Alpine A110S vs GT/Base Models
Discussion
tobi.mimoto said:
Hi Rob, thank you so much for taking the time to share this, it was super helpful and insightful listening to your journey through the test drives. Interesting that the older S was inferior for you, I think the upgrade from the 'pre' to 'post' 2022 A110 has been greatly underestimated, at least from an outsider's point of view. It seemed the difference was just a new naming system and the infamous Carplay - in fact, I think the differences/refinement are quite major!
Your seat preference makes a lot of sense! I'm vertically challenged (5ft6) and slender/athletic in build, so the comfort seats were (ironically) uncomfortable for me, and the bucket seats were perfect for my size and build. People like you and myself (with our 'end of the spectrum' heights) probably have an easier time picking between the two seats, vs someone of average height and build who would probably fit both very comfortably. The buckets were wonderful for me, but I am very jealous of your adjustability/seat heating!!
As for my test drives, my two sessions of comparison so far (starting in a GT and moving to an S) have been largely measured through the subjective 'Smiles Per Gallon' unit. I will definitely keep your observations in mind for my test drives later this month. I'll be using this car as a daily driver as well, so I need to be sure that the S's 'dialed-in' nature isn't going to irritate me!
It's also worth noting that my previous cars have all been quite racey, with the most comfortable in recent years being a firm Golf GTI, so my preference was always likely to lean towards the S. This really shows that personal preference and driving taste is the biggest deciding factor, easily pushing us one way or the other.
From everything you've said, I'm absolutely certain you've made the right choices for yourself. There definitely isn't a wrong answer, but being safe in the knowledge that you "always come back to the GT"; well that's all the evidence you need, got to listen to those instincts.
When is your delivery date? Also, out of interest, how long before this date did you 'lock in' the spec?
All the best Rob, and congratulations on the new car!!
Hi Tobi, I'm glad you found my write-up helpful! I completely agree about the difference with the newer cars being underestimated, even some of the sales guys at the Alpine dealerships have told me that "you can't feel the difference" between the GT and the base model. But in my experience the GT has significantly more shove and urgency in the way it accelerates, to the point where the torque and power figures don't seem to tell the whole story. And yes I do think the newer S has better suspension, although I drove the old S and the new S on different roads so take that for what it's worth.Your seat preference makes a lot of sense! I'm vertically challenged (5ft6) and slender/athletic in build, so the comfort seats were (ironically) uncomfortable for me, and the bucket seats were perfect for my size and build. People like you and myself (with our 'end of the spectrum' heights) probably have an easier time picking between the two seats, vs someone of average height and build who would probably fit both very comfortably. The buckets were wonderful for me, but I am very jealous of your adjustability/seat heating!!
As for my test drives, my two sessions of comparison so far (starting in a GT and moving to an S) have been largely measured through the subjective 'Smiles Per Gallon' unit. I will definitely keep your observations in mind for my test drives later this month. I'll be using this car as a daily driver as well, so I need to be sure that the S's 'dialed-in' nature isn't going to irritate me!
It's also worth noting that my previous cars have all been quite racey, with the most comfortable in recent years being a firm Golf GTI, so my preference was always likely to lean towards the S. This really shows that personal preference and driving taste is the biggest deciding factor, easily pushing us one way or the other.
From everything you've said, I'm absolutely certain you've made the right choices for yourself. There definitely isn't a wrong answer, but being safe in the knowledge that you "always come back to the GT"; well that's all the evidence you need, got to listen to those instincts.
When is your delivery date? Also, out of interest, how long before this date did you 'lock in' the spec?
All the best Rob, and congratulations on the new car!!
The fixed buckets look great, I know they are a few KG lighter and I wanted them more, but after driving in them a few times I wasn't super convinced about how supportive they were. I felt there was not enough support around my hips and thighs and I wished the sides came up a bit higher so that I was sat in them rather than on them. The comfort seats I never really thought about, they just dissolved into the driving experience.
