ALPINE A290 NAMED BEST HOT HATCH IN 2026 THE CAR EXPERT AWARDS

• All-electric Alpine A290 adds another award to its UK trophy cabinet
• Award-winning hatch is now available with maximum £3,750 Electric Car Grant, with prices starting from £30,245 (with ECG)
• The Car Expert awards judged using the Expert Rating Index that aggregates reviews from more than 30 top UK automotive titles
• Award recognises A290’s blend of sharp handling, retro-futuristic design and daily usability

Alpine’s all-electric A290 has been crowned Best Hot Hatch in the 2026 The Car Expert Awards, further cementing its reputation as one of the most exciting new entrants in the performance EV segment.

The Car Expert Awards are powered by the Expert Rating Index that analyses reviews from more than 30 of the UK’s leading motoring media outlets. For the 2026 Awards, a custom algorithm was created to reflect cars launched over the past year – factoring in media ratings, Euro NCAP safety scores, and real-world running costs.

Stuart Masson, Editorial Director at The Car Expert, said: