2025 Alpine A290 GT | UK Review
Cheaper and less powerful, does the entry-level A290 still hit the spot?
Unless you’ve been lucky enough to be living under a rock these past few months, you’ll know that the Alpine A290 GTS is very good. You’ll also know that it’s quite expensive. Even with the UK’s new EV grant applied, the GTS is not only a £36,000 option that measures in at under four metres long, it’s also six grand pricier than the similarly brisk Mini Cooper SE, and it sits dangerously close to the more spacious and more powerful Abarth 600E. There’s a lot to love in the A290 GTS, but in the harsh blue light of a price comparison spreadsheet, you can see why some people might look elsewhere.
Step forward the A290 GT, the entry-level version of Alpine’s compact performance EV that even to the trained eye looks nigh on identical to its more senior sibling. Only on closer inspection will you spot 19-inch alloys wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport EV rubber instead of Pilot Sport S 5s, unbranded Brembo brake calipers and, at the back, a letter missing. Otherwise, the two bookend variants - along with the GT Premium and GT Performance models ranked between them - look fundamentally the same.
Of course, underneath the bonnet in the GT (and also the second rank GT Premium) there’s a lower performance electric motor, providing the front wheels with 180hp, 40hp less than the GT Performance and GTS, which get the same 220hp output. Range is up as a result from the 52kWh battery, with 236 miles on offer, 11 more than the higher powered models. On the base GT, you also lose a handful of niceties like Nappa leather, a higher-spec infotainment system and a track-focused telemetry menu, and (no less important this time of year) a heated steering wheel. But the saving is significant; with the UK grant, the GT costs £32,000.
Perhaps the swapping of GTS rims for simpler (but still cool-looking) 19s gives the GT a subtler look than the GTS, but it still has that invitingly optimistic face, complete with day running lights that mimic rally fogs, and a squat, raked stance, helped by those added arch extensions. I love the exterior styling - and thankfully, nothing here kills the A290’s vibe inside. The wraparound dash and three-spoke wheel look the part as you sit in hip-hugging chairs, which in the GT, come clad in part cloth, part leather. First impressions are identical to the GTS. It feels special.
It feels pretty nippy, too. On paper, the 180hp GT setup is a full second slower to 62mph than the 220hp GTS, but it has an identical 221lb ft of torque, so rolling acceleration feels - at least at road speeds - identical. It’s only when you’re nudging past the national speed limit that the base car’s weaker delivery is noticeable. It does without the GTS’s shove, and instead builds speed in a more linear fashion. That trait alone means anyone serious about headline performance will find justification enough for opting for the more senior A290, though of course there is still much more to Alpine’s EV than straight-line pace.
Our drive in the GT is on damp, crumbling British tarmac, a stark contrast to the smooth asphalt of continental Europe that Matt sampled the A290 GTS on this time last year. This added challenge allows the Alpine’s excellent ride quality to shine through, because everything from speed humps to two-inch-deep potholes are dealt with without fuss. Even if you catch a bump or crack mid corner with an outside wheel that’s loaded at pace, the A290, riding on standard-fit hydraulic bump stops, remains composed. On a damp road, Michelin’s EV-spec tyres don’t feel as big of a step down from its summer-focused performance alternatives as you might expect, meaning the same mild playfulness can be exploited from the A290’s chassis. Although even on slippy tarmac, there’s room for more.
I half expected the A290 to come alive on a greasy road surface, but like the more mechanically gripped-up GTS, the base model is still remarkably stable unless you provoke it with a heavily trailed brake. The same rear-brake-pinching tech as the GTS is aboard here, though it doesn’t send the A290 into Clio 182 levels of lift-off lairiness. I should know. Instead, it just slightly tightens your line. And without a limited-slip differential option (for now at least - I’d put money on one coming at the first update) and just 180hp to play with, there’s no hauling of A290 from bend to bend. Pace is brisk and torque vectoring ensures traction is good. But it’s warm, not hot, hatch fun.
Perhaps that’s all it needs to be, because the underlying traits that make all versions of the A290 - and indeed the Renault 5 beneath them - so very likeable, all remain on show here. There’s not much in the way of steering feel, but the rack is quick and the car’s compact footprint means you’ve room to play even on a narrow B road. Plus, the four-stage regenerative braking - adjusted via the blue knob on the steering wheel - means the A290 feels as efficient as it is effortless. Sure, the red overtake button remains a bit of a gimmick, but it’s a fun one to show off to your mates.
So while most white-knuckled PHers might ultimately be better served by the chunkier A290 variants, the GT (or slightly better-specced GT Premium) is arguably all that’s needed. The entry-level derivative is as likeable in design and character, is no more difficult to live with, and is just as fun at normal road speeds as a GTS - all for four grand less. That entry price is notable because it leaves the GT enough space to not be directly compared to the 280hp, limited-slip differential-equipped Abarth 600E, nor its incoming group sibling, the Peugeot E-208 GTI.
You might therefore argue that the biggest rival for this lower-spec A290 is actually a high-spec Renault 5, which lacks the Alpine’s sporty finish but has 150hp and comes in more vibrant colours. But you hardly need me to tell you that Alpine’s version comes with an allure all of its own, aided and abetted by its 30hp bragging rights. Assuming you’re happy to pay the premium for both, the GT makes a great case for itself.
