Alpine A290 electric sport hatchback caught in spy shots for the first time

Alpine A290 is a hot performance version of the upcoming Renault 5 electric hatchback. It is now undergoing the road test phase of production preparation and awaits its debut in 2024.

This May, Alpine, a high-performance subsidiary of Renault, took the wraps off the A290_β concept, presenting a more dynamic variant of the forthcoming Renault 5 revival. The company disclosed that the production model would make its debut sometime in 2024. Now, we've got our first glimpse of what the final product might look like, courtesy of some freshly snapped spy images.

The pictures below showcase a test version of the A290 clad in full camouflage. Despite the disguise, it's evident that the general form of the car will remain largely unchanged from the concept. The most notable alteration is the transition from the A290_β's two-door configuration to a four-door body style.

It’s encouraging to note that some of the concept’s most striking design elements appear to be retained in the production model. This especially applies to the unique wheel design featuring a square cutout at the center, although they're likely to be smaller than the concept’s 20-inch wheels. The front end, though currently concealed, exudes aggressiveness, featuring a highly embellished bumper. The hood is equipped with some unconventional aerodynamic elements, but it's unclear if these will be present in the final production model.

A significant departure from the concept is the absence of the central driver's seat. Observations from the test mule indicate that the production version will feature a standard cockpit layout, with the steering wheel positioned on either the left or right side, depending on the market. Don’t be misled by the large screen on the passenger side; it’s not an integral part of the car's interior and is likely used for various testing metrics by the engineering team.

The sporty electric hatch is anticipated to offer two electric powertrain options, with the high-end version delivering up to 270 horsepower. Both configurations will be front-wheel drive. Full details will be disclosed when the A290 officially launches next year. Following its release, Alpine will also introduce the GT-X Over crossover and an all-electric successor to the current A110 sports car.

Source: Motor1