Alpine A290 Review: Price, Performance and Why It’s the Best Fun EV

The Alpine A290 has been crowned Autocar’s Best Fun EV for 2025, thanks to its blend of hot‑hatch excitement and everyday usability.

Image: Alpine A290 Review: Price, Performance and Why It’s the Best Fun EV – Performance Comparison and Specifications

Design & Looks

Alpine kept the classic French hot‑hatch silhouette while adding modern cues. The compact three‑door‑look hatch sits just under four metres long, making city parking a breeze. Quad headlights and a subtle aero kit give it a sporty presence without being over the top. Inside, the cabin mixes leather trim with signature blue accents, and the steering wheel – not perfectly round – houses buttons for drive modes, regenerative braking and an over‑take boost, echoing Alpine’s F1 heritage.

Performance & Mileage

Two powertrains are offered: 180 hp (GT +) and 220 hp (GTS +), both fed by a 52 kWh battery that keeps the kerb weight under 1,500 kg. The stronger version launches from 0‑62 mph in 6.4 seconds, while the entry model is just a shade slower. What sets the A290 apart is its instant torque and low centre of gravity, giving sharp corner entry and a confident feel on twisty roads.

Engine	Front‑mounted electric motor (180 hp / 220 hp)
Mileage	Up to 234 mi (WLTP) – realistic 180‑200 mi in mixed use
Price	£30,245 (GT +) – £34,245 (GTS +)
Top Features	Fast‑charge up to 100 kW (15‑80% in ~30 min) 326‑litre boot, five‑door practicality Drive‑mode selector and over‑take button Google‑based infotainment with telemetry coaching Adjustable suspension and precise steering feel

Price & Rivals

Starting at just over £30 k after the UK electric‑car grant, the A290 sits between the budget‑friendly Renault 5 E‑Tech and the more expensive Ioniq 5 N. Its price reflects the lightweight chassis, performance tuning and premium interior – a value proposition that many reviewers felt outshone rivals like the Kia Niro EV and the VW ID.3 hot‑hatch concepts.

FAQ

What is the real‑world range of the Alpine A290? Expect around 180‑200 miles on a typical mixed‑city/road drive, despite the 234‑mile WLTP claim.
Is the Alpine A290 worth buying over a traditional hot hatch? Yes, if you want genuine electric performance, a low centre of gravity and a practical hatchback without sacrificing excitement.
How fast can the A290 charge? Using a 100 kW DC fast charger, it goes from 15 % to 80 % in roughly 30 minutes.

Do you think the Alpine A290 sets a new standard for fun EVs? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Source: Read Official News