Electric cars can't be fun, right? Think again. The Alpine A290 just proved that EVs can deliver thrills once reserved for petrol-powered legends – and it's dividing opinions. But here's where it gets controversial: Can a front-wheel-drive electric hatchback truly inherit the soul of a classic hot hatch? Autocar's verdict might surprise you.
When Britain's toughest car journalists crown a new 'Best Fun EV,' they don't do it lightly. The Alpine A290 didn't just win – it redefined expectations during a grueling showdown across the Peak District's twistiest roads. This wasn't a popularity contest; it was a battle of engineering soul.
Born from Alpine's racing DNA (yes, the same brand that challenged Porsche in the 1970s), the A290 dares to ask: What if electric cars could make driving enthusiasts forget about exhaust notes? The answer lies in its 1,474kg carbon-fiber-reinforced body – astonishingly light for an EV – and a motorsport-inspired 50:50 weight distribution that defies typical battery-heavy designs.
Here's the twist most overlook: While rivals chase 0-60mph bragging rights, Alpine focused on what happens between the corners. Instant 300Nm torque meets razor-sharp steering that communicates road texture like a Michelin-starred chef plates a meal. The result? A 6.4-second 0-62mph sprint feels secondary to the pure joy of threading this car through S-bends at ridiculous speeds.
Let's address the elephant in the room: At £30k+, it's pricier than hot hatches of yesteryear. But should we judge it against fossil-fuel peers or EV royalty like the Polestar 2? Consider this – while Tesla prioritizes Autopilot and Ludicrous Mode, Alpine engineered adjustability: lift-off oversteer controllable via throttle, brake feel that doesn't turn to mush after 10 track laps, and a 'Nudge Mode' button (stolen straight from F1 strategy meetings) that unleashes hidden power for overtaking.
Daily practicality? It's not just track-day cosplay. That 326L boot swallows IKEA flat-packs with room to spare, and 30-minute 100kW charging means your 'range anxiety' disappears faster than a petrolhead's skepticism. Even the cabin surprises – imagine a PlayStation controller merged with a Le Mans cockpit, complete with driving tutorials that actually improve your cornering technique.
And now the question guaranteed to spark debate: Does the A290's retro-flavored design – think 1980s Renault 5 reimagined by a Bond villain – deserve credit or criticism? Purists argue its subtle aero kit lacks the aggression of a Civic Type R, while fans praise its stealthy charm. Either way, those quad headlights turn heads faster than a DeLorean reveal.
We'll leave you with Autocar's Matt Saunders' verdict that still raises eyebrows: 'This could be the first EV that makes driving purists consider selling their manual-gearbox collection.'
So tell us – is the A290 a genius reinvention of the hot hatch, or just a cleverly marketed battery-powered toy? Drop your hot takes below… but fair warning: The comment section might get as heated as this car's regenerative braking system.
