The other reason for standard brakes for me was replacement cost. I intend mine to be a keeper so was keen to know this. The lovely branded discs on the upgraded brakes are several times more expensive to replace than the standard ones. I guess aftermarket is less?
I've got telemetrics and focal. Mine's a '21 model so it has the earlier infotainment / telemetrics. It's a bit of theatre really as I don't track mine, but I tend to use it to keep a check on oil and water temps. There's loads of other data, charts and graphics in there that are fun to look at.
Focal is great. It's without the additional sub but sounds really well balanced, clear and is plenty loud enough. It's great for long distance, as the car is very civilised on long journeys. It's not c-class quiet and never will be, but not shouty or wearing after hours at the wheel.
I've got the standard exhaust to for the same reasons as above. In sport mode you get some subtle pops and bangs if thats your thing, but more the burbling type than the shotgun type!
Luggage is tight. Defiantly recommend thinking about squashy bags only in the boot and buying dedicated bags for the front that maximises the space that's there. Having said that, we did 3 weeks in Europe last summer with few issues. Space behind the buckets is fine for other soft stuff / bottles of wine etc.
Mine's definitely a more GT/sporting road car spec than a track focused one though. But it's plenty nimble and fast enough to keep with he big boys. In the local car club I've not been embarrassed by Cayman GTS's and various 911's, although I had to accept a McLaren 720s had the legs on me... Fun trying though.
Long journeys are fine: I have a Legende (current GT model) and find the seats really comfortable. Even my old SL gave me a twinge or two after a couple of hours. Noise is not an issue, either: the exhaust note is only 'present' under acceleration really -cruising with a feathered throttle is on a par with most family cars, I'd say.
I've not noticed a harsh ride on 18" Serac wheels, but then I don't think I'm a very analytical driver.
Rear parking camera would be a must for me: a daily driver will usually require reversing a couple of times a day...
I've not noticed a harsh ride on 18" Serac wheels, but then I don't think I'm a very analytical driver.
Rear parking camera would be a must for me: a daily driver will usually require reversing a couple of times a day...
Hi, I have a MY’20 S and agree with pretty much with everything said above. My only add would be don’t get too hung up on the storage issue - I’ve got a couple of Velcro nets for behind the seats and the panniers Alpine sell either side of the seats (I have the buckets).
We have had a couple of week long trips away and take our black Lab with us too so we also have his bedding and food etc with us and we manager just fine!
Happy hunting
We have had a couple of week long trips away and take our black Lab with us too so we also have his bedding and food etc with us and we manager just fine!
Happy hunting
7en said:
I've decided my next car will be an Alpine A110, coming from a Renaultsport Clio 197 Cup for over 10 years and approaching 100,000 miles behind the wheel.
Good choice. I've also run a 2010 Clio RS200.You will be amazed by the ride quality and general comfort levels in the A110. The Alpine is incredibly quiet and well-refined for long-distance work. The comfort of the two seat options seems to be a matter of anatomy. Suggest you try them both.
I also do all my own spannering. So far, this has been limited to oil/filter changes, spring/damper swap and brake fluid. That's all been quite conventional. You'll want a good selection of Torx sockets for the undertray, but that's quite easy to deal with.
I don't have the telematics. Yes, I'd like to know oil temp and gearbox temp but I'd consider it a nice-to-have and not a deal-breaker. Everything else is available on the main dash.
Yes - the A110 is a surprisingly comfortable and refined daily drive.
One absolute must (which has been mentioned elsewhere) is to get the suspension geometry checked - it seems like they don’t leave the factory with a very consistent setup.
Mine used to feel a bit fidgety around the straight-ahead, which was tedious on motorways and longer drives. I then had it set up with the free settings available from the Life110 site which completely transformed the steering feel - for the better.
It’s genuinely the best £120 I’ve spent on the car…
One absolute must (which has been mentioned elsewhere) is to get the suspension geometry checked - it seems like they don’t leave the factory with a very consistent setup.
Mine used to feel a bit fidgety around the straight-ahead, which was tedious on motorways and longer drives. I then had it set up with the free settings available from the Life110 site which completely transformed the steering feel - for the better.
It’s genuinely the best £120 I’ve spent on the car…
The standard bucket seats are supremely comfortable for me (5' 9", slim build), it's a bit of a chore to get in and out of though. I originally intended to get the comfort seats but I'm very pleased I did not as I love the buckets. Comfort seats are impressive and comfortable too based on the test drive.
