FIRST DRIVE: Alpine A290 – New Hot Hatch Champion?

Uploaded 9 months ago by Top Gear

Video Summary

Here is the summary:
- The car is the Alpine A290, a hot version of the new Renault 5 supermini.
- It has new front and rear anti-roll bars.
- It has a bespoke, stiffer suspension setting.
- The GTC model has 217 horsepower and achieves 0-60mph in 6.4 seconds.
- The GTC weighs 1,479 kg and achieves a range of 236 miles from its 52 kWh battery.
- The lower-spec GT version has 178 horsepower, and the GTC costs 38,000 pounds.
- Price and performance are about right for a hot hatch this size.
- It has hydraulic bump stops.
- The ESC and traction control can be turned off.
- There is some scrabble from the front tires.
- It has old-school hot hatch vibes.
- Its synthetic engine noise is well-done and hardens as you give it more throttle.
- There's decent brake feel.
- The steering wheel is numb, but the ratio is well-judged.
- As soon as you get in, it feels sophisticated and grown up.
- The ride is comfortable.
- There are no cup holders.
- At 1,500 kg, its weight can be felt.
- It is agile.
- The standard Renault 5 has stronger retro vibes; this one has an in-your-face performance look.
- The rear is designed with a ducktail spoiler.
- There is 326 liters of boot space.
- Rear seats are a bit cramped due to a high floor.
- It includes a coaching mode for proper driving techniques and telemetrics.
- The regenerative braking system offers four levels of control.
- The hot hatch EV has a dual personality.
- It looks great, is well-priced, has gadgets, but its standard Renault 5 is 10,000 pounds less.
- The DNA is "definitely there."
- An issue: it has "slightly unruly side to it."

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