Alpine A290 Collection: the compact electric sports car gets a more distinctive version

The Alpine A290 is to the Renault 5 what your wealthy cousin living in Dubai is to you. It shares the same surname, but operates at a different economic level. It’s a small, very fun car that is also expensive. Now, the A290 expands customization options with new color combinations, tires, and finishes for those seeking an even more distinctive and exclusive option.

The updates apply to both the Alpine A290, the small sports car derived from the Renault 5, and the Alpine A390, the SUV. The former gets a new version called Collection, while the latter offers various options to give its body and interior a more personalized look.

The main novelty is the Alpine A290 Collection, a new version that adds specific design elements and an exclusive color combination. It will be available in Blanc Nival white or the new Bleu Orange matte blue, a finish reserved for this edition. In both cases, a black roof is standard and helps enhance the contrast with the rest of the bodywork.

The treatment of some exterior elements has also changed. The wheel arches are painted in the body color, and 19-inch Snowflake tires are included, along with chrome logos and silver-gray front brake calipers. Inside, this version features fabric upholstery in Bleu Profond and Gris Evee tones, a setup designed to set it apart from the rest of the range without necessarily relying on more luxurious materials.

The starting price in its initial markets is 40,700 euros, a figure that places this model in a competitive landscape for cars of compact size. While Alpine emphasizes its sporty nature and refined design, it also needs to convince those who believe a car of this size should be more affordable.

Alpine A390

The Alpine A390 also sees updates, though these are optional features that expand customization options. The model can now be configured with two new body colors: Alpine Vision Blue and Blue Tempête Mat, along with new tires for those who want a more eye-catching appearance.

The options list includes 20-inch Comète tires and 21-inch Snowflake tires with a light gold finish. Inside, Alpine adds matte carbon fiber decorative elements and sporty seats covered in gray Nappa leather. These changes aim to enhance the sports character of a model that combines a larger body size with a more refined design than the A290.

The updates to both models reflect a strategy aimed at offering more customization options, but they also highlight an increasingly obvious issue: the range is expanding, not only at the lower end but also at the higher end.

The Alpine A290 Collection is a good example. While the GT starts at 39,000 euros in Spain, the Collection begins at 40,700 euros in its initial markets—a price yet to be confirmed in Spain—placing it in a similar range to the new Volkswagen ID. Polo GTI, with a 226 HP engine, starts at 39,995 euros. Both models, along with the Peugeot e-208 GTI, aim to attract drivers who want a compact car with a distinctive look and more sporty performance than conventional versions.

Three models that represent a similar idea: reviving the appeal of small sports cars in the electric era. The problem is that, with prices near 40,000 euros before any discounts or promotions, cost becomes one of the main barriers for those looking for a fun car without having to upgrade to higher-tier models.