Our Rating
The overall rating is based on review by our experts
PERFORMANCE
5 / 10
BATTERY
7 / 10
BODY
3 / 10
DISPLAYS
5 / 10
COMFORT
6 / 10
SAFETY
7 / 10
PROS
- First B-segment EV built on a purpose-tuned performance chassis with bespoke suspension geometry, sport tyres as standard, and a dedicated Alpine tune
- 52 kWh usable capacity and a 236-mile WLTP figure are competitive for a car of this size and performance output.
- Michelin sport rubber, heated seats, a dual-screen cockpit, and wireless charging come standard even on entry GT trim.
CONS
- The 100 kW DC peak charge rate is functional but sits below the 130 kW now offered by rivals such as the Volkswagen ID.3 and Cupra Born at similar price points.
- The A290 has no official presence in Nigeria or any African market, making acquisition dependent on grey-market import with all associated cost, warranty, and parts-availability risks.
The Alpine A290 is a five-door electric hot hatch produced by Alpine, the performance-focused subsidiary of Renault Group. It sits as the entry-level model in Alpine’s EV lineup and occupies the B-segment performance EV class — a narrow but growing category targeting drivers who prioritise driving dynamics over cargo space. It is front-wheel drive across all variants. The A290 is notable for being Alpine’s first hatchback, and while it shares its platform with the Renault 5 E-Tech Electric, it features an extensively reworked chassis, wider bodywork, and uniquely tuned underpinnings developed independently by Alpine rather than carried over wholesale.
The A290 uses a 55 kWh gross battery with 52 kWh usable capacity. WLTP-certified range is 236 miles on the top-performing variant, with DC rapid charging capped at 100 kW — enough to complete a 10–80% charge in approximately 30 minutes. AC onboard charging is rated at up to 11 kW, though the base GT variant is limited to 7 kW AC. The cycle figure quoted throughout is WLTP (European standard). A higher-output 270 hp variant has been referenced in manufacturer communications but has not been officially confirmed with a release date — treat that figure as unconfirmed.
UK pricing after the Electric Car Grant runs from £30,245 to £34,245 depending on trim. The pre-grant list price spans £33,500 for the base GT to £37,995 for the GTS+. No official pricing exists for Nigeria or any African market — the A290 is not sold on the continent through authorised channels, and any unit arriving would come via grey-market import from Europe, incurring full import duty, clearing fees, and port charges with no manufacturer warranty support. A rough landed-cost estimate in Lagos would exceed ₦90–100 million depending on exchange rates and duty classification at the time of import, though this is not a confirmed figure. The A290 is realistically suited to urban and peri-urban European commuters or enthusiast buyers who want a performance-flavoured daily driver in a compact package. Within the Renault-Alpine ecosystem, it sits above the Renault 5 E-Tech Electric and below the Alpine A390 (the brand’s upcoming mid-size crossover EV). Its closest external rivals are the MINI Aceman E and the Cupra Born, with the Cupra Born serving as the most direct spec-and-price comparison point.
Alpine A290 Photos
