Alpine A290 hot hatch unveiled with 215bhp and 236 miles of range

The rear multi-link suspension from the Renault 5 has been retained for the A290, but with bespoke hydraulic bump-stops and anti-roll bars added to “ensure an excellent level of comfort” and “top-of-the-range handling”.

Larger, 288mm Brembo brake discs have also been fitted and Alpine engineers have retuned the pedal mapping to ensure greater control in all conditions, targeting a similar feel to the A110’s. The A290’s braking system is configured so that there is a “natural transition” between the by-wire system and the regenerative brakes.

Powering the A290 is a 52kWh battery – the largest unit that Renault offers with the 5. It is claimed to offer a range of up to 236 miles in the A290 and can charge at 100kW for a 15-80% top-up in around 30 minutes.

Four trim levels will be available from launch. Entry-level GT and mid-level GT Premium models are fitted with a 178bhp electric motor, while the GT Performance and range-topping GTS use a 215bhp electric motor to match the hot electric Mini.

Asked if the A290 could spawn other derivatives, as the A110 has done, ex-Ferrari and Alfa Romeo engineer Krief said the electric hatchback would evolve in a similar way, but he stopped short of confirming an R-badged dual-motor performance model.

The 215bhp front motor is carried over from the Renault Mégane E-Tech and tuned by Alpine to produce more torque. The range-topping model develops 221lb ft for a Cooper SE-baiting 0-62mph time of 6.4sec. There’s also a prominent red overtake button on the steering wheel that liberates maximum torque and power for 10 seconds.

Rather than replicate the noise of an ICE engine, Alpine collaborated with acousticians to create two bespoke driving sounds based on the “natural harmonics” of the electric motor.

“The sound is fundamental for emotion,” said Krief. “We must create a car that has an immersive experience. The steering, throttle, braking and sound are all things you feel. They create emotion and this is what we want to put into our cars.”

Inside, a 10.25in digital instrument cluster and 10.1in touchscreen infotainment display run Alpine Portal, the brand’s new infotainment system. Over-the-air updates are available and the system is supported by various Google-based apps.

Making its debut in the A290 is Alpine’s new Telemetrics programme, which comprises three main features: Live Data, Coaching and Challenges.

Live Data displays information relating to the car’s agility, power, endurance and lap times if you’re driving on a circuit, while Coaching is designed to help drivers improve their skills, giving advice on braking and drifting, for example.