Alpine A110 owners
Discussion
I’d still buy one.
I think I ended up with the spec I’d go with if starting again. It did take three goes to settle on it, and Martins of Winchester were incredibly accommodating on that.
Base model on 17” wheels. It rides and handles well* and I have fewer worries over potential pothole damage etc.
Fire Orange - absolutely love this colour which reacts to different lighting. Picture below is a much better representation of the colour than many taken on phone cameras.
Focal Audio - I do like my music.
Reversing camera. I reverse into my garage which has a large sideboard dividing the car space and storage area. The camera makes getting the car close to the sideboard so much easier than it would be without it.
Telematics. Primarily used to check oil temperature is up enough to press on (and when running in to go over 2000rpm).
Bucket seats. I’m very glad I went this route - despite being a large bloke they fit well (especially since losing 6kg on the Alpine diet - but that’s another story)
Mirror pack/electrochrome rear view mirror. If nothing else it’s a good way to check you’ve locked the car :-)
Aluminium pedals. Did anyone not spec these??
Alpine logo on wing/fuel flap. It’s an Alpine.
I think I ended up with the spec I’d go with if starting again. It did take three goes to settle on it, and Martins of Winchester were incredibly accommodating on that.
Base model on 17” wheels. It rides and handles well* and I have fewer worries over potential pothole damage etc.
- *I’ve had done (and highly recommend) the Life110 Fast Road geometry.
Fire Orange - absolutely love this colour which reacts to different lighting. Picture below is a much better representation of the colour than many taken on phone cameras.
Focal Audio - I do like my music.
Reversing camera. I reverse into my garage which has a large sideboard dividing the car space and storage area. The camera makes getting the car close to the sideboard so much easier than it would be without it.
Telematics. Primarily used to check oil temperature is up enough to press on (and when running in to go over 2000rpm).
Bucket seats. I’m very glad I went this route - despite being a large bloke they fit well (especially since losing 6kg on the Alpine diet - but that’s another story)
Mirror pack/electrochrome rear view mirror. If nothing else it’s a good way to check you’ve locked the car :-)
Aluminium pedals. Did anyone not spec these??
Alpine logo on wing/fuel flap. It’s an Alpine.
Edited by Whaleblue on Sunday 24th December 08:20
AlexNJ89 said:
Tzunamitom said:
Hi there,
Been lurking for the past couple of months since I first test drove an A110 and am close to pulling the trigger on a nearly new model, but not settled on which yet.
Question for all of you who own one already, what would you do differently if you were buying today? What options are essential, would you pick the base model or GT? Is post-facelift model worth the extra? Would you still buy now? What are the faults you’re experiencing and can you live with it?
That’s a lot of questions, but any help you can offer would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks
I'd 100% still buy one.Been lurking for the past couple of months since I first test drove an A110 and am close to pulling the trigger on a nearly new model, but not settled on which yet.
Question for all of you who own one already, what would you do differently if you were buying today? What options are essential, would you pick the base model or GT? Is post-facelift model worth the extra? Would you still buy now? What are the faults you’re experiencing and can you live with it?
That’s a lot of questions, but any help you can offer would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks
Post-facelift isn't worth the extra.
If I had my time again I'd go for the base model with the sound system, reverse camera and bucket seats.
I'd then get the milltek exhaust and all the Life110 upgrades.
If I was feeling flush I may have gone for Sierra Blue, if not I'd have gone for black as not many seem to have ordered black.
I ended up going for a Legende GT which I love, but it has the extra power and came with the comfort seats. I've driven the 292bhp and the 250bhp back to back and the 250 is actually a better drive imo. I wasn't a fan of the comfort seats, I felt the material used was too firm and it hurt my bum, the alcantara is much nicer.
The comfort seats are excellent, I spend 2.5hrs a day in them and can't fault them. The fixed buckets aren't low enough in their lowest position if you're reasonably tall (I'm 6ft2) and are too upright.
Having driving the 250/292/300ps engines back to back I would still choose the 292. It holds the torque closer to the red line and feels that bit more eager at the top end.
Just personal preference things!
Adam205 said:
I also went for a Legende GT 2021 and have very different views (and probably body shape...).