Yeah the S felt more "capable" than the GT as in faster in corners and more planted, but also more serious. The GT felt more playful and put a smile on my face more often. If you're doing more test drives I would encourage you to take the S down some bumpy B roads at speed and see how it feels. Then do the same with the GT. If that doesn't convince you then the S must be the one for you.
Like you I've have had some performance cars and the sales guy said the same thing that the S might suit me better. But it turned out it was kind of the other way around, since I'm used to driving a very fast and capable car which often feels too fast for the road, I wanted to move away from that. The GT felt the more suitable car given how fun it was at lower speeds, while still managing to have better acceleration than my RCF so I certainly don't feel like I'm losing out.
Yeah I'm sure I made the right choice for me, the GT seems like the more versatile car that you can have fun with on almost any road dry or wet. It's the first time I've bought a brand new car and the most expensive thing I've ever bought apart from my house, so I really wanted to get it right. When you do so many test drives and overthink something enough, you can end up more confused than when you started, but you eventually loop back around and realise that your initial instincts were generally correct and you suddenly feel comfortable with your decision. At least that's how it was for me, but I'm quite indecisive.
And thanks, my build got locked in at the end of May and I don't have a delivery date yet, just a "date range" from late August to mid September. Still seems like quite a long way off, but I have my RCF to enjoy so I can't complain too much. Congrats on yours as well, do you have an estimated delivery date? And how confident do you feel about your chosen build? I changed mine a few times.
Rob_RCF said:
Hi Tobi, I'm glad you found my write-up helpful! I completely agree about the difference with the newer cars being underestimated, even some of the sales guys at the Alpine dealerships have told me that "you can't feel the difference" between the GT and the base model. But in my experience the GT has significantly more shove and urgency in the way it accelerates, to the point where the torque and power figures don't seem to tell the whole story. And yes I do think the newer S has better suspension, although I drove the old S and the new S on different roads so take that for what it's worth.
The fixed buckets look great, I know they are a few KG lighter and I wanted them more, but after driving in them a few times I wasn't super convinced about how supportive they were. I felt there was not enough support around my hips and thighs and I wished the sides came up a bit higher so that I was sat in them rather than on them. The comfort seats I never really thought about, they just dissolved into the driving experience.
Yeah the S felt more "capable" than the GT as in faster in corners and more planted, but also more serious. The GT felt more playful and put a smile on my face more often. If you're doing more test drives I would encourage you to take the S down some bumpy B roads at speed and see how it feels. Then do the same with the GT. If that doesn't convince you then the S must be the one for you.
Like you I've have had some performance cars and the sales guy said the same thing that the S might suit me better. But it turned out it was kind of the other way around, since I'm used to driving a very fast and capable car which often feels too fast for the road, I wanted to move away from that. The GT felt the more suitable car given how fun it was at lower speeds, while still managing to have better acceleration than my RCF so I certainly don't feel like I'm losing out.
Yeah I'm sure I made the right choice for me, the GT seems like the more versatile car that you can have fun with on almost any road dry or wet. It's the first time I've bought a brand new car and the most expensive thing I've ever bought apart from my house, so I really wanted to get it right. When you do so many test drives and overthink something enough, you can end up more confused than when you started, but you eventually loop back around and realise that your initial instincts were generally correct and you suddenly feel comfortable with your decision. At least that's how it was for me, but I'm quite indecisive.
And thanks, my build got locked in at the end of May and I don't have a delivery date yet, just a "date range" from late August to mid September. Still seems like quite a long way off, but I have my RCF to enjoy so I can't complain too much. Congrats on yours as well, do you have an estimated delivery date? And how confident do you feel about your chosen build? I changed mine a few times.
For sure, being someone who favors the S, you can imagine how empty I felt driving the base model! The GT's definitely got the grunt and engine character to boot, so for me personally, it's always between the S and GT. Funny that Alpine dealers have been telling you that, mine have told me the opposite, which I think proves the point quite well: TEST DRIVE!! It's so subjective, and well worth collecting your own 'smiles per gallon' data. The fixed buckets look great, I know they are a few KG lighter and I wanted them more, but after driving in them a few times I wasn't super convinced about how supportive they were. I felt there was not enough support around my hips and thighs and I wished the sides came up a bit higher so that I was sat in them rather than on them. The comfort seats I never really thought about, they just dissolved into the driving experience.