SPECIFICATION | 2025 ALPINE A290 GT
Engine: 52kWh battery, single electric motor
Transmission: Single-speed automatic, front-wheel drive
Power (hp): 180
Torque (lb ft): 221
0-62mph: 7.4 seconds
Top speed: 99mph
Weight: 1,479kg
MPG: 236 miles WLTP range, 100kW max charge rate
CO2: 0g/km (driving), 3.91mi/kWh efficiency
Price: £32,000 (including £1,500 UK EV grant)
It's a shame really as this definitely looks and feels more special than the 5, despite it being virtually the same innards. I can't help thinking they're missing a bit of a trick there given how few Alpine dealers there actually are and how similar these are to the 5. I get it for something like the A110 as that's a standalone specialist product. But not for something that's basically the same car as its Renault counterpart.
But why re there two ads for Musk s social media network on the grille?
And before anyone says it s a homage to Alpine s 60s- / 70s-era rally cars taped spotlights, then if so, why don t they have a white background with a black X ?
The grille lights on the A290 are the one thing I'd look to change (if I was in the market for a small EV, which I'm not).
Without having driven them back to back, I'd prefer a R5e solely based on the Renault not having these ugly lights.
It's a shame really as this definitely looks and feels more special than the 5, despite it being virtually the same innards. I can't help thinking they're missing a bit of a trick there given how few Alpine dealers there actually are and how similar these are to the 5. I get it for something like the A110 as that's a standalone specialist product. But not for something that's basically the same car as its Renault counterpart.
"Why is the ownership experience so painful?
Last year's service experience at St. Albans was horrific. Zero interest in any sort of customer service, didn't have the parts so needed to take back a 2nd time and tried to cancel my courtesy car.
This year i phoned around 3x other dealers, left messages (no call back), got transferred endlessly, listened to nauseating music and out of 3x dealers only managed to get one price of nearly £1k for 4yr service (Alpine London), so I used a very trusted and experienced local supercar specialist who charged me significantly less than 1/2 Alpine London's quote and gave far better service.
Yesterday my car failed its MOT on a broken rear spring. Spent over an hour yesterday trying to get a price from 3x Alpine dealers - left messages, waited 20mins "you are next in queue", tried Orpington's online chat (didn't work).
Today tried again and managed AT LAST to actually speak to a human at Alpine Winchester - "Yes we can order one in for you but No we will not post it out to you, you will have to come and collect" (3hr round trip). He did give me the part number and said i could order through local Renault dealer - hoorah! EXCEPT local Renault dealer said not possible as they aren't an authorised Alpine dealer. I asked him to try and he called me back 1/2 hr later to confirm that he'd spoken to headoffice and they weren't able to order Alpine parts Grrrr!!!!
WHY do Alpine make ownership experience so painful?
Think i'm going to buy a Cayman....
Sorry for the rant, but Alpine are desperate to sell more cars, so alienating existing owners and losing them to the competition isn't very clever business practice.
It's a shame really as this definitely looks and feels more special than the 5, despite it being virtually the same innards. I can't help thinking they're missing a bit of a trick there given how few Alpine dealers there actually are and how similar these are to the 5. I get it for something like the A110 as that's a standalone specialist product. But not for something that's basically the same car as its Renault counterpart.
Perhaps expensive for what it is (what EV isn't?) but as the only desirable EV and a business car it's a no brainer for me (I don't need a long range).
As a run around for around town, it's a hoot to drive, turns as many heads as my 911 and one of the best cars I've owned. Still very rare (I've only seen 2 others in the wild and 1 was on a cross country trip to Plymouth last week).
Shame about the need for others to travel to an Alpine garage (saw this reported on the owners FB). I have had no issues with Alpine but have not had any requirement to do so (Alpine Glasgow have been excellent so far).
Lots of new dealers are opening. I got great service from the Aberdeen branch (although they didn't get a sale as I went through salary sacrifice). At the time there were only two dealers in Scotland (Aberdeen and Glasgow) but I noticed this week that there is now an Edinburgh dealer with about 10 A290s sitting on the forecourt. I suspect that some of the other UK dealer blackspots will be getting dealers soon too since Alpine will be keen to shift lots of A390s as well.
Very pleased with it so far after having it for a month.
Sadly the sheeple all want outsized SUVs.
I dont get this "Everyone is stupid but me" thing, we have choice, different needs and aspirations, I would agree that sometimes an SUV, especially a big one is perhaps unnecessary but that is their choice.
An SUV works very well in many different roles, I have a very large saloon, and its largely useless for a lot of tasks, cant go to Ikea as the seats dont fold down and its too big to park. An SUV would be a better solution.
What do you drive that is so nailed on correct for every eventuality and shows you arent one of the "Sheeple" ?
I dont get this "Everyone is stupid but me" thing, we have choice, different needs and aspirations, I would agree that sometimes an SUV, especially a big one is perhaps unnecessary but that is their choice.
An SUV works very well in many different roles, I have a very large saloon, and its largely useless for a lot of tasks, cant go to Ikea as the seats dont fold down and its too big to park. An SUV would be a better solution.
What do you drive that is so nailed on correct for every eventuality and shows you arent one of the "Sheeple" ?
"Peugeot 306 1.6 XR
Ford Focus 1.8 TDCi Ghia
Honda Civic 2.2 EX"
you cant make stuff like this up
But why re there two ads for Musk s social media network on the grille?
And before anyone says it s a homage to Alpine s 60s- / 70s-era rally cars taped spotlights, then if so, why don t they have a white background with a black X ?
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