Alpine’s first all-electric hot hatch, the A290, has made a thrilling entrance into the EV world, claiming the ‘Best Fun EV’ title at the 2025 Autocar Awards. Praised for its agile handling, responsive nature, and attainable pricing, the A290 has been recognised as a true driver’s car – one that delivers smiles per mile without compromise.
Competing against a field of pricier electric contenders, the A290 captured the hearts of Autocar’s editorial team with its balanced blend of performance, usability, and design flair. More than just an EV, it’s a redefinition of what driving joy means in the zero-emissions era.
“It might not be the first electric car to break the mould and show the world that EVs can appeal to enthusiasts,” said Autocar Editor Mark Tisshaw, “but the A290 rewrites the formula in an appealing, unique and accessible way.” He continued: “It deserves praise in pretty much every environment you’re likely to take it… it picks up where Renault’s hot hatches left off.”
The recognition cements the A290 as a modern icon – one that channels the high-octane spirit of Alpine’s motorsport heritage while making it relevant, and exciting, for today’s drivers. Whether weaving through city streets or tackling a favourite B-road, the A290 delivers intuitive, engaging performance without sacrificing everyday usability.
A New Chapter in Alpine’s Legacy
Launched from £33,500 OTR, the Alpine A290 is offered in five distinct trims – GT, GT Premium, GT Performance, GTS, and a limited Launch Edition – and features a 52kWh battery paired with either a 180hp or 220hp electric motor. Range figures impress too, with the entry variant offering up to 236 miles (WLTP) and the 220hp version delivering up to 226 miles.
Performance credentials are further bolstered by a sport-tuned Alpine chassis, multilink rear suspension, hydraulic bump stops, and a purposeful ‘Feel at one’ cockpit complete with F1-inspired steering wheel and an overtake button that unleashes the car’s full power on command.
On top of this, the Alpine Telemetrics system allows drivers to track and enhance their skills, with challenges inspired by Alpine’s motorsport DNA.
Practicality Meets Playfulness
Beyond its dynamic driving appeal, the A290 has been designed with the real world in mind. A Google-based infotainment system provides seamless connectivity and ease of use, while physical climate controls keep things tactile and intuitive – a nod to driver-focused simplicity.
Charging is fast and fuss-free: the A290 supports DC rapid charging from 15–80% in just 30 minutes, making it as practical as it is playful.
A Vision Realised
Nic Burnside, Brand Director at Alpine, expressed his pride in the recognition:
“It’s fantastic to see Autocar’s highly experienced team recognise the A290’s driving dynamics, fun factor and usability. The A290 adds a whole new dimension to Alpine… an exciting motorsport-bred hot hatchback that is at home on the track as in town, and which also happens to be fully electric.”
The Alpine A290 is more than just a new model – it’s a statement of intent. With the A290, Alpine proves that the electric future doesn’t need to sacrifice driver engagement, character, or heritage. Instead, it builds on them – delivering an EV that thrills, inspires and redefines what a ‘hot hatch’ can be in the modern age.
For enthusiasts and everyday drivers alike, the Alpine A290 marks a new era of electric excitement – and it’s just getting started.