Yeah the S felt more "capable" than the GT as in faster in corners and more planted, but also more serious. The GT felt more playful and put a smile on my face more often. If you're doing more test drives I would encourage you to take the S down some bumpy B roads at speed and see how it feels. Then do the same with the GT. If that doesn't convince you then the S must be the one for you.
Like you I've have had some performance cars and the sales guy said the same thing that the S might suit me better. But it turned out it was kind of the other way around, since I'm used to driving a very fast and capable car which often feels too fast for the road, I wanted to move away from that. The GT felt the more suitable car given how fun it was at lower speeds, while still managing to have better acceleration than my RCF so I certainly don't feel like I'm losing out.
Yeah I'm sure I made the right choice for me, the GT seems like the more versatile car that you can have fun with on almost any road dry or wet. It's the first time I've bought a brand new car and the most expensive thing I've ever bought apart from my house, so I really wanted to get it right. When you do so many test drives and overthink something enough, you can end up more confused than when you started, but you eventually loop back around and realise that your initial instincts were generally correct and you suddenly feel comfortable with your decision. At least that's how it was for me, but I'm quite indecisive.
And thanks, my build got locked in at the end of May and I don't have a delivery date yet, just a "date range" from late August to mid September. Still seems like quite a long way off, but I have my RCF to enjoy so I can't complain too much. Congrats on yours as well, do you have an estimated delivery date? And how confident do you feel about your chosen build? I changed mine a few times.
I actually like the look of both seats! Comforts definitely suit the vibe of the GT more. Where the S is so 'planted'/'corner' focused, I feel the buckets are essential to get the most enjoyment out of it! (as mentioned previously on the forum, you have to be going a little faster in the S to extract maximum smiles per gallon, vs the GT and Base models that feel more playful at lower speeds.
100% a golden recommendation, I did actually do this (B-Road back-to-back test) last time and found the S's less forgiving suspension absolutely fine for me. I want to do exactly the same thing again and try and make sure my rose-tinted goggles are off.
Ahaa I can relate to you my friend, this is definitely more of a heart than head decision, and for sure the most expensive thing I've owned. I'll say again, from everything you've said, you've made the right decision for sure! Having 'fun' in a sports car is the most important factor to consider (highly dependent on personal preference), and you'll be able to extract a lot more fun and performance out of the GT in the wet where the S may be a bit unhinged. I tend to prefer an unhinged vehicle, which is probably a sign of my stupidity!! So I am still almost certain the S is the model variant for me, my taste and the style of driving I enjoy.
Delivery estimate is March-April 2024 (ish) I believe. Regarding my spec, I am very happy with it - I have spent more time on the configurator over the last 3 years than I have sleeping, so I've had a lot of thinking time! It was actually only recently that I truly 'fell in love' with a spec (thanks to an Atelier colour) and that's why I made the decision to get it ordered! The remainder of 'speccing' will be minor tweaking, removing unnecessary options, choosing tires and accessories. The test drives coming up will iron out a few decisions for me (microfibre or leather, mirror pack or no mirror pack, storage pack or no storage pack etc etc), but I also want to 'confirm' that the S is what I remember it to be. I will update this forum with my final subjective conclusion on the matter!
tobi.mimoto said:
For sure, being someone who favors the S, you can imagine how empty I felt driving the base model! The GT's definitely got the grunt and engine character to boot, so for me personally, it's always between the S and GT. Funny that Alpine dealers have been telling you that, mine have told me the opposite, which I think proves the point quite well: TEST DRIVE!! It's so subjective, and well worth collecting your own 'smiles per gallon' data.
I actually like the look of both seats! Comforts definitely suit the vibe of the GT more. Where the S is so 'planted'/'corner' focused, I feel the buckets are essential to get the most enjoyment out of it! (as mentioned previously on the forum, you have to be going a little faster in the S to extract maximum smiles per gallon, vs the GT and Base models that feel more playful at lower speeds.
