Photo: SH Proshots
Unveiled a few months ago, the Alpine A290_B was way more than a simple concept, as it actually previewed an upcoming electric hot hatch. Think of it as a sportier take on the upcoming Renault 5 EV. And if there was ever any doubt surrounding it, then these spy shots prove that it is indeed happening.
Spotted testing on the road in a premiere, this is the Alpine A290 – although the name hasn't been confirmed. As we already told you, it is pretty much a rebadged Renault 5 EV with beefed-up looks, and the changes are obvious.
It has a new bumper with a large intake in the middle, fatter side skirts, muscular fenders, a different rear bumper with an integrated diffuser, and a sizeable spoiler above the rear windshield. Don't mind the power domes on the hood and other similar stuff, as they are part of the camouflage.
Spotted testing as a five-door, with the rear door handles mounted behind the windows, it also features some chassis enhancements. It is obvious that the Alpine A290 rides a bit closer to the ground for quicker cornering at the expense of comfort, and we think uprated brakes back up the different wheels to keep the extra power in check.
Underpinned by the CMF-EV architecture, shared with the Renault Megane E-Tech and Nissan Ariya, the Alpine A290 is expected to have a 52 kWh battery pack. It will juice up the single-motor powertrain, reportedly, and it is understood to launch with two outputs. The base model could have 215 hp (218 ps/160 kW) on tap, and the range-topper might boast 268 hp (272 ps/200 kW). Both versions are said to have front-wheel drive.
It is evident that our spy photographers could not snap any images of the cockpit. However, it might feature a minimalist dashboard with no touchscreen displays. If that is the case, then the information will be communicated to the person driving it via the head-up display. The study had seating for three, though the production version will likely sit five and won't feature a roll cage anymore. Expect sportier front seats compared to those of the Renault 5, a different steering wheel, and more exclusive upholstery and trim.
Pricing is obviously yet unknown, though certain outlets, including Autocar, believe it will kick off at over £40,000 in the United Kingdom. That equals roughly $50,000 at today's exchange rates, making it significantly more expensive than the Renault 5 EV, which will have a sub-£25,000 (~$31,000) price tag. Another thing that remains a mystery is the unveiling date of the A290, though it could premiere about a year from now, subsequent to its more mainstream sibling that will reportedly precede it by a few months.
It has a new bumper with a large intake in the middle, fatter side skirts, muscular fenders, a different rear bumper with an integrated diffuser, and a sizeable spoiler above the rear windshield. Don't mind the power domes on the hood and other similar stuff, as they are part of the camouflage.
Spotted testing as a five-door, with the rear door handles mounted behind the windows, it also features some chassis enhancements. It is obvious that the Alpine A290 rides a bit closer to the ground for quicker cornering at the expense of comfort, and we think uprated brakes back up the different wheels to keep the extra power in check.
Underpinned by the CMF-EV architecture, shared with the Renault Megane E-Tech and Nissan Ariya, the Alpine A290 is expected to have a 52 kWh battery pack. It will juice up the single-motor powertrain, reportedly, and it is understood to launch with two outputs. The base model could have 215 hp (218 ps/160 kW) on tap, and the range-topper might boast 268 hp (272 ps/200 kW). Both versions are said to have front-wheel drive.
It is evident that our spy photographers could not snap any images of the cockpit. However, it might feature a minimalist dashboard with no touchscreen displays. If that is the case, then the information will be communicated to the person driving it via the head-up display. The study had seating for three, though the production version will likely sit five and won't feature a roll cage anymore. Expect sportier front seats compared to those of the Renault 5, a different steering wheel, and more exclusive upholstery and trim.
Pricing is obviously yet unknown, though certain outlets, including Autocar, believe it will kick off at over £40,000 in the United Kingdom. That equals roughly $50,000 at today's exchange rates, making it significantly more expensive than the Renault 5 EV, which will have a sub-£25,000 (~$31,000) price tag. Another thing that remains a mystery is the unveiling date of the A290, though it could premiere about a year from now, subsequent to its more mainstream sibling that will reportedly precede it by a few months.
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