We’ve tried the A290 on both road and track. And it’s not often that an EV maker will expose one of its cars to extended track use, but Alpine is keen to extol the virtues of the A290 as a hot hatchback and, remember, these are the people that as Renaultsport used to make the best hot hatches in the business.
When it comes to hitting the road, the A290 proves to be a standout performer. The ride strikes a perfect balance between sporty handling and daily driving comfort. It offers a level of compliance and control similar to that of a Golf GTI, making it a joy to drive on a daily basis. The car’s centre of gravity is low, allowing for impressive agility and sharp turns.
While the dampers aren’t adjustable, the A290 can brake an inside rear wheel to assist with turn-in, enhancing the overall driving experience. The steering, though relatively light, is accurate and responsive, providing a good amount of feedback to the driver. The A290’s ability to accelerate mid-corner and gain additional turn-in is a testament to its well-tuned system.
Compared to previous models like the Renault Megane and Ford Focus RS, the A290 may not have additional steering knuckles, but its performance on the road is still impressive. If the system were to have more power, it might require further enhancements to handle the increased torque steer.