100% a golden recommendation, I did actually do this (B-Road back-to-back test) last time and found the S's less forgiving suspension absolutely fine for me. I want to do exactly the same thing again and try and make sure my rose-tinted goggles are off.
Ahaa I can relate to you my friend, this is definitely more of a heart than head decision, and for sure the most expensive thing I've owned. I'll say again, from everything you've said, you've made the right decision for sure! Having 'fun' in a sports car is the most important factor to consider (highly dependent on personal preference), and you'll be able to extract a lot more fun and performance out of the GT in the wet where the S may be a bit unhinged. I tend to prefer an unhinged vehicle, which is probably a sign of my stupidity!! So I am still almost certain the S is the model variant for me, my taste and the style of driving I enjoy.
Delivery estimate is March-April 2024 (ish) I believe. Regarding my spec, I am very happy with it - I have spent more time on the configurator over the last 3 years than I have sleeping, so I've had a lot of thinking time! It was actually only recently that I truly 'fell in love' with a spec (thanks to an Atelier colour) and that's why I made the decision to get it ordered! The remainder of 'speccing' will be minor tweaking, removing unnecessary options, choosing tires and accessories. The test drives coming up will iron out a few decisions for me (microfibre or leather, mirror pack or no mirror pack, storage pack or no storage pack etc etc), but I also want to 'confirm' that the S is what I remember it to be. I will update this forum with my final subjective conclusion on the matter!
Ah yes the spec. Regarding the microfiber I went to look at some Porsches around the same time as I was looking at the A110 and most of them had the microfibre steering wheel specced. In the used cars they were horrible and felt so gross to touch. I'm of the opinion that though it may look and feel nice when new, it's not a material that ages well. Give me leather any day.I actually like the look of both seats! Comforts definitely suit the vibe of the GT more. Where the S is so 'planted'/'corner' focused, I feel the buckets are essential to get the most enjoyment out of it! (as mentioned previously on the forum, you have to be going a little faster in the S to extract maximum smiles per gallon, vs the GT and Base models that feel more playful at lower speeds.
100% a golden recommendation, I did actually do this (B-Road back-to-back test) last time and found the S's less forgiving suspension absolutely fine for me. I want to do exactly the same thing again and try and make sure my rose-tinted goggles are off.
Ahaa I can relate to you my friend, this is definitely more of a heart than head decision, and for sure the most expensive thing I've owned. I'll say again, from everything you've said, you've made the right decision for sure! Having 'fun' in a sports car is the most important factor to consider (highly dependent on personal preference), and you'll be able to extract a lot more fun and performance out of the GT in the wet where the S may be a bit unhinged. I tend to prefer an unhinged vehicle, which is probably a sign of my stupidity!! So I am still almost certain the S is the model variant for me, my taste and the style of driving I enjoy.
Delivery estimate is March-April 2024 (ish) I believe. Regarding my spec, I am very happy with it - I have spent more time on the configurator over the last 3 years than I have sleeping, so I've had a lot of thinking time! It was actually only recently that I truly 'fell in love' with a spec (thanks to an Atelier colour) and that's why I made the decision to get it ordered! The remainder of 'speccing' will be minor tweaking, removing unnecessary options, choosing tires and accessories. The test drives coming up will iron out a few decisions for me (microfibre or leather, mirror pack or no mirror pack, storage pack or no storage pack etc etc), but I also want to 'confirm' that the S is what I remember it to be. I will update this forum with my final subjective conclusion on the matter!
Sounds like you're pretty set on the S though. Good luck!
Rob_RCF said:
Ah yes the spec. Regarding the microfiber I went to look at some Porsches around the same time as I was looking at the A110 and most of them had the microfibre steering wheel specced. In the used cars they were horrible and felt so gross to touch. I'm of the opinion that though it may look and feel nice when new, it's not a material that ages well. Give me leather any day.
Sounds like you're pretty set on the S though. Good luck!
