Concept teases new Alpine hot hatch

ALPINE will take up the mantle from A hatchbacks, and this Alpine A290_B show car previews a future hot hatch from the sporty French brand.

- Sean Carson 

● A290 EV set for debut in 2024 
● Cabin draws on racing heritage

The name pronounced A290 'beta' - is derived from the gaming world, where developmental programmes are given this tag, highlighting that this car previews a production model that's set to make its debut in 2024.

Although this A290_B show car is based on a one-off bespoke platform not dissimilar to that of the Renault R5 Turbo 3E concept shown last year, the production version will be based on sister firm Renault's CMF-B EV architecture, which the A290 will share with the future Renault 5 all-electric supermini.

The two concepts share a similar silhouette and basic shape, but the A290_B offers an even sportier stance, thanks to wider track widths covered by chunky bodywork. There are 20-inch wheels wrapped in bespoke Michelin tyres (19-inch wheels will be standard on the production car), a deep front bumper housing the brand's trademark four-light face and 'X' LED signature, plus a big rear spoiler, extended side skirts and wheel-arches made from a new "rock-like forged carbon" with a blue inlay.

According to Alpine design director Antony Villain, the A290's bodywork is very close to production. Expect more conventional door mirrors and some slightly different exterior detail treatment (the forged carbon is unlikely to make it in a bid to keep costs down). But the overall shape and stance, front end and lighting elements should all be replicated when the roadgoing model is revealed.