Ahead of its full unveiling in June, the Alpine A290 has undergone winter testing in Sweden with the electric hot hatch being thrashed about on both the track and open road.

Sporting Alpine's original camouflage and the 'A-Arrow' logo on the roof, the latest images we’ve been treated of the A290 don’t stray too far from the concept that was unveiled in May 2023 and the car itself will be a sportier version of the new Renault 5. It is blocky in shape with a pronounced body kit and is certainly distinguishable with its X-style headlights. When released, the Alpine will compete with the Abarth 500e and Mini Cooper E in what is now a growing hot hatch EV market.

In the Arctic Circle - where temperatures can go as low as -30°C - one of the most critical aspects of the testing was seeing how its 19-inch wheels with high-performance Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 tyres would cope with conditions. This is one of the options customers can choose from when ordering along with two summer tyres: Michelin Pilot Sport EV and Michelin Pilot Sport S5, the highest performance level. Testing in frozen conditions has also been crucial in developing the car’s powertrain, braking, handling and stability.

“The target of this important stage is to confirm the direction we have taken with handling and agility, which is part of our DNA on low grip conditions. To fine-tune its development so that it can be effective in all circumstances and all weather conditions, the winter development stage of the A290 is crucial as it is a completely new car. Our engineering team has scrutinised all the criteria, and the results bode extremely well for its launch in the coming months," said Philippe Krief, Alpine CEO.

Inside, the three front seat setup seen on the concept has been replaced with a more traditional two seats and its steering wheel takes inspiration from Alpine’s F1 car with OV (overtake), RCH (recharge) and Drive mode buttons.

Alpine seems to be a brand heading in the right direction at the moment as also heading our way soon is its much anticipated upgraded A110 range. Production for those will begin in March.

The Alpine A290 will be fully revealed at this year’s Geneva Motor Show and customer deliveries are expected to begin in October.

words: Mike Booth
pictures: Alpine