16:43 29-11-2025

Alpine A290 electric hot hatch fuels UK sales surge

The Alpine A290 electric hot hatch, built on the Renault 5, is winning over both loyalists and first-time buyers. Alpine UK head Nicola Burnside said the model has quickly struck a chord in Britain, a market with a long-standing soft spot for compact performance cars. The formula plays neatly to local tastes, and it shows.

From January to November 2025, Alpine sold 1,155 cars in the UK, a year-on-year jump of 267%. The surge came from existing A110 owners as well as newcomers. The company notes that part of its traditional following—enthusiasts and motorsport fans—is moving to electric alongside the brand, while the A290 is drawing younger buyers and urban residents focused on EVs. That mix hints the A290 isn’t just a niche play, but a gateway to a wider audience.

A five-door Alpine A390 will hit the market soon, positioned by the brand as offering dynamics comparable to the A110. It will be followed by a new-generation electric A110, marking the next step in Alpine’s push into electrification.