New Alpine A290 review - The old-school hot hatch is back
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Date: 2024-11-25
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Comments and reviews: 20
autocar
Combustion hot hatch is dead Since when The Germans are still churning them out, Golf R, Golf Gti, POLO GTI, Audi S3, RS3, BMWs M140i and 125ti, Mercedes A35 and A45, Skodas Octavia VRS, Cupra Leon and Formentor. Toyota offer the GR yaris, Honda offer the CIVIC Type R, Hyundai have the i20n and i30n, Ford still offer the focus ST, Abarths 595 and 695, there is still a lot hot hatches available new and they will be around for a few years yet. To say that combustion engine hot hatches are dead is not only a bold statement but more importantly a false statement.
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Combustion hot hatch is dead Since when The Germans are still churning them out, Golf R, Golf Gti, POLO GTI, Audi S3, RS3, BMWs M140i and 125ti, Mercedes A35 and A45, Skodas Octavia VRS, Cupra Leon and Formentor. Toyota offer the GR yaris, Honda offer the CIVIC Type R, Hyundai have the i20n and i30n, Ford still offer the focus ST, Abarths 595 and 695, there is still a lot hot hatches available new and they will be around for a few years yet. To say that combustion engine hot hatches are dead is not only a bold statement but more importantly a false statement.
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maxtorque2277
It's like the BMW i3s never existed! 1250kg, (that's a couple of fat passengers less than this A290) drive to the correct end (the back) ultra-stiff carbon and allumnium chassis, a wheel literally at each corner, narrow enough to fit on our crowded roads and critically, also narrow tyres that provide steering feel (less conicity hence tight offset control and low steering assistance requirements) and a level of grip, the limits of which are actually accessable on normal roads.
It's also a sure fire future classic in the making. ; -)
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It's like the BMW i3s never existed! 1250kg, (that's a couple of fat passengers less than this A290) drive to the correct end (the back) ultra-stiff carbon and allumnium chassis, a wheel literally at each corner, narrow enough to fit on our crowded roads and critically, also narrow tyres that provide steering feel (less conicity hence tight offset control and low steering assistance requirements) and a level of grip, the limits of which are actually accessable on normal roads.
It's also a sure fire future classic in the making. ; -)
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miekieko7076
You're a good presenter and Autocar usually has good camera work (apart from the boring artifically perfect b-roll) but please watch a few What Car videos for pointers on incorporating music into reviews. Nice music for the camerawork but either very low or no music once the presenter starts talking. You've done it multiple times, so who okayed this new format of drowining out everything with awful music.
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You're a good presenter and Autocar usually has good camera work (apart from the boring artifically perfect b-roll) but please watch a few What Car videos for pointers on incorporating music into reviews. Nice music for the camerawork but either very low or no music once the presenter starts talking. You've done it multiple times, so who okayed this new format of drowining out everything with awful music.
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symparanekromenoi
At around 7: 20 he goes on to discussing the limited slip diff and says that brakes are applied to the inside wheel to help turn. Isn’t that the opposite of what a limited slip diff should do I always thought the limited slip diff causes both wheels to go at the same or at least not much different speeds, hence the name- limited slip. I’m really confused. Somebody help plz!
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At around 7: 20 he goes on to discussing the limited slip diff and says that brakes are applied to the inside wheel to help turn. Isn’t that the opposite of what a limited slip diff should do I always thought the limited slip diff causes both wheels to go at the same or at least not much different speeds, hence the name- limited slip. I’m really confused. Somebody help plz!
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ivanlazarevic78
It would be great car with proper petrol engine. Who asked buyers do they really wan't to stop the real hot hatch production I do not think they did not sold well. There are much bigger petrol engines on the market still why 1. 6 turbo is not allowed in hot hatch To ad also I don't think anyone acctualy buy this expensive ev's.
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It would be great car with proper petrol engine. Who asked buyers do they really wan't to stop the real hot hatch production I do not think they did not sold well. There are much bigger petrol engines on the market still why 1. 6 turbo is not allowed in hot hatch To ad also I don't think anyone acctualy buy this expensive ev's.
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Pimepemi
This guy in this video: A lot of uninformative talking, and very poor racing techniques on circuit. You can't sway the back end of the car simply because you don't know the racing technique with your foot on the brake and your hands on the steering wheel. Just take lessons with a really competent racing instructor.
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This guy in this video: A lot of uninformative talking, and very poor racing techniques on circuit. You can't sway the back end of the car simply because you don't know the racing technique with your foot on the brake and your hands on the steering wheel. Just take lessons with a really competent racing instructor.
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nickb-
I'm sure Matt is a lovely guy and knows a hell of a lot about cars. But he just puts me to sleep. He talks in a monotone and somehow makes a review of even the most exciting car extremely boring. It's the opposite of the energy and excitement you get from a Chris Harris or even a Harry Metcalf.
