The Return of an Icon: Renault 5 E-Tech & Alpine A290 Deep Dive
The compact electric vehicle market has found its defining benchmark. Built on the purpose-engineered AmpR Small platform, Renault Group has revived one of history’s most beloved superminis as a duo: the retro-chic Renault 5 E-Tech and its high-performance sibling, the Alpine A290 hot hatch.
1. Performance and Acceleration (0–60 mph)
The two models cater to distinct driving mentalities through different electric motor outputs and chassis tuning:
- Renault 5 E-Tech: Available with a 120 hp or 150 hp electric motor. The flagship 150 hp variant completes the 0–62 mph (0–100 km/h) sprint in 7.9 seconds, delivering immediate low-speed throttle response tailored for city manoeuvres.
- Alpine A290: Elevates the performance envelope with options for 180 hp (GT/GT Premium) or 220 hp (GT Performance / GTS). The 220 hp version accelerates from 0–62 mph in just 6.4 seconds, aided by an “Overtake” button (OV) on the Formula 1-inspired steering wheel that delivers instant maximum power.
0–62 mph (0–100 km/h) Acceleration Comparison
Alpine A290 GTS (220 hp) [===========> 6.4s]
Alpine A290 GT (180 hp) [=============> 7.4s]
Renault 5 E-Tech (150 hp) [==============> 7.9s]
Renault 5 E-Tech (120 hp) [================> 9.0s]
2. Ride Quality and Suspension Comfort
Despite their short 2.54-meter wheelbases, both models utilise a multi-link rear suspension setup—a rarity in B-segment compact vehicles—delivering class-leading ride composure:
- Renault 5 E-Tech: Calibrated for everyday road compliance, absorbing city tarmac imperfections while limiting body roll during mid-corner transitions.
- Alpine A290: Features hydraulic bump stops, widened track widths (+60 mm), and upgraded anti-roll bars. It balances sharp, track-ready turn-in response with smooth primary damping over unsettled surfaces.
3. Interior Build Quality and Ergonomics
Both cabins merge nostalgic design cues with modern digital architecture, utilising an OpenR dual-screen setup (10-inch digital cluster paired with a 10.1-inch central touchscreen running Google built-in software):
| Feature Area | Renault 5 E-Tech | Alpine A290 |
| Upholstery & Fabrics | Recycled denim and textured fabrics with yellow-and-blue stitching accents | Nappa leather / Dinamica microfiber with blue and white sport stitching |
| Seating Ergonomics | Retro-styled “H-frame” bucket seats offering strong lateral support | Deeply bolstered Alpine sports seats designed for high-G cornering |
| Tactile Controls | Piano-key shortcut toggles, custom steering wheel controls, and woven accents | F1-style aluminium rotary dials, drive-mode buttons, and metal pedals |
| Practicality | 326 litres of rear boot space with split-folding rear seats | 326 litres of rear boot space with specialised sports-luggage tie-downs |
4. Key Technical Specifications
| Specification | Renault 5 E-Tech (Comfort Range) | Alpine A290 (GTS) |
| Powertrain | Single Front Motor (FWD) | Single High-Output Front Motor (FWD) |
| Max Horsepower | 150 hp (110 kW) | 220 hp (160 kW) |
| Max Torque | 245 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Battery Capacity | 52 kWh Usable (NMC Chemistry) | 52 kWh Usable (NMC Chemistry) |
| Official Range (WLTP) | Up to 252 miles (405 km) | Up to 226 miles (364 km) |
| DC Fast Charging Rate | Peak 100 kW (15–80% in ~30 mins) | Peak 100 kW (15–80% in ~30 mins) |
| Curb Weight | ~1,450 kg | ~1,479 kg |
