Video Summary
Here is the summary of the YouTube video:- It is called an Alpine A290, but it is really a Renault 5.
- Renault wants to promote and expand its Alpine brand.
- While there was an Alpine version of the original Renault 5 in the 1970s, Renault itself has the richest heritage when it comes to building hot hatches.
- The car looks stunning, according to people who have seen it in person.
- Differences from the regular Renault 5 include gloss black wheel arch extensions, deeper sills, aggressive bumpers, and X-shaped daytime running lights (the Renault 5 has square daytime running lights).
- There are four colors to choose from, and 19-inch alloys are standard.
- The GT trim has a different alloy design than the GTS.
- The GT has a 236-mile range, but the GTS version has more power and a range of 226 miles.
- The range is far better than any Abarth 500e.
- The regular Renault 5 has a range up to 250 miles.
- By electric hot hatch standards, this car is reasonably priced, starting at approximately £33,500 (GT) to £37,500 (GTS); this is almost £30,000 less than a Hyundai Ioniq 5N.
- When getting inside, wear shin pads because the sill protrudes far out.
- When sitting in the driver's seat, some things have been carried across from the regular Renault 5, including the Google-based infotainment system.
- The GTS version adds telemetry.
- The seats are like the Renault 5, but the GTS gets leather trim.
- There is a lot of side bolstering in the seats.
- In the A290, the center console has been redesigned with buttons for drive, reverse, and neutral (unlike a gear selector behind the steering wheel in the standard Renault 5).
- The loss of cup holders is not ideal.
- The car also has a nob on the steering wheel to adjust the regenerative braking level.
- A red OV ("overtake") button is on the steering wheel to provide maximum power (it also means not pushing the accelerator as far down.)
- The quality of the interior in this car is superb, especially if you go for the GTS version, with leather on the seats, the dashboard, the center console, and the insides of the doors.
- An in-depth view of the rear seats/boot can be seen in the regular Renault 5 review.
- The A290 is similar in ethos to hot hatches from past generations.
- The A290 is essentially just a Renault 5 with more power and stiffer suspension.
- This GT version has 177 bhp, and the GTS has 217 bhp, doing 0-60 in 6.4 seconds.
- There is noticeable torque steer.
- Steering is sharp and direct with enough grip.
- With its stiff suspension, it remains surprisingly comfortable even on poorly surfaced roads.
- In summary, it's more fun than an Abarth 500e or an MG4 XPower.
- Due to lack of a manual gearbox, the experience is not as enjoyable as a Ford Fiesta ST or a Hyundai i20N.
- The A290’s electric motor just sounds like a hum.
- Overall, this is the best electric hot hatch that you can buy, but its features are subject to change.