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I'm sure Matt is a lovely guy and knows a hell of a lot about cars. But he just puts me to sleep. He talks in a monotone and somehow makes a review of even the most exciting car extremely boring. It's the opposite of the energy and excitement you get from a Chris Harris or even a Harry Metcalf.
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richardpiper4828
What I wanted to know was how the Alpine compared with the Mini Cooper SE which whilst not sold as a hot hatch has very similar power output figures as the A290. The Mini is a bit heavier but from what I have read it may be a bit more fun with its typical Go Kart handling.
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What I wanted to know was how the Alpine compared with the Mini Cooper SE which whilst not sold as a hot hatch has very similar power output figures as the A290. The Mini is a bit heavier but from what I have read it may be a bit more fun with its typical Go Kart handling.
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global_nomad.
good to know that as the necessary ev shift progresses, companies are finding ways to bring back some of the aspects we thought we had lost. many generations to go before we are all completely convinced but likely sooner than all the naysayers think.
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good to know that as the necessary ev shift progresses, companies are finding ways to bring back some of the aspects we thought we had lost. many generations to go before we are all completely convinced but likely sooner than all the naysayers think.
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BertoniBertone
Nothing to do with Matt at all. but the phrase that keeps on revolving in my mindis just a plain and simple Why ’. This is precisely what happens when you put EU bureaucrats in charge of technology. It’s so depressing.
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Nothing to do with Matt at all. but the phrase that keeps on revolving in my mindis just a plain and simple Why ’. This is precisely what happens when you put EU bureaucrats in charge of technology. It’s so depressing.
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JeanPauldeJong1
It's informative, I've driven the Renault 5 and liked it. But dude, show some emotion, show us you are alive. This is the most reserved and boring review ever. Also, that shirt looks excessively much ironed with starch
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It's informative, I've driven the Renault 5 and liked it. But dude, show some emotion, show us you are alive. This is the most reserved and boring review ever. Also, that shirt looks excessively much ironed with starch
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desild5869
Massive bankruptcies are incoming for sure. This car is garbage even at BOM cost, let alone at MSRP.
This is like watching an ad for impotence: Forget about getting hard! 10 ways to let it dangle with style in 2025!
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Massive bankruptcies are incoming for sure. This car is garbage even at BOM cost, let alone at MSRP.
This is like watching an ad for impotence: Forget about getting hard! 10 ways to let it dangle with style in 2025!
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markseeger3352
I’m not a massive EV fan, most are incredibly dull, suppose there good as a daily but nothing more but I really like this Alpine, first decent attempt at a smallish EV hot hatch.
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I’m not a massive EV fan, most are incredibly dull, suppose there good as a daily but nothing more but I really like this Alpine, first decent attempt at a smallish EV hot hatch.
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paulw5822
I appreciate this is a hatchback bodyshell, but at roughly an extra 50% increase in weight over the A110, its hard to take the A290 too seriously in it's suggested role of hot hatch
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I appreciate this is a hatchback bodyshell, but at roughly an extra 50% increase in weight over the A110, its hard to take the A290 too seriously in it's suggested role of hot hatch
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xntrix
God the music is way too loud, and utterly pointless could not hear what he is saying who edited this crap, should be fired. or he she they is a woke deaf employee
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God the music is way too loud, and utterly pointless could not hear what he is saying who edited this crap, should be fired. or he she they is a woke deaf employee
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IslaSprollie
I can't believe I'm saying this but not having a cup holder and no paddle regen adjustability means I'm keeping my Honda e for even longer. I had high hopes.
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I can't believe I'm saying this but not having a cup holder and no paddle regen adjustability means I'm keeping my Honda e for even longer. I had high hopes.
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jordanbellamy6993
getting fed up of these car release videos, where just chuck in footage from the manufacturer and can’t be bothered filming exterior shots themselves
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getting fed up of these car release videos, where just chuck in footage from the manufacturer and can’t be bothered filming exterior shots themselves
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juliandclarke
Nice. Thanks for the vid. Is only blue interior available or are there alternatives We’ve a Honda e. Always a shame Honda didn’t develop an R version
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Nice. Thanks for the vid. Is only blue interior available or are there alternatives We’ve a Honda e. Always a shame Honda didn’t develop an R version
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quasimodo8215
Why don't you add some disco lights and stroboscopic flashing on the screen to this music, while explaining how distracting all those new screens are!
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Why don't you add some disco lights and stroboscopic flashing on the screen to this music, while explaining how distracting all those new screens are!
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petere8129
Great review the best I've seen on the Alpine, no harping on at length about the past just a perfect car review on what we can expect from this model.
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Great review the best I've seen on the Alpine, no harping on at length about the past just a perfect car review on what we can expect from this model.
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