Alpine, Renault’s performance division, has opened orders for its A290 electric hot hatch, priced from £33,500.

The A290 is one of seven new fully electric models that Alpine plans to launch by 2030

Sporty sibling to the Renault 5 E-Tech, and joint winner of the European Car of the Year title for 2025, the A290 rivals the Abarth 500e and Mini Cooper SE while springboarding Alpine’s Dream Garage future EV line-up.

It’s based on the same Renault AmpR Small platform as the Renault 5, which is on sale now from £22,295, and reworked into a high-performance hatch complete with an Alpine sport-tuned chassis, multilink rear suspension and hydraulic bump stops.

It also gets touches such as an F1-inspired steering wheel in the ‘Feel at one’ cockpit as well as an all-new overtake button, giving the car instant maximum power. The Alpine Telemetrics function draws on the brand’s motorsport DNA to up driver performance with Live Data, Coaching and Challenges.

The powertrain combines a 52kWh battery married up to either a 180hp motor or a more powerful 220hp motor, both mounted on the front axle. The 180hp variant has a 236-mile WLTP range, 7.4-second time for the 0-62mph dash and 99mph top speed.

The more potent 220hp version loses 10 miles off the range, which stands at 226 mile, but cuts a second off the 0-62mph time and ups top speed to 105mph.

The entry-level GT version comes with connected multimedia setup with a 10-inch screen and smartphone wireless charging, heated seats and steering wheel and 19-inch alloy wheels.

The GT Premium is priced at £36,000 and adds in Nappa two-tone leather interior, premium audio and bi-colour roof, amongst others.

GT Performance are also priced at £36,000 and come with the higher-performance motor, sports tyres and the Alpine Telemetrics.

GTS models also feature the 220hp motor and are priced at £37,500 for the standard GTS and £38,500 for the top-rung Première Édition.

First deliveries start in April and early bird customers ordering before 4 February can choose from experiences including driving an A110 on track, entry and hospitality at a selection of major UK events, or a tour and Alpine F1 viewing experience at Enstone.

The A290 is one of seven new fully electric models that Alpine plans to launch by 2030, followed next by the A390 five-seater sports fastback, propelling the brand into its “electric, performance-focused future”. To read about Renault Group’s plans for Alpine, fleets and EVs, see our interview here.