Alpine signals beginning of the end for A110
Final production run of 1,750 cars announced - collectors take note, says Alpine
We’ve known about the demise of the A110 for yonks, of course - but confirmation that Alpine is preparing to build what it calls ‘the final few examples’ still feels like a kick to the enthusiast groin. Say what you like about the shortcomings of arguably the best car to come out of France since the Bugatti Veyron, but we can all agree that its demise (in its current, petrol-powered format) is about as welcome as a cocktail served in an old ashtray.
Following an earlier announcement in February, its missive at this stage in the game (production will not actually cease until mid-2026) is to sell a few more examples before the end, and to remind us that another countdown has begun, lest we forget that the current A110 will be replaced by an all-new model, available as both coupe and roadster, based on its bespoke APP platform. Or as the manufacturer puts it, ‘a proper electric sports car’.
Alpine is right to be trepidatious about the transition from one to another. Porsche, the firm that Renault most aspires its performance division to resemble, is busy tying itself in knots about the lack of demand for battery power - so much so that it has already confirmed that the 718 replacement will feature a petrol engine in its more expensive variants. Alpine is rumoured to be considering a similar approach, potentially with a hybrid configuration.
For now, though, it is content to bid adieu to the old A110, the car that marked the comeback of the ‘A-arrow’ brand when it launched in 2017. Critical acclaim swiftly followed for a model that combined elfin-like handling with wonderfully compact good looks, though buyers took some time to be convinced. Alpine reckons its ‘sales curve has continued to rise throughout its commercial life’ - which is another way of saying it didn’t exactly race out of the blocks.
Nevertheless, by the end of its lifetime, the manufacturer reckons that it will have sold nearly 30,000 units - not bad for a sports car that made do with a single four-cylinder engine and went almost unchanged for its entire lifecycle. Its maker did breathe on it, though: most notably with the comparatively hardcore (and high-priced) R variant. Just 50 of these remain in anniversary edition ’70’ format, which is now priced from £107k.
Otherwise, there is a choice of the entry-level A110 from £55k, which still boasts the 252hp the car arrived with eight years ago, or the newer GTS, which replaced both the GT and S trims at the start of the year. This costs from £70k, but shares the uprated 300hp output with the R and gets the slightly stiffer suspension setup from the old S alongside a leather interior. There’s also the option of a new GTS aerodynamic kit if you’d like to replicate the R’s more aggressive look. Either way, you can hardly miss: the A110 is sublime company in all getups. We heartily recommend finding out for yourself before it’s too late.
Was not interested in them initially but am now seriously considering one for MrsSGI to replace her m4.
After 5 m3&4’s we both hate the current shape and think the alpine could be a great option. Just need them to drop in price.
Also a really good Jason Camissa video released on YouTube this week about alpine. Definitely worth the watch.
On another note glad to read that they may be considering a hybrid version and not ditching the petrol option completely, personally I wouldn t want an electric version of a light sports car
I m sure they re going up, not down!
I m sure they re going up, not down!
I was looking for a good used example, but ended up buying new. The plan is to keep it for as long as I am able to climb in and drive it.
The comparison with Porsche is irrelevant, their brand identity is tied to a howling flat 6, whereas the engine in an A110 never exactly set the world on fire.
As cool as it is, the A110 has hardly been a sales phenomenon. The R5 and A290 will have made the Renault board pretty clear on the rewards of getting a fun, retro EV right.
Whatever we enthusiasts feel, I suspect Renault can’t wait to wrap up this generation and bring on the batteries.
Sad to see the end of the current A110, but look forward to magazines and websites not being full of articles of how good the car is.
It has been one of the most hyped cars in recent years and for me just didn't live up to the hype.
I was looking forward to collection day of mine back in 2023, initially I loved it but over time the enthusiasm for the A110 wore off. Not sure if its because I used it as a daily driver rather than a weekend car and it just became a bit normal, 400 mile trips for work were just mundane and although it was fun in the twisty bits, on the motorway it was just like being in a normal hatchback rep mobile.
Sold it after a year with 11,000 miles on it to a dealer where it sat on their forecourt for a few months before they found a buyer.
Regards
Tim
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