Video Summary
The A290 GTS has rally cross headlights on the front, with an ALPINE logo. It is a fully electric hot hatch. The headlights have a French flag in the unit, along with a cross sign. It is purposeful and menacing.The door has no rear bins. The higher spec versions of the car get Michelin Pilot Sport tires with a 19-inch wheel for a lot of grip. There is also 300Nm of torque.
It has 100kW DC charging. A charging curve with the battery at 60% stayed around 70 for a little while, but trailed off a good bit after it got to the mid-60s.
The roofline has a blue strip on the top with a black contrasting finish. It also has flared arches, grooves on the doors, and a massive side skirt.
The boot is a little over 300 liters. The GTS version sometimes upgrades the sound system, which lowers boot space to around 320 liters.
Some like the screen with different challenges, like a G-Meter. Some need a Lamborghini to get that level of detail. The car has Regen mode. There are three gear modes, which you will find in all ALPINE cars. It has a nice steering wheel with an overtake boost button on it.
The A290 GT with 180 brake horsepower is 36,690 euro. A290 GT performance has 220 for 38,990, with A290 GTS costing 42,500.
This car's dynamics make for an enjoyable and grippy ride. With that torque going through the front wheels, the steering has to be held onto. For many petrolheads, though, it's missing the excitement of the gear changes.
Most of the RENAULT 5 cars did not have lane keep assist. This one has them, and you can shut it off. Fuel efficiency is suggesting about 250 miles with this driving style. It can be charged at home for very little. The 220 version gets a better suspension.
The presenter feels that the average electric car isn't there yet, and that gasoline cars are a good choice, but for those who want a new adventure and don't care about the cost, this would be an interesting car. There's a feeling of hot hatchness, just different than with a petrol car.
