Alpine A290
The Alpine A290 marks the start of Alpine's all-electric 'Dream Garage', arriving in the UK in late 2024 as a driver-focused B-segment electric hot hatch. Based on the AmpR Small platform shared with the retro Renault 5 E-Tech, Alpine re-engineered the architecture with a 60mm wider track, bespoke hydraulic bump stops, four-piston Brembo front brakes, and an exclusive multi-link rear axle. Two powertrain outputs are offered from a 52kWh battery pack: the 178bhp GT and GT Premium, and the punchier 217bhp GT Performance and GTS capable of 0-62mph in 6.4 seconds. Inside, the A290 features a Formula 1-inspired steering wheel with a dedicated 'OV' (Overtake) boost button, recharge dial, and supportive sports bucket seats. In the UK market, the A290 is pitched as a charismatic, highly agile alternative to the Mini Cooper Electric and Abarth 500e. While universally praised by motoring road tests for its chuckable chassis balance and compliance on British B-roads, early ownership considerations include cold-weather range reduction, infotainment screen latency, and rapid inner front tyre wear under instant electric torque.
Check a specific car?
Got a registration for a A290? Get an instant MOT and history report.
Common Faults & Reliability
These are the most common documented problems for the Alpine A290, sorted by their typical impact and frequency.
OpenR Link Android Automotive Infotainment Screen Freezing
low severityThe Alpine A290 features a 10.1-inch OpenR Link infotainment touchscreen powered by Google Android Automotive OS. Early UK road tests and owners report periodic software crashes, navigation freezing during boot-up, and intermittent connection dropouts with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. In severe cases, the digital driver's instrument display fails to initialise upon startup, requiring a complete vehicle sleep cycle or franchised Alpine Centre software reload to restore gauge operation.
Cold-Weather Battery Efficiency Loss and Smart Tariff Scheduling Failures
low severityEquipped with a 52kWh lithium-ion battery, the Alpine A290 claims up to 236 miles of WLTP range. However, during British winter driving conditions (sub-5°C), real-world range drops by 25% to 35% due to heightened battery internal resistance and cabin PTC heating draw. Additionally, early owners experience intermittent synchronization dropouts between the My Alpine telematics system and UK off-peak dynamic smart tariffs, resulting in incomplete overnight home charging sessions.
Rapid Front Inner Shoulder Tyre Wear from Instant Electric Torque
medium severityThe Alpine A290 delivers up to 221lb ft of instantaneous torque directly through its front wheels. On higher-output GT Performance and GTS models, spirited driving and brisk acceleration on abrasive UK tarmac accelerate tyre wear across the inner shoulders of the bespoke 19-inch Michelin Pilot Sport EV and Pilot Sport S5 tyres. Aggressive factory negative camber designed for sharp turn-in causes uneven wear, leading to steering wander under full acceleration if tyre pressures and alignment are not strictly maintained.
Browse by Production Year
Select a specific year to view detailed registration directory lookup and annual MOT history reports for the Alpine A290.