ALPINE A290 CROWNED 'PERFORMANCE CAR OF THE YEAR' AT UK CAR OF THE YEAR AWARDS 2026

• Alpine A290 is crowned ‘Performance Car of the Year’ at the UK Car of the Year Awards 2026
• The award was decided by an independent panel of more than 30 experienced UK automotive journalists
• Recognition highlights Alpine’s approach to electric performance and driver engagement
• Prices start from £30,245 on-the-road, including the UK Government’s Electric Car Grant

The Alpine A290 has been named ‘Performance Car of the Year’ at the UK Car of the Year (COTY) Awards 2026, earning top honours from some of the country’s most respected and independent automotive judging panels.

Selected by more than 30 experienced motoring journalists, the awards recognise the most compelling new cars available to UK buyers. In the Performance Car category, the Alpine A290 was praised for delivering excitement and emotional appeal without chasing headline power figures.

Judges highlighted the A290’s ability to capture the essence of a classic hot hatch in an electric format – compact, agile and engaging – while staying true to Alpine’s motorsport DNA. Rather than focusing solely on outright numbers, A290 impressed for its balance, responsiveness and ability to entertain at real-world speeds.

As Alpine’s first fully electric performance model, the A290 represents a clear statement of intent for the brand. Its chassis tuning, compact dimensions and distinctive styling combine to create a car that prioritises driver involvement, whether in urban settings or on challenging roads. The result is an electric performance car that feels accessible and rewarding, while remaining unmistakably Alpine.

Comments from the panel of UK Car of the Year journalists included:

“This car shows that EVs can be scintillating driving machines – at any speed and in any situation (urban or country).” – Paul Hudson, The Telegraph

“The hot hatch sector gets a welcome jolt of electrified fun with the Alpine A290. It’s bang on what a modern hot hatch should be and does with a great big dollop of style into the bargain.”- Alisdair Suttie, Pistonheads, Autocar, Classic Car Business

“For me, the best performance cars are about emotion rather than outright numbers, and the Alpine A290 delivers that in abundance. With ‘only’ 180bhp, it still feels alive and engaging, channelling Alpine’s motorsport heritage into a car that’s thrilling to drive at real-world speeds.”- Natisha Chatten, Auto Social UK“

The A290 is a welcome break from the normal excesses of electric performance cars. It’s a classic hot hatch in all but noise – offering brisk acceleration in a small, agile body and with style that can’t help but turn heads.” – Alex Grant, Freelance

On accepting the award, Nic Burnside, Head of Alpine UK, said: “The A290 was charged with bringing Alpine’s motorsport DNA into the electric era. With its multilink rear suspension, driver-focused cockpit and finely tuned chassis, it delivers a level of engagement that’s central to what Alpine stands for. This award shows that approach resonates with people who truly understand performance cars.”

Available in four trims – GT, GT Premium, GT Performance and GTS – the A290 is powered by a 52kWh battery and offers a choice of 180hp or 220hp electric motors. Pricing starts from £30,245 OTR, including the Government’s Electric Car Grant.

For more information, visit https://www.alpine-cars.co.uk/electric-models/a290.html

ENDS

ABOUT ALPINE
Founded in 1955 by Jean Rédélé, Alpine has established itself with its French-style sports cars. The brand introduced the new A110 in 2018, faithful to Alpine's timeless principles of compactness, lightweight, agility and driving pleasure. The Alpine Business Unit was created in 2021, building on the heritage and savoir-faire of its historic Dieppe factory and the engineering expertise of the Alpine Racing and Alpine Cars teams. The dedicated brand innovates authentic and exclusive sports cars within Renault Group. This expertise enables the brand to compete in two FIA championships: Formula 1 and the World Endurance Championship. Alpine is also present in other racing disciplines through its customer racing programme in Rally, Cup and GT4. 2024 marks a turning point in Alpine's ambitions as it inaugurates Its 100% electric "Dream Garage" with the launch of its hot hatch, the A290, followed by its first sport fastback, the A390, in 2025.

For further information please visit press.alpinesportscars.co.uk, www.alpinecars.com or @RenaultUKPR or contact:

JIM HOLDER
Director of Communications
jim.holder@renault.co.uk – 07779 227930

ARCHIE FINNIE
Public Relations and Communications Manager, Alpine UK
archie.finnie@alpinecars.com – 07887 468977