The comfort seats are excellent, I spend 2.5hrs a day in them and can't fault them. The fixed buckets aren't low enough in their lowest position if you're reasonably tall (I'm 6ft2) and are too upright.
Having driving the 250/292/300ps engines back to back I would still choose the 292. It holds the torque closer to the red line and feels that bit more eager at the top end.
Just personal preference things!
That's fair. I'm 5ft 11 so yeah the seats are fine for me.The comfort seats are excellent, I spend 2.5hrs a day in them and can't fault them. The fixed buckets aren't low enough in their lowest position if you're reasonably tall (I'm 6ft2) and are too upright.
Having driving the 250/292/300ps engines back to back I would still choose the 292. It holds the torque closer to the red line and feels that bit more eager at the top end.
Just personal preference things!
As for any issues, I've had absolutely zero isses with mine. The only thing I've noticed is that it has several plasticky rattles due to how little sound deadening there is. So when mine goes in for a service next month I'll be asking them to solve them.
Tzunamitom said:
Hi there,
Been lurking for the past couple of months since I first test drove an A110 and am close to pulling the trigger on a nearly new model, but not settled on which yet.
Question for all of you who own one already, what would you do differently if you were buying today? What options are essential, would you pick the base model or GT? Is post-facelift model worth the extra? Would you still buy now? What are the faults you’re experiencing and can you live with it?
That’s a lot of questions, but any help you can offer would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks
Nothing in the 15 months I've owned the car has made me think I made the wrong choice and should have instead opted for something else. 100% I'd still buy one. I think that the A110 offers enough variation on the lightweight:mid-engine:double wishbones:two seat theme for most people to be able to either spec their ideal combination from new or get there via some after-market tweaks from Life110 or others.Been lurking for the past couple of months since I first test drove an A110 and am close to pulling the trigger on a nearly new model, but not settled on which yet.
Question for all of you who own one already, what would you do differently if you were buying today? What options are essential, would you pick the base model or GT? Is post-facelift model worth the extra? Would you still buy now? What are the faults you’re experiencing and can you live with it?
That’s a lot of questions, but any help you can offer would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks
Personally, I wanted a post-facelift car with the bucket seats (I think they are superb) with microfibre interior and 300PS so I went for the S, but all the while knowing that I would be making changes to the car once I'd got it. The GT probably is probably a better choice than the S if you want a stock car as a daily but for me having the S as the basis of a car I knew I was going to tweak made more sense.
Since then, suspension changes have got me to a car that is a bit closer to a GT in terms of ride but lower and with better body control when cornering. Engine ECU & TCU tweaks have given me a bit more top end but a decent increase in torque across the rev range which is particularly noticeable (and welcome) in the mid range.
Faults? I had to have the filler flap realigned as it wasn't flush with the wing panel but otherwise the car has been solid and reliable, unlike some more expensive cars I own.
Having said that, I totally 'get' the fact that some people want to preserve the amazing magic carpet ride of the base A110, the bucket seats don't suit everyone and additional power or braking is superfluous to the way some people want to use their cars. I like the look of 18" wheels on the car but appreciate that this is a taste thing, and not an objective right or wrong. All I'd say is try the base, GT and S back to back if you can and then work out your perfect spec from there.
And if you can get to Thruxton, give their extended Alpine experience a try as you'll get the chance to really push a base spec and an S without worrying about your licence. It's quite remarkable how these little cars hold their own on track. Usually the only other car that can get past is an M Series BMW driven by Tiff Needell - usually sideways. It's couple of hundred quid but when you're going to be shelling out many tens of thousands for the car I think it makes sense!
Spokeyblokey said:
And if you can get to Thruxton, give their extended Alpine experience a try as you'll get the chance to really push a base spec and an S without worrying about your licence. It's quite remarkable how these little cars hold their own on track. Usually the only other car that can get past is an M Series BMW driven by Tiff Needell - usually sideways. It's couple of hundred quid but when you're going to be shelling out many tens of thousands for the car I think it makes sense!
I did this and genuinely almost killed myself.On one of the corners in the 'S' model the instructor told me to hit the apex and I was understeering and going to miss it so I foolishly lifted off. I went in to a slide and was heading towards the marshalls post on the inside of the corner at what must have been 100mph.