Very wise, I have been struggling to make my mind up in this regard, I will only make the decision for microfibre if I am confident I can look after the interior well enough to keep it looking smart. May see if there's a thread on this! Sounds like you're pretty set on the S though. Good luck!
I'm mostly decided on the S as I said previously, however I wanted some other people's perspectives before my final test drive of the GT, to make sure my confirmation bias was balanced out with other lenses. 😉 (I was also just curious!)
This has all been extremely helpful, got to love this community!
I was pretty undecided on the microfiber interior, mostly for the reasons Rob mentions about the steering wheel. If it was possible I would have had microfiber seats and a leather dash and steering wheel.
I did want the seats though, so I do have the microfiber interior in mine. I bought a small brush to maintain the wheel and resolved to try and keep it regularly clean but also if that's a losing battle I will get it recovered at some point.
One thing about the wheel for me is that it's seems a bit more tiring to hold on to for a longer drives, I know that sounds odd but my hands have had more of a work out than with a leather wheel. I suspect the sweet spot for the wheel would be with competition gloves on - but I'm not going to do that on the road!
I did want the seats though, so I do have the microfiber interior in mine. I bought a small brush to maintain the wheel and resolved to try and keep it regularly clean but also if that's a losing battle I will get it recovered at some point.
One thing about the wheel for me is that it's seems a bit more tiring to hold on to for a longer drives, I know that sounds odd but my hands have had more of a work out than with a leather wheel. I suspect the sweet spot for the wheel would be with competition gloves on - but I'm not going to do that on the road!
kdempsie said:
I was pretty undecided on the microfiber interior, mostly for the reasons Rob mentions about the steering wheel. If it was possible I would have had microfiber seats and a leather dash and steering wheel.
I did want the seats though, so I do have the microfiber interior in mine. I bought a small brush to maintain the wheel and resolved to try and keep it regularly clean but also if that's a losing battle I will get it recovered at some point.
One thing about the wheel for me is that it's seems a bit more tiring to hold on to for a longer drives, I know that sounds odd but my hands have had more of a work out than with a leather wheel. I suspect the sweet spot for the wheel would be with competition gloves on - but I'm not going to do that on the road!
Thanks for the insight K - this is really interesting. Importantly, how long have you owned the car so far? (i.e: how long have you been adding wear to your microfibre interior!) Also, what is this brush? I have been made aware of microfibre cleaning sprays, but not of a brush? Also (one more question), when you say recovered, what do you mean specifically? Is there a service to refurbish, or do you mean re-trimming? I did want the seats though, so I do have the microfiber interior in mine. I bought a small brush to maintain the wheel and resolved to try and keep it regularly clean but also if that's a losing battle I will get it recovered at some point.
One thing about the wheel for me is that it's seems a bit more tiring to hold on to for a longer drives, I know that sounds odd but my hands have had more of a work out than with a leather wheel. I suspect the sweet spot for the wheel would be with competition gloves on - but I'm not going to do that on the road!
Very interesting about the steering wheel, and I can totally see that. Much like the 'S or GT' argument, I think it comes down to how much comfort you're willing to sacrifice for performance or driving feel benefits. I will definitely take note of your 'longer drives' observation for my next test day, do you know roughly how long it takes before you start noticing the extra fatigue?
Sorry to throw a bunch of questions at you, it's an option that's causing me the most amount of speculation at the moment. I think it adds so much to the 'feel' of the interior (like the centre console), but I'm concerned about practicality and maintenance for sure. Once again, I don't think there's a wrong answer!
Hi Tobi, I’ve only had this one for a a few weeks, so no track record on wear. I do have a kit car with an Alcantara wheel and that’s tricky to keep clean.
I bought this detailing brush after watch some YouTube videos on maintaining this type of material.
I meant retrimming the wheel if it comes to it. This company seems to come recommended. https://royalsteeringwheels.com/
The fatigue on my hands is probably on spirited country drives of more than an hour. I’m sure I’ll get used to it.
I bought this detailing brush after watch some YouTube videos on maintaining this type of material.
