Get ready to be blown away by the Alpine A290 - an electric vehicle that's taking the automotive world by storm! This little hatchback packs a punch and is a true game-changer in the EV market.
The Ultimate Fun Machine
In a world where performance is often measured by horsepower and range, the Autocar Awards have recognized the A290 as the 'Best Fun EV' for a reason. It's a car that brings a smile to your face and makes driving an exhilarating experience.
With a rich history in sports car manufacturing, Alpine has successfully ventured into the hot hatch territory with the A290. This car carries the DNA of the beloved A110 coupé, known for its driving enthusiast appeal. The A290 has cracked the code, combining electric power with the thrill of a true hot hatch.
Autocar editor Mark Tisshaw sums it up perfectly: "The A290 is an all-round performance machine that excels in almost every aspect. It's a worthy winner of our Best Fun EV award for 2025."
The Ultimate Test
The A290 was put to the test on some of Britain's best driving roads in the Peak District. Autocar's testers pitted it against some tough competitors, and the results were clear. The A290 stood out for its agility, playfulness, and character.
Road test editor Matt Saunders described it as a turning point: "It feels like a classic hot hatchback with all the right credentials. The car has a smooth and finely tuned dynamic finish, a real work of art."
His colleague, Jonny Bryce, added: "The A290 is an absolute blast to drive. It delivers on its promise of being the most fun EV. The braking is exceptional, and the low center of gravity makes it feel incredibly agile. It's a truly accomplished sports car."
Hot Hatch Credentials
Alpine designed the A290 with credibility in mind. It's a compact car, under four meters long, with a powerful front-mounted motor and a lightweight build, weighing under 1,500kg. Offered in two versions, with 180 hp or 220 hp, the A290 is an impressive package.
Performance-wise, it's punchy without being extreme. The sprint to 62 mph takes just 6.4 seconds, and the way it delivers its speed is remarkable. Instant electric torque provides an exhilarating drive, and Alpine's engineers have ensured it's never overwhelming.
Autocar's Illya Verpraet praised its responsiveness: "The car's reaction is exceptional, easily controlled, and positively responsive."
The Perfect Balance
The A290 is not just about performance; it's also a car you can live with daily. It offers a perfect balance of excitement and usability. As Tisshaw puts it: "It's enjoyable on the road, with good performance and a comfortable ride. It's the perfect size for everyday use."
With a five-door hatchback design and a spacious 326-liter boot, the A290 is practical for family life. Its range, up to 234 miles on the WLTP cycle, is impressive, and with fast charging capabilities, you can keep your adventures going.
The cabin is focused on performance, with a unique steering wheel featuring drive mode buttons and an 'overtake' button, inspired by Alpine's F1 car. The infotainment system is fast and intuitive, offering telemetry readouts and tutorials to improve your driving skills.
The A290's interior quality is top-notch, with leather trim and blue highlights, giving it a premium feel. There's ample space for adult passengers, and its five doors and decent boot access make it more usable than you'd expect from a compact performance EV.
The Winning Formula
The A290's victory is a result of its seamless blend of excitement and usability. It's a car that offers the best of both worlds - it's playful, refined, engaging, and polished. It has that special sparkle that defines a true hot hatch.
Tisshaw's final verdict captures it beautifully: "The A290 is a fantastic all-round package. It's not just a great electric hot hatch; it's a great hot hatch, period."
So, what do you think? Is the Alpine A290 the future of fun EVs? Join the discussion and let us know your thoughts in the comments!