We were on the grass and completely sliding and I froze up and didn't realise I had the brakes slammed on, thankfully I realised to just let the brakes go and the instructor grabbed the wheel and spun us across the track and on to the other side.
What's so crazy is that you don't wear helmets at Thruxton experience either.
I've thought of an A110 negative while I was day dreaming.
High speed motorway runs aren't as relaxing as it would be in a bigger car. With it being small and light it can be a little twitchy and affected by side winds.
That means that a drive up the A1 from London to Scotland is going to be more tiring than a bigger car.
High speed motorway runs aren't as relaxing as it would be in a bigger car. With it being small and light it can be a little twitchy and affected by side winds.
That means that a drive up the A1 from London to Scotland is going to be more tiring than a bigger car.
AlexNJ89 said:
I've thought of an A110 negative while I was day dreaming.
High speed motorway runs aren't as relaxing as it would be in a bigger car. With it being small and light it can be a little twitchy and affected by side winds.
That means that a drive up the A1 from London to Scotland is going to be more tiring than a bigger car.
Life110 Fast Road geometry helps, but it’s still subject to being pushed around in crosswinds etc.High speed motorway runs aren't as relaxing as it would be in a bigger car. With it being small and light it can be a little twitchy and affected by side winds.
That means that a drive up the A1 from London to Scotland is going to be more tiring than a bigger car.
However, I’ve largely solved all this by setting the SatNav to “avoid motorways”
On the topic of seats, I have a question which I'm looking for some help with and may help others such as Tzunamitom at the same time.
I'm wondering if anyone, probably taller folk with buckets on the lowest setting, has any issues with lower back pain long-term?
I opted for buckets as actually found them more comfortable on test drives than the tight leather GT seats and prefer the extra bolstering. I'm 6,4" so on the lowest height, where they sit millimetres if not directly on the carpet and find I have a bit of a sore lower back. I have no history of back issues (prev in a Clio Cup for 10+ years daily!) and have no pain when driving, on the contrary the car feels smooth and comfy. I feel like I'm either using new muscles and will adapt, or getting a bit bruised in the lumbar and will need to look at alternatives long-term.
On the topic of must have specs, I think all cars should have the following as standard:
Focal audio system - If you're not into music (do you actually exist?) the sound is still worth the upgrade. If you're an audiophile, it is severely compromised by road and engine/intake/exhaust noise but still worth it for when you can hear it clearly.
Electrochromatic rear view mirror - The wider mirror feels like it helps make up for the small amount of rear visibility, and being in such a low slung car the anti-glare helps when SUVs are behind you at night.
Infotainment >22 MY - It really helps having AA/CarPlay with voice commands etc and it is relatively future-proofed being able to bypass the native system.
Rear parking sensors - Unless you don't plan on ever parking near anything, they really are very effective and let you get right up to objects. If you're parking on slopes, near trees, branches etc they can ghost a bit but I'd never not have them or a camera.
I think the rest is really dependent on the individual. I do think bigger brakes are a good idea, while not necessary to stop the car Renault do sometimes have issues with parts availability and there's plenty of aftermarket options for the big brakes. The smaller brakes are already being phased out/unavailable for new orders, although are likely used on Renaults so may stick around.
The common faults I've only seen so far on older cars are cracking windscreens, water ingress at the rear (less common) and aluminium oxide/corrosion on high impact areas. I think the former two have been addressed on later models, the latter only time will tell... I've only had the car a very short while and have a few cabin rattles from new, which to be fair are only on rough roads and will be easily rectified.
It's the only car in the world I would spend this much on, I'm having issues and will undoubtedly have more as with any car but it's still a solid 10/10 would buy again.
I'm wondering if anyone, probably taller folk with buckets on the lowest setting, has any issues with lower back pain long-term?
I opted for buckets as actually found them more comfortable on test drives than the tight leather GT seats and prefer the extra bolstering. I'm 6,4" so on the lowest height, where they sit millimetres if not directly on the carpet and find I have a bit of a sore lower back. I have no history of back issues (prev in a Clio Cup for 10+ years daily!) and have no pain when driving, on the contrary the car feels smooth and comfy. I feel like I'm either using new muscles and will adapt, or getting a bit bruised in the lumbar and will need to look at alternatives long-term.
