Alpine A110 Review
The Alpine A110, a name steeped in motorsport heritage, has made a triumphant return. This two-seater coupe, brought back to life by Renault, has been captivating enthusiasts with its lightweight design and engaging driving experience. Auto Express delves into the details, providing a comprehensive review of this revived classic. Since its relaunch, Alpine has stayed true to the original formula, with minor tweaks and special editions along the way maintaining the core essence of the A110.
What’s Under the Hood and How Much Does it Cost?
All versions of the A110 share a 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine sourced from the Renaultsport Megane. The base model offers 249bhp, while the rest of the lineup boasts 298bhp. A seven-speed twin-clutch automatic transmission with steering-wheel paddle shifters is standard, with power sent exclusively to the rear wheels. At the time of its original launch in 2018, the A110 started at just under £47,000, now the entry price sits at around £54,500 for the base model. The GT is approximately £65,500, the A110 S is £67,500, and the range-topping A110 R Turini commands a price of £92,000.
The basic A110 comes well-equipped with features such as climate control, LED lights, keyless starting, heated Sabelt racing seats upholstered in leather and microfibre cloth, a sports exhaust, a drive mode selector, an infotainment touchscreen, and 18-inch alloy wheels. The A110 GT adds more luxury, including a different wheel design (with lighter forged alloy options), revised lighting, brown leather seats and a Focal sound system alongside auto lights, wipers, an active exhaust, and more of the interior trim featuring microfibre. The A110 S features a sportier chassis setup, forged alloy wheels (with a titanium finish optional, along with a different wheel design,) orange stitching on the Sabelt seats, and racing bucket seats available as an option. The S also gets the Focal sound system like the GT and a broader range of personalisation options, including a contrasting roof colour or a carbon-fibre roof insert, a rear wing kit, and the option to add an Akrapovic exhaust system.
Driving Experience: Lightness and Agility
The A110’s lightweight chassis, which is markedly lighter than many of its rivals, is central to its appeal. Weighing in at just 1,102kg, it offers exceptional agility and a responsive feel behind the wheel. The base A110 can accelerate from 0-62mph in 4.5 seconds, with the more potent R model achieving it in 4.0.
On the road, the A110 shines, particularly on twisty roads, where the car’s nimble feel and the suspension’s ability to absorb bumps come into their own. The steering provides ample feedback, and the brakes instill confidence. While the A110’s engine note may not match the drama of a Porsche Cayman, it is still a rewarding sound.
Contributing editor Steve Sutcliffe spent seven months and nearly 8,000 miles behind the wheel of an Alpine A110 GT, overall he enjoyed the experience saying it was a “truly superb driver’s car, yet remains one that’s approachable, too.”
Interior and Tech
Inside, the A110’s cabin is a little more spartan compared to some competitors, this is a compromise which enables the car’s light weight to come into play, helping with the experience. However, it retains essential features and the design flair is very evident throughout the car. The seven-inch infotainment display might lack the glitz and speed of other systems, but it supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay for improved functionality.
Running Costs and Rivals
The Alpine A110 boasts good fuel economy for a performance car, and low fuel usage means modest CO2 emissions. While the A110’s insurance groups range from 47 to 50, similar to rivals, it resists depreciation admirably. The sports car market offers options like the Porsche 718 Cayman, Lotus Emira, and Toyota GR86. The Ford Mustang and BMW M2 also presents alternatives.
In conclusion, the Alpine A110 continues to impress with its engaging driving dynamics and distinctive design. It delivers a pure and precise driving experience, making it a standout in the sports car segment.