I meant retrimming the wheel if it comes to it. This company seems to come recommended. https://royalsteeringwheels.com/
The fatigue on my hands is probably on spirited country drives of more than an hour. I’m sure I’ll get used to it.
Both good shouts! - Thanks for the links/recommendations, I'll keep these in mind. The steering wheel I'm not too worried about (as I'm aware of the ease of retrimming), it's the center console/dashboard/seating that's more of a concern.
Conflict of interest: I'm a massive fan of the microfibre but want to know that I can maintain it to some degree.
Conflict of interest: I'm a massive fan of the microfibre but want to know that I can maintain it to some degree.
Just a heads up Tobi - I changed specification in terms of model (from a standard A110 to a GT) about 3 months after placing my order and unwittingly put myself back to the start of the queue as if I had just placed my order.
Whatever you decide I’m sure you will love it - I do !
Simon.
Whatever you decide I’m sure you will love it - I do !
Simon.
It will depend on how your dealer does things. Mine had(s) multiple future orders placed that customers could pick up and reconfigure as required. The cut-off for being able to reconfigure a particular build slot is not entirely predictable, and my first config became locked-in unexpectedly early. I was about to make some changes, so my dealer (Martins Winchester) gave me a later build slot, and took the car I’d originally specced as stock.
In short if you’re thinking about making changes I’d do so as soon as is possible, and/or check with your dealer what the lay of the land is.
In short if you’re thinking about making changes I’d do so as soon as is possible, and/or check with your dealer what the lay of the land is.
Whaleblue said:
It will depend on how your dealer does things. Mine had(s) multiple future orders placed that customers could pick up and reconfigure as required. The cut-off for being able to reconfigure a particular build slot is not entirely predictable, and my first config became locked-in unexpectedly early. I was about to make some changes, so my dealer (Martins Winchester) gave me a later build slot, and took the car I’d originally specced as stock.
In short if you’re thinking about making changes I’d do so as soon as is possible, and/or check with your dealer what the lay of the land is.
Thanks Whaleblue! Good advice, will definitely clarify this.In short if you’re thinking about making changes I’d do so as soon as is possible, and/or check with your dealer what the lay of the land is.
tobi.mimoto said:
Hi Everyone,
I was just wondering whether any of you had any thoughts on the comparison between the S and the other two base models (2022-on) - To give you some context, I have been wanting a modern A110 since it was first released, and saw multiple journalists and YouTubers comment on the suspension setup/ride quality of the S being inferior to the other models in their opinions. It wasn't until I test-drove the GT and the S back to back that I realised I actually disagree (on personal preference) and far prefer the setup of the S to the other two! It depends on your driving style and what you're using the car for, so there's an Alpine for everyone.
)
Completely agree about the S being more focussed , I do own other cars and my Legende really appealed as I wanted it for road use/ weekends away, not for track work, I own a heavily modified pdk Cayman and the S felt too similar to the Cayman, I also own a 996.2GT3 which makes the A110S seem super comfortable 😂I was just wondering whether any of you had any thoughts on the comparison between the S and the other two base models (2022-on) - To give you some context, I have been wanting a modern A110 since it was first released, and saw multiple journalists and YouTubers comment on the suspension setup/ride quality of the S being inferior to the other models in their opinions. It wasn't until I test-drove the GT and the S back to back that I realised I actually disagree (on personal preference) and far prefer the setup of the S to the other two! It depends on your driving style and what you're using the car for, so there's an Alpine for everyone.
)
However I do have an A110R on order………..
Tobi,
Just wanted to add my thoughts into this thread.
I have owned my A110 for approx 12 weeks. Its my first Alpine and was a new car bought from a main dealer as a 'stock' car, as in they had it in the showroom ready to go, so I could not alter the spec.
Spec of the car is as follows : -
Alpine A110 'base' with a few options, namely
Abyss Blue metallic paint
Front and Rear Parking Sensors
Alpine Blue Stitching
Mirror Pack
Aluminium Sports Pedals
Alpine Floor Mats
List price was just over £54k.
