RE: Alpine A110 S | Driven

[bcr5784]

To be fair the Autocar review https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-review/alpine/a110-s... and most of the foreign reviews are not as positive as this, Steve Sutcliffe's review, or the Evo review https://www.evo.co.uk/alpine/a110/201902/2019-alpi... I think it depends on how much the firmer ride concerns you. I think some of the reviews might be summarised as that the A110S is better track car (predictably) while the regular car is a better road car. Clearly Steve Sutcliffe would disagree. I hope to try one in a couple of weeks, but I suspect I won't feel the urge to change.

Edited by bcr5784 on Tuesday 29th October 08:29

[Mafffew]

TimoMak said:

Yes marvellous. Just don’t mention any negative points, question any aspect about the car or express a different opinion other than the usual fawning nonsense, because if you do they’ll ban you from the thread.

Obsessed

[Raven Flyer]

I really like this. It's hit a very niche sport in sports car capability, at a good price.

[nickfrog]

Kawasicki said:

So it’s better because it has a more German style body control?

I don't see it as particularly German, just a different choice and compromise to favour track use a little more for the driver who prefers that. I am sure the original set up is still available and the drop in performance not that crucial on the open road. It seems like a very rational way of offering more choice and options depending on buyer's priorities.

[sideways man]

I hope everyone buys the new ‘S’ version. The std one should then depreciate quicker, so I can have one of those. Comfy ride for me please, I must be getting old and the roads here in Wales are terrible!

Out of interest, what’s the price difference in the two models?

Edited by sideways man on Tuesday 29th October 09:07

[bcr5784]

sideways man said:

I hope everyone buys the new ‘S’ version. The std one should then depreciate quicker, so I can have one of those. Comfy ride for me please, I must be getting old and the roads here in Wales are terrible!

Out of interest, what’s the price difference in the two models?

Edited by sideways man on Tuesday 29th October 09:07

Spec for spec about £3500 - but of course you might not want all the options on the Pure that the S has as standard.

[NDNDNDND]

I just can't get excited about these while they're all auto-only.

[Miserablegit]

NDNDNDND said:

I just can't get excited about these while they're all auto-only.

I was the same until I drove a pdk 997 s in 2011. I’d never driven a dual clutch system before and the alternative tiptronic had been disappointing.
The dual clutch systems are not to be confused with old autos. They offer instant shifting and with seven ratios in the box there is plenty of engagement on a spirited drive.

[Venisonpie]

nickfrog said:

Kawasicki said:

So it’s better because it has a more German style body control?

I don't see it as particularly German, just a different choice and compromise to favour track use a little more for the driver who prefers that. I am sure the original set up is still available and the drop in performance not that crucial on the open road. It seems like a very rational way of offering more choice and options depending on buyer's priorities.

Both models also avoid coming with German lard.

[springfan62]

NDNDNDND said:

I just can't get excited about these while they're all auto-only.

Every car is a compromise and if manual is a must then thats your call but your choice of performance cars is going to becomes more and more limited.

Its just depends how high up your list of must have's a manual is.

It would have been nice to have the choice but the reality is when there is a choice most still choose the auto.

[jonosterman]

Given that they're basically the same price, how about a head to head test against the new Megane Trohpy-R?

[gigglebug]

TurboBlue said:

I think the carbon roof only saves 1.9 kg on its own; it is replacing aluminum so not the great difference if it was steel.

I wonder how that weight saving compares to having the carbon backed seats? Both slightly frivolous in absolute terms of course.

[Helicopter123]

Finally, an Alpine that excites me although would prefer a manual. Looks a little expensive and as others have said it’s no artwork.

Still, headed the right way.

[sideways man]

I’m a manual box only Luddite too...

Except that a few years ago I rented an auto corvette C7. You know, big LS V8, lots of noise and torque; after a week I was converted, it was superb! Put it in D for town/cruising, then flappy paddles for attacking back roads. Maybe cos that engine is such a peach it overwhelmed my gearbox scepticism....who knows.

Still not had an auto here in the uk. Even though it would suit my commute, I’ve got long term reliability doubts, as I buy my cars high ish mileage and keep them forever. I guess that day will come though, manuals are a vanishing breed.

[bcr5784]

Helicopter123 said:

Finally, an Alpine that excites me although would prefer a manual. Looks a little expensive and as others have said it’s no artwork.

Still, headed the right way.

The things that makes the Alpine dual clutch box preferable to the Cayman manual box (for me) - are the gear ratios. Down give and take B roads where you would be struggling to get out of 2nd in a Cayman (especially a 981) you can - and likely would - be up and down the box between 2nd 3rd and 4th in an Alpine. It's a significant part of the Alpine's appeal.

[Sporky]

nickfrog said:

I am sure the original set up is still available and the drop in performance not that crucial on the open road. It seems like a very rational way of offering more choice and options depending on buyer's priorities.

Yup - the Pure and Legende are still available, and one of the reviews said that Alpine expect those two to outsell the S about 3 to 1.

I can see the appeal of the S, but for me the reviews very much confirm that I was right to go for a Pure. Which I'm finally collecting on Saturday.

[Kawasicki]

nickfrog said:

Kawasicki said:

So it’s better because it has a more German style body control?

I don't see it as particularly German, just a different choice and compromise to favour track use a little more for the driver who prefers that. I am sure the original set up is still available and the drop in performance not that crucial on the open road. It seems like a very rational way of offering more choice and options depending on buyer's priorities.

I was being a bit confrontational! I think they are great cars...but I also think the criticism of sports cars with clearly more tied down body control than the A110 is unwarranted.

[Throttlebody]

jonosterman said:

Given that they're basically the same price, how about a head to head test against the new Megane Trohpy-R?

From the Renault stable, I reckon this superb lightweight Alpine S makes the lower specification non-record holding Mégane 300 Trophy R look pretty redundant.

[Miserablegit]

Throttlebody said:

From the Renault stable, I reckon this superb lightweight Alpine S makes the lower specification non-record holding Mégane 300 Trophy R look pretty redundant.

They are two completely different cars - the Trophy R is still a track special whereas the 110s is still more road-oriented. I’m sure the stock Trophy R is quicker around the green hell if that is what people are interested in.

[TimoMak]

SidewaysSi said:

TimoMak said:

Yes marvellous. Just don’t mention any negative points, question any aspect about the car or express a different opinion other than the usual fawning nonsense, because if you do they’ll ban you from the thread.

Not sure that was the reason...

That was exactly the reason.

I received two emails, the first email told me a post had been deleted as it quoted a remark from an offensive poster (you) and had to be removed. The second email advised the above and I could no longer post.

Not quite sure why Alpine fans feel the need to get any alternative or negative opinions censored though, so much for open debate. I'll applaud with jazz hands from afar in my safe space in future so as not to offend any Alpine millennials.