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Bold opening hook: The Alpine A290 isn’t just another electric hot hatch; it’s Autocar’s standout because it blends driving excitement with everyday practicality — and that balance is harder to pull off than it sounds. But here’s where it gets controversial: some traditionalists argue EVs can’t match the tactile vibe of petrol-powered hot hatches. This article argues otherwise, and the A290 is the proof.
Overview
The Autocar Awards are among the industry’s most prestigious, grounded in rigorous testing and direct group comparisons. When Autocar names a winner for Best Fun EV, it isn’t a throwaway accolade; it reflects a car that genuinely delivers fun alongside everyday usability. In 2025, that distinction went to the Alpine A290, a compact electric hatch with sports-car aspirations and a driver-focused ethos.
Background and essence
Alpine has a long history of making sporty cars, dating back to the 1950s. The A290 marks Alpine’s first major foray into hot-hatch territory, but it carries the same DNA that made the A110 beloved by driving enthusiasts. Earning the Best Fun EV title signals that the A290 has met a daunting brief in modern motoring: electric propulsion that still feels thrilling to drive. It demonstrates that electric cars can match the excitement traditionally associated with petrol-powered hot hatchbacks.
Autocar’s takeaway
Autocar’s editor Mark Tisshaw framed the win this way: in a landmark group test pitting five popular, affordable EVs against each other on some of Britain’s best driving roads, the Alpine A290 came out on top. He called it a nearly flawless all-rounder that ticks almost every box, deserving of the 2025 Best Fun EV crown. This verdict underscores the car’s broad appeal beyond straight-line speed, highlighting its versatility and engaging character.
Dynamic impression and first impressions from testers
Test editor Matt Saunders described the A290 as a turning point: the first electric hatchback to start feeling like a classic hot hatch, with the right credentials, smoothness, and a finely honed dynamic finish. Jonny Bryce concurred, insisting the car is undeniably fun to drive and lives up to the brief of best fun EV, offering tremendous braking feel and a true wheel-at-a-corner stance that enhances agility. The car’s low center of gravity and precise handling contribute to a sense of accomplished sportiness.
Model specifics and performance
Hot hatch credibility was built into the package from the start. The A290’s formula is compact size (under four metres long), a strong front-mounted motor, and a curb weight under 1,500 kg — notably light for an electric vehicle. It’s available in two power levels, 180 hp or 220 hp, both paired with a 52 kWh battery.
Performance and driving experience
Power delivery is brisk but not overwhelming. The 0–62 mph sprint is 6.4 seconds in the punchier version, with the smoother entry model lagging by a second. What makes the A290 special is how it translates torque into usable pace: instant acceleration out of corners, with chassis tuning that keeps throttle response controlled and predictable.
Road and track balance
Autocar testers highlighted that the A290 isn’t just quick in a straight line; it’s communicative on tight B-roads and capable on a circuit. Suspension geometry, damping, and steering calibration work in concert to deliver fluency and precision, allowing enthusiasts to push harder without sudden surprises. The car’s grip, steering feel, and throttle modulation make it enjoyable to exploit on every kind of road, not just on a track.
Daily usability
The A290’s dual personality is central to its acclaim. Its sub-four-metre length makes it easy to park and maneuver, with practical everyday usability. It’s a five-door hatch offering a 326-litre boot, which accommodates family needs. Official WLTP range reaches up to about 234 miles, and Alpine’s real-world range calculator helps estimate achievable figures in varied conditions. Quick DC charging up to 100 kW means charging from 15% to 80% in roughly 30 minutes, supporting weekend adventures.
Interior and tech
Inside, Alpine channels its performance focus with a cockpit that blends sportiness and practicality. A steering wheel with drive-mode, regenerative braking, and overtaking controls mirrors a racing-inspired setup. The car uses a Google-based infotainment system with telemetry readouts and coaching tutorials designed to improve cornering technique. testers praised the technology as a meaningful enhancement rather than mere gimmickry.
Materials and space
The interior uses quality materials, including leather trim and blue accents that elevate the cabin beyond a typical compact EV. Passenger space in the rear is adequate for adults, and the five-door layout plus accessible boot makes the A290 more versatile than many rivals in its class.
Styling and price
The A290 blends Alpine’s racing cues with retro hot-hatch styling. The distinctive quad headlights and subtle aero kit give it an assertive presence without excessive flair. Price starts at £30,245 for the entry GT+ (after incentives), rising to £34,245 for the higher-spec GTS+ model. A tester noted that while the price isn’t the bargain of past hot hatches, it represents good value for a car offering genuine capability, adjustability, and handling that could outshine rivals like the Abarth 500e or even more expensive EVs when it comes to driver enjoyment.
Why it won
The A290’s core strength lies in its seamless fusion of excitement and everyday practicality. It delivers playfulness, refinement, and polish with a tangible sense of character that defines a true hot hatch, all packaged in an electric drivetrain.
Final verdict
In Autocar’s assessment, the A290 represents an outstanding all-around package: not only a strong electric hot hatch but a compelling driver’s car in its own right. The consensus from testers is clear: the A290 marks a turning point for electric hot hatch realism, and it signals a new era where EVs can decisively satisfy driving enthusiasts.
Join the conversation
What’s your take on an electric hot hatch delivering actionable fun? Do you think the A290’s blend of performance and practicality sets a new standard, or is there another EV you’d nominate as the best fun car in this segment? Share your views in the comments.