I actually went to the dealer to look at a second hand Alpine and was shopping around for something around £45k. This could have got me into a wide variety of A110's from Premier Editions to some of the limited releases and even an early S, all the cars were 4-5 years old. However the attraction of the brand new car for not much more money and the excellent finance rates offered by Alpine meant the new car made more sense. So far I really don't regret going for the new car over a used example.
The spec on my cars is more or less perfect for me, had I specified a factory car I may have added the upgraded sound system and maybe the sports exhaust but would have been limited by budget so it perhaps would not have been possible.
I have covered 2700 miles in the car so far across a mixture of trips and roads. Its been to Goodwood and back (400 miles in one day) and also been to various motoring events I have attended. I also use it for work although as I work from home with the occasional trip to see customers its certainly not used on a daily basis.
Initially I loved the car but in recent weeks I was simply not gelling with it and was wondering what everyone was on about in terms of the Alpine being an amazing car. Don't get me wrong its a good car and I was really enjoying it but we just hadn't clicked. All that changed on Saturday when I made the trip to LifeA110 for some simple upgrades. The geo set up has transformed the car for me and after 300 miles this week I am now in a place where the Alpine is firmly under my skin, such a simple inexpensive change has taken the car from a great car to a phenomenal car. I would urge every owner to get the geo done. I also had the Life110 air filter fitted and the new induction noise is addictive, plus had the Life110 paddles which I was not sure I actually needed but after the first click I knew it was the right choice.
I am resisting making to many mods and while I really love the Evo 18" wheels from the Alpine cup cars and believe the Life110 springs would lower the car and make its stance a little better I actually think the base 17" wheels will suit me and the car better.
I have not driven an S but from loads of reviews and videos it seems it is an acquired taste, I will drive one at some point but given the UK roads I actually think the car I have would really struggle to be bettered.
Having said all of that, if my numbers come up I grabbing an A110R as that is just a weapon, I might have to have a base A110 to go alongside it though.
A couple of pics for you
If you are working through specs these two galleries might help of a couple of owners club meets, there is a wide variety of trims, colours etc.
https://www.dunlopix.co.uk/ROAC-Meet-Caffeine-and-...
https://www.dunlopix.co.uk/Alpine-Owners-Club-Form...
Hope that helps
Regards
Tim
Just wanted to add my thoughts into this thread.
I have owned my A110 for approx 12 weeks. Its my first Alpine and was a new car bought from a main dealer as a 'stock' car, as in they had it in the showroom ready to go, so I could not alter the spec.
Spec of the car is as follows : -
Alpine A110 'base' with a few options, namely
Abyss Blue metallic paint
Front and Rear Parking Sensors
Alpine Blue Stitching
Mirror Pack
Aluminium Sports Pedals
Alpine Floor Mats
List price was just over £54k.
I actually went to the dealer to look at a second hand Alpine and was shopping around for something around £45k. This could have got me into a wide variety of A110's from Premier Editions to some of the limited releases and even an early S, all the cars were 4-5 years old. However the attraction of the brand new car for not much more money and the excellent finance rates offered by Alpine meant the new car made more sense. So far I really don't regret going for the new car over a used example.
The spec on my cars is more or less perfect for me, had I specified a factory car I may have added the upgraded sound system and maybe the sports exhaust but would have been limited by budget so it perhaps would not have been possible.
I have covered 2700 miles in the car so far across a mixture of trips and roads. Its been to Goodwood and back (400 miles in one day) and also been to various motoring events I have attended. I also use it for work although as I work from home with the occasional trip to see customers its certainly not used on a daily basis.
Initially I loved the car but in recent weeks I was simply not gelling with it and was wondering what everyone was on about in terms of the Alpine being an amazing car. Don't get me wrong its a good car and I was really enjoying it but we just hadn't clicked. All that changed on Saturday when I made the trip to LifeA110 for some simple upgrades. The geo set up has transformed the car for me and after 300 miles this week I am now in a place where the Alpine is firmly under my skin, such a simple inexpensive change has taken the car from a great car to a phenomenal car. I would urge every owner to get the geo done. I also had the Life110 air filter fitted and the new induction noise is addictive, plus had the Life110 paddles which I was not sure I actually needed but after the first click I knew it was the right choice.