On the topic of must have specs, I think all cars should have the following as standard:
Focal audio system - If you're not into music (do you actually exist?) the sound is still worth the upgrade. If you're an audiophile, it is severely compromised by road and engine/intake/exhaust noise but still worth it for when you can hear it clearly.
Electrochromatic rear view mirror - The wider mirror feels like it helps make up for the small amount of rear visibility, and being in such a low slung car the anti-glare helps when SUVs are behind you at night.
Infotainment >22 MY - It really helps having AA/CarPlay with voice commands etc and it is relatively future-proofed being able to bypass the native system.
Rear parking sensors - Unless you don't plan on ever parking near anything, they really are very effective and let you get right up to objects. If you're parking on slopes, near trees, branches etc they can ghost a bit but I'd never not have them or a camera.
I think the rest is really dependent on the individual. I do think bigger brakes are a good idea, while not necessary to stop the car Renault do sometimes have issues with parts availability and there's plenty of aftermarket options for the big brakes. The smaller brakes are already being phased out/unavailable for new orders, although are likely used on Renaults so may stick around.
The common faults I've only seen so far on older cars are cracking windscreens, water ingress at the rear (less common) and aluminium oxide/corrosion on high impact areas. I think the former two have been addressed on later models, the latter only time will tell... I've only had the car a very short while and have a few cabin rattles from new, which to be fair are only on rough roads and will be easily rectified.
It's the only car in the world I would spend this much on, I'm having issues and will undoubtedly have more as with any car but it's still a solid 10/10 would buy again.
Edited by 7en on Sunday 24th December 17:25
Whaleblue said:
AlexNJ89 said:
I've thought of an A110 negative while I was day dreaming.
High speed motorway runs aren't as relaxing as it would be in a bigger car. With it being small and light it can be a little twitchy and affected by side winds.
That means that a drive up the A1 from London to Scotland is going to be more tiring than a bigger car.
Life110 Fast Road geometry helps, but it’s still subject to being pushed around in crosswinds etc.High speed motorway runs aren't as relaxing as it would be in a bigger car. With it being small and light it can be a little twitchy and affected by side winds.
That means that a drive up the A1 from London to Scotland is going to be more tiring than a bigger car.
However, I’ve largely solved all this by setting the SatNav to “avoid motorways”
Mine’s a daily drive, just coming up to 3 yrs / 26,000 miles and I’m still totally in love with it and the whole ownership experience (failed fuel pump aside!).
2020 Legende, with the *proper* wheels, Life110 geo, 300ps map, paddles and carbon spoiler, brown leather interior with comfort seats.
7en said:
Focal audio system - If you're not into music (do you actually exist?) the sound is still worth the upgrade. If you're an audiophile, it is severely compromised by road and engine/intake/exhaust noise but still worth it for when you can hear it clearly.
I love music, but weirdly I never have it on in the Alpine even though I have the upgraded Focal and it sounds very decent for a car system.Sporky said:
7en said:
Focal audio system - If you're not into music (do you actually exist?) the sound is still worth the upgrade. If you're an audiophile, it is severely compromised by road and engine/intake/exhaust noise but still worth it for when you can hear it clearly.
I love music, but weirdly I never have it on in the Alpine even though I have the upgraded Focal and it sounds very decent for a car system.I can rarely fully appreciate the audio quality but feel it's still a really nice part of the package. I am biased as have listened to music via Focal's studio monitors with the same flax coned drivers for years at home.
bcr5784 said:
If you want upgraded audio I'd listen to the Focal and Focal Premium - there is debate as to whether the subwoofer of the Premium is a step forwards or backwards - and it's not possible to make the Premium sound like the cheaper option.
Yes I don't think there's an adjustable crossover or gain function, only the standard EQ settings so it's somewhat fixed. The sub also now comes standard on the GT, so if you didn't want the sub you would have to go for a pure or not tick the option on an S.I think the standard Focal system provides a really nice amount of low end, but a little more could help balance it against road and engine noise. I would have likely opted for the sub and fitted an inline volume pot to fine tune, however it's not available on the base car and a GT was way out of budget.
I'm planning to fit a Focal ISUB which comes with crossover, gain control, volume pot etc, mounted behind the passenger seat against the bulkhead, but would have to prevent the seat sliding back all the way. You can buy the parts to fit the OEM sub, but requires the subframe dropping to install.
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