Exploring the Alpine A290: A New Tech Vehicle with an Old-School Feel
Recently, I had the opportunity to chat with Autocar’s road testers about the Alpine A290, the speedy iteration of the new Renault 5 EV. What stood out from our conversation was the focus on traditional performance aspects rather than the usual electric car features.
We delved into topics like lift-off oversteer, comparing it to classic Renaultsport hot hatches and discussing the handling nuances of the A290. The decision to maintain front-wheel drive instead of adding rear-wheel drive was a point of interest, with Alpine acknowledging the technical possibility but opting for a lighter, more agile setup.
At nearly 1500kg, the A290 may seem heavy for its size in the realm of internal combustion engine cars, but in the world of modern EVs, it’s relatively lightweight. The choice to equip it with a 52kWh battery and keep it front-wheel drive was not just a budgetary decision but a strategic one for enhancing its dynamic capabilities.
As Illya Verpraet pointed out, in the realm of EVs offering both two- and four-wheel drive options, the 2WD versions often deliver a more engaging driving experience. This sentiment rings true for models like the Porsche Taycan and Volvo EX30, where the rear-driven variants exhibit superior agility and steering precision.
The A290 embodies a blend of new technology and old-school charm, appealing to enthusiasts with its engaging driving dynamics. It’s refreshing to see a modern car evoke the same passion and excitement as classic performance vehicles.