I am resisting making to many mods and while I really love the Evo 18" wheels from the Alpine cup cars and believe the Life110 springs would lower the car and make its stance a little better I actually think the base 17" wheels will suit me and the car better.
I have not driven an S but from loads of reviews and videos it seems it is an acquired taste, I will drive one at some point but given the UK roads I actually think the car I have would really struggle to be bettered.
Having said all of that, if my numbers come up I grabbing an A110R as that is just a weapon, I might have to have a base A110 to go alongside it though.
A couple of pics for you
If you are working through specs these two galleries might help of a couple of owners club meets, there is a wide variety of trims, colours etc.
https://www.dunlopix.co.uk/ROAC-Meet-Caffeine-and-...
https://www.dunlopix.co.uk/Alpine-Owners-Club-Form...
Hope that helps
Regards
Tim
Edited by autofocus on Thursday 27th July 20:22
I've been reading over this thread in detail today!
I took my Megane 280 Cup in for a service this week, and while they've had a few Alpine demo cars for a few years, this week they had 6 brand new unregistered cars sat outside waiting for their new owners.
I've been eyeing up the Alpine for a long time, but I've got the Megane and also I've had a Caterham for about 11 years. I think I've finally reached the point where I've accepted that the Caterham just isn't being used as much as it should be, and perhaps it might be better to get one car to do both jobs.
Don't get me wrong, the Megane is brilliant. but it's a heavy, powerful hatchback and not a sports car.
I was toying with the idea of getting an Elise Cup a few years back, but the Elise wouldn't cut it so well as a daily, while the Alpine would seem to fit that role better (I'm not commuting, so I don't expect to be using it every day).
Renault Cardiff have a base 110 and an S, so I think I'll have a book a test drive in both to compare. My head tells me the base would be better as I could enjoy it a little more at sensible speeds, but I do prefer a slightly stiffer chassis setup so it's going to be interesting to see!
I took my Megane 280 Cup in for a service this week, and while they've had a few Alpine demo cars for a few years, this week they had 6 brand new unregistered cars sat outside waiting for their new owners.
I've been eyeing up the Alpine for a long time, but I've got the Megane and also I've had a Caterham for about 11 years. I think I've finally reached the point where I've accepted that the Caterham just isn't being used as much as it should be, and perhaps it might be better to get one car to do both jobs.
Don't get me wrong, the Megane is brilliant. but it's a heavy, powerful hatchback and not a sports car.
I was toying with the idea of getting an Elise Cup a few years back, but the Elise wouldn't cut it so well as a daily, while the Alpine would seem to fit that role better (I'm not commuting, so I don't expect to be using it every day).
Renault Cardiff have a base 110 and an S, so I think I'll have a book a test drive in both to compare. My head tells me the base would be better as I could enjoy it a little more at sensible speeds, but I do prefer a slightly stiffer chassis setup so it's going to be interesting to see!
I've dealt with similar dilemmas! Let us know your thoughts once you've done the test drives, I would highly recommend giving the GT a go. It has more power, yes, but I would say that it doesn't prevent you enjoying the drive at lower speeds, the chassis/suspension setup of the GT and Base models are what make them feel more engaging at lower speeds.
From my perspective, the S needs to be driven with more 'beans' to extract the feeling of 'speed' out of it. However, I have a preference for a tighter car feel, and so also appreciate the feel of the S at lower speeds. The reason I suggest trying the GT is purely due to the extra character you get from the engine that you may not get in the base. For you, I'd make sure to test-drive all three!!
Hope you enjoy
From my perspective, the S needs to be driven with more 'beans' to extract the feeling of 'speed' out of it. However, I have a preference for a tighter car feel, and so also appreciate the feel of the S at lower speeds. The reason I suggest trying the GT is purely due to the extra character you get from the engine that you may not get in the base. For you, I'd make sure to test-drive all three!!
Hope you enjoy
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