Electric hot-hatches are having a moment in the UK, and few names are stirring as much buzz lately as Alpine A290 and Renault 5 E-Tech. Both hail from the same family (Renault group), share architecture, and yet aim at somewhat different bits of the spectrum: one leaning more sporty, the other more everyday usable. So, when you put Renault 5 vs Alpine A290 side by side, which one comes out ahead?
Let’s dive in.
Shared DNA & Philosophy
Before dissecting specs, performance, pricing, and experience, let’s understand what these two vehicles share:
- They are built on the AmpR Small platform, a modern EV architecture designed for compactness, efficiency, lower weight, and better packaging.
- Both offer a 52 kWh battery (or an option for a smaller 40 kWh version in the R5), depending on the trim and intended use.
- They share fast-charging capability (DC), an 11 kW AC on-board charger, heat pumps for better thermal efficiency, and many interior tech features.
So, they’re siblings. The question is: how different are they in practice, and which one better suits your priorities?
Key Specs & Technical Highlights
Here are how the numbers compare when you line up Alpine A290 specs vs Renault 5 E-Tech specs. This helps set the ground for understanding strengths and trade-offs.
| Specification | Renault 5 E-Tech | Alpine A290 |
| Battery options/capacity | 40 kWh “urban-range” & 52 kWh “comfort-range” | 52 kWh only |
| Power / Motor output | ~120 hp (40 kWh) / ~150 hp (52 kWh) versions | Two main levels: ~180 hp and ~220 hp, depending on trim, higher performance orientation. |
| Acceleration (0-62 mph / 0-100 km/h) | Around 8 seconds (for the higher-powered R5) | Faster: ~7.4 seconds in lower A290 trims, quicker in the higher performance ones. |
| Top speed | ~150 km/h in most trims (depending on battery) | Slightly higher in performance trims; Alpine has sportier tuning. |
| Range (WLTP) | Up to ~250 miles for the 52 kWh version; ~190-200 miles for the 40 kWh smaller battery version. | Slightly less in the highest power trims, but still competitive: ~235-236 miles in more modest versions; performance trims drop a bit. |
| Charging speed (DC fast charging) | Up to ~100 kW for larger battery versions; 80-100 kW DC rapid charging. | Similar – 100 kW DC charging in both, with times of ~30 minutes to bring the battery from 15-80 %. |
| AC charging, onboard charger | 11 kW AC charger standard | Same – 11 kW AC used in Alpine A290. |
| Weight & Physical dimensions | Lighter trims, smaller wheels, slightly narrower & lower body (other things equal). | Heavier with sportier trim: bigger wheels (19-inch), stiffer suspension, more aggressive bodywork; weight around 1,479 kg. |
| Price (UK / Europe) | Generally lower entry point than Alpine; R5 aimed more affordable (varies by trim) | Alpine A290 price UK starts from about £33,500 for the basic trim, rising with trims and performance. Top versions around £38,500. |
Driving Experience: What It Feels Like On the Road
Specs are great to know, but driving experience is what turns numbers into feelings. Here’s how these two compare when you’re behind the wheel.
Renault 5 E-Tech driving experience
Comfort & Usability
The Renault 5 is more relaxed in ride tuning. Suspension, steering, and insulation are tuned for everyday usability rather than razor-edge sportiness. If you’re commuting, doing errands, maybe taking occasional highway trips, this will feel more forgiving. Interiors lean toward retro cues with modern tech: chunky, comfortable seats, intuitive infotainment (Android Automotive in many versions), with physical buttons for climate control, etc. Good visibility and, compact footprint make it easy in urban settings.
Performance & Handling
Quick enough, especially with the 52 kWh / ≈150 hp version. You’ll get nimble responses, instant torque typical of EVs, and enough performance for fun overtakes. But it’s not trying to be a track weapon, more of a lively, fun everyday driver. Lighter weight (in smaller battery trims) helps in agility. Less firm suspension helps absorb bumps, though there’s always a trade-off: less sharpness in cornering compared to something tuned more aggressively.
Charging & Range in Real Life
The Renault 5 E-Tech range is very good, particularly with the larger battery (52 kWh). Up to ~250 miles WLTP is impressive for the class. The charging speed is competitive: DC rapid charging to bring from ~15-80% in ~30 minutes on the bigger battery version is solid. AC charging at ~11 kW is enough for overnight home charging.
Alpine A290 performance and feel
Sportier Edge
The Alpine hot hatchback EV identity is clear in the A290. More aggressive styling (bigger wheels, sportier trim), stiffer suspension, sharper steering, all tuned for more driver engagement. If you like a more involved drive, you’ll definitely feel the difference here. In performance trims, you get more power, tighter responses. The acceleration is faster. Handling is more dynamic, especially through corners. The trade-offs: a less plush ride over rough surfaces compared to the R5, more road feedback (good or bad, depending on taste).
Range Trade-offs
Because of the more powerful trim options and the performance tuning (wider tires, more aggressive stance, etc.), range drops a bit in the high-output variants. For those aiming to maximize distance, choosing the lower power A290 trims helps. Charging speeds are on par: same platform, same battery tech, same DC fast charging capabilities (100 kW), and similar “15-80% in ~30 minutes” numbers. AC charging is also similar.
Weaknesses & Trade-Offs to Watch
No two cars are perfect. Here are some of the drawbacks or trade-offs that come with each.
For Renault 5 E-Tech:
- Rear seat room is a bit tight for tall passengers, especially when the front seats are pushed back. Urban footprint helps, though.
- Handling is good, but not as sharp as the Alpine. Enthusiasts will notice less aggressive suspension, less poise in hard cornering.
- In high-performance or fast trim, you still carry the usual penalties in extreme situations (weather, highway speed, etc.), though the heat pump and efficiency help.
For Alpine A290:
- Price premium. You’re paying for performance, looks, and sporty tuning. For some buyers, that extra money could go towards more range with a different EV or toward extras.
- Range drop in performance trims, heavier wheels, more aggressive tires , all can reduce “real-world” efficiency compared to R5 in its more modest trims.
- Ride comfort: firmer suspension means an engaging drive, but less forgiving over rough roads. Also, road noise and NVH (noise, vibration, harshness) may be more noticeable.
Which One Should You Pick?
It always boils down to what you need. Here are some scenario-based suggestions:
- If you’re mostly doing city driving, school runs, errands, occasional motorway stretches, and you dislike paying extra where you don’t feel a benefit, go for the Renault 5 E-Tech, ideally the 52 kWh version for range with fast charging.
- If you love spirited driving, twisty roads, want your car to deliver “hot hatch” thrills, and you don’t mind paying more for that, go for the Alpine A290, especially in the higher trims.
- If budget is tight but you still want a premium feel, maybe you stick with a mid-spec Renault 5, or get an entry Alpine and live with fewer features but still get the style and badge.
- Consider charging infrastructure, insurance, servicing, and resale in your area; sometimes, those “hidden costs” make a big difference.
Final Verdict
If I were to pick for myself, balancing cost, performance, daily usability, and enjoyment, I’d likely lean toward Renault 5 E-Tech. It hits a strong sweet spot: good range, solid charging speed, fun enough, nice tech, and a lower entry price. But for someone who wants excitement, style, and performance, the Alpine A290 is a compelling “best electric hot hatch 2025” contender, particularly in its more powerful trims.
So, which one wins? It depends on what you value most.
FAQ: Alpine A290 Vs Renault 5 E-Tech
The Renault 5 E-Tech with the 52 kWh battery offers up to ≈ 250 miles WLTP in ideal conditions; the 40 kWh version gives ~190-200 miles. Alpine A290 in its lower power trims gets about 236 miles WLTP; in higher performance trims, the range drops slightly (around the mid-220s miles) due to more aggressive tuning, wheels, etc.
1. What is the real driving range of both cars?
Both support ~100 kW DC fast charging. Charging from 15-80% typically takes ~30 minutes on the larger batteries of both Renault 5 (52 kWh) and Alpine A290.
2. How fast can you charge both from a rapid charger?
The Alpine A290 starts at about £33,500 for base trims in the UK, moving up in price with higher trims. It costs significantly more than the Renault 5 E-Tech base versions; the premium reflects its sportier tuning, upgraded features, and more aggressive styling.
3. What’s the Alpine A290 price in the UK, and how much more does it cost vs the Renault 5?
Yes, if performance is your priority. Alpine adds sharper handling, higher power in its top trims, stiffer suspension, and generally more engaging road feel. It’s tuned to deliver more of a “hot hatch EV” sensation. But that comes at trade-offs: cost, ride comfort, and slightly reduced range in performance versions.
4. Is the Alpine A290 better for performance?
Renault 5 E-Tech offers strong charging speeds: with the DC fast charger, you can get from about 15-80% in ~30 minutes (for the larger battery). AC charging (11 kW) is standard for home or slower public charging.
5. What about charging speed for the Renault 5 E-Tech?
Conclusion
In the end, the Renault 5 E-Tech and Alpine A290 are both excellent electric hatchbacks, each with its strong points. If someone asks, “Which one wins?”, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. It depends on your priorities. Whether that’s cost, range, daily comfort, or pure driving thrill.
Whichever you choose, both are pushing the electric hot hatchback category forward. This is an era where electric isn’t just sensible, it’s actually becoming fun.
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