Electric Hot Hatches: The Future of Fun Driving? A Weekend with the Alpine A290 GTS
Let’s be honest: electric cars and I haven’t exactly been best friends. From their often underwhelming designs to the nagging concerns about range and weight, I’ve always been more of a petrolhead at heart. For me, driving is a sensory experience—the roar of the engine, the smell of fuel, the vibrations that course through your body. It’s not just about speed; it’s about feeling alive. So, when I heard about the Alpine A290 GTS, an electric hot hatch promising to reignite the thrill of driving, I was skeptical. But here’s where it gets interesting: after spending a weekend behind its wheel, I’m not so sure I want to write off electric cars just yet.
The hot hatch concept is as simple as it is brilliant: take a practical hatchback, inject it with sporty DNA, tweak the suspension, and give it a healthy dose of power. Born in the 1980s with icons like the Volkswagen Golf GTI, Peugeot 205 GTI, and Renault 5 Alpine, this formula has been a crowd-pleaser for decades. But over time, hot hatches grew larger, heavier, and pricier, losing some of their charm. Enter the Alpine A290 GTS—a modern, electric take on this classic idea. And this is the part most people miss: it’s not just a nostalgia trip; it’s a bold statement about the future of driving.
But here’s where it gets controversial: Can an electric car truly capture the spirit of a hot hatch? Let’s dive in.
The Alpine A290 GTS is essentially a souped-up Renault 5, but that’s selling it short. Renault has always excelled at compact city cars, and the A290 GTS builds on that legacy with a modern twist. Its retro-inspired design is a head-turner, especially in the iconic Alpine Blue Vision color. Wider wheel arches, sculpted doors, and nods to the original 5 GT Turbo II give it a muscular, yet playful, stance. It’s a car that looks ready to pounce, even if it’s still a city car at heart.
Inside, it’s a blend of comfort and tech. The cabin is spacious—even for someone my height (6’7”)—though the rear seats are best left for groceries. The upright seating position, a result of the battery placement, takes some getting used to, but the supportive seats and chunky, flat-bottomed steering wheel make up for it. Standard features like heated seats, adaptive cruise control, and wireless charging tick all the boxes. But what sets the A290 GTS apart are its playful gadgets, like the ‘overtake’ button on the steering wheel and Gran Turismo-style challenges that let you test your acceleration, G-forces, and lap times. Gimmicky? Maybe. Fun? Absolutely.
And this is the part most people miss: Despite its 220bhp electric drivetrain, the A290 GTS isn’t about raw speed. It hits 100kph in 6.4 seconds, which is quick but not mind-blowing. The real magic is in how it handles. Even with torque steer under hard acceleration, the revised suspension keeps it planted and engaging. It’s a car that encourages you to push its limits without feeling like it’s about to bite back.
The artificial engine sound, adjustable via settings, is a polarizing feature. Some might call it a cheap trick, but I found it added to the experience, especially in Sport Mode. It’s not perfect—the 1,500kg weight is noticeable in tight corners, and the 340km range drops quickly when you’re having fun. At nearly €49,000, it’s also not cheap. But here’s the thing: the A290 GTS made me forget my biases. It’s a car that puts a smile on your face, blending nostalgia with innovation in a way that feels fresh and exciting.
So, does it live up to the hot hatch legacy? I’d argue yes. It’s not without flaws, but it’s a car that’s unapologetically fun, practical, and stylish. It’s a reminder that driving doesn’t have to be about nostalgia—it can be about evolution. But I’ll leave you with this: Can an electric car ever truly replace the sensory experience of a petrol engine? Let me know your thoughts in the comments—I’m genuinely curious to hear where you stand.
For more details, visit AlpineCars.nl or AlpineCars.com.
Editorial Note: The Alpine A290 GTS was provided on loan by Alpine Centre Soestdijk in the Netherlands. All information is sourced from Alpine unless otherwise stated. Photos of the blue A290 GTS are our own, with additional images used with permission from Alpine.