I have 17" wheels (I don't think you can get comfort seats combined with 17" wheels), the secondary ride is fairly good for a sports cars.
Road noise at motorway speed isn't too bad, but I would struggle to hold a conversation, however I have very poor hearing.
I have 17" wheels (I don't think you can get comfort seats combined with 17" wheels), the secondary ride is fairly good for a sports cars.
Road noise at motorway speed isn't too bad, but I would struggle to hold a conversation, however I have very poor hearing.
Liam22 said:
Good choice. I've also run a 2010 Clio RS200.
You will be amazed by the ride quality and general comfort levels in the A110. The Alpine is incredibly quiet and well-refined for long-distance work. The comfort of the two seat options seems to be a matter of anatomy. Suggest you try them both.
I also do all my own spannering. So far, this has been limited to oil/filter changes, spring/damper swap and brake fluid. That's all been quite conventional. You'll want a good selection of Torx sockets for the undertray, but that's quite easy to deal with.
I don't have the telematics. Yes, I'd like to know oil temp and gearbox temp but I'd consider it a nice-to-have and not a deal-breaker. Everything else is available on the main dash.
Thanks for the info, good to know it's a real step up from the Clio without being harsher but more refined. You will be amazed by the ride quality and general comfort levels in the A110. The Alpine is incredibly quiet and well-refined for long-distance work. The comfort of the two seat options seems to be a matter of anatomy. Suggest you try them both.
I also do all my own spannering. So far, this has been limited to oil/filter changes, spring/damper swap and brake fluid. That's all been quite conventional. You'll want a good selection of Torx sockets for the undertray, but that's quite easy to deal with.
I don't have the telematics. Yes, I'd like to know oil temp and gearbox temp but I'd consider it a nice-to-have and not a deal-breaker. Everything else is available on the main dash.
I'm looking at an A110 which has the Life110 springs fitted, which would be a straight swap back to standard for me I think. If there's any special tools required I'd appreciate a heads up, the instructions on the Life110 website seem simple enough. It's also had rear wing corrosion rectified and an alternator replaced under warranty so hopefully a few issues already dealt with and good to go. It's very local to my work so will check it out soon...
I will test drive cars with and without the Life110 springs. I'm really after a daily driver which will be softer yet sportier than the Clio Cup so will see which one fulfills that best.
I'm wondering if there is a way to tell if a car has the Active Sports Exhaust just by exterior looks? I will be testing one which definitely has it, so should be able to tell in comparison. I'm particularly wondering if this is the sports?
I'm also wondering if anyone has retrofitted the blue Alpine logo on the steering wheel by using a friends reg to order the badge?
Thanks for all the help.
I'm wondering if there is a way to tell if a car has the Active Sports Exhaust just by exterior looks? I will be testing one which definitely has it, so should be able to tell in comparison. I'm particularly wondering if this is the sports?
I'm also wondering if anyone has retrofitted the blue Alpine logo on the steering wheel by using a friends reg to order the badge?
Thanks for all the help.
Edited by 7en on Wednesday 3rd May 21:01
PhilipIbrahim said:
The standard bucket seats are supremely comfortable for me (5' 9", slim build), it's a bit of a chore to get in and out of though. I originally intended to get the comfort seats but I'm very pleased I did not as I love the buckets. Comfort seats are impressive and comfortable too based on the test drive.
I have 17" wheels (I don't think you can get comfort seats combined with 17" wheels), the secondary ride is fairly good for a sports cars.
Road noise at motorway speed isn't too bad, but I would struggle to hold a conversation, however I have very poor hearing.
I find your comments about both noise and access surprizing. I don't find any difference in access between the bucket seats and the comfort ones (much easier than an Elise in most circumstances and a match for a Cayman with non-bucket seats). I find I can conduct a conversation in normal tones at high motorways speeds on all but the noisiest surfaces- or listen to the radio - something I couldn't do with my previous 981 Cayman.I have 17" wheels (I don't think you can get comfort seats combined with 17" wheels), the secondary ride is fairly good for a sports cars.
Road noise at motorway speed isn't too bad, but I would struggle to hold a conversation, however I have very poor hearing.
Gassing Station | Alpine | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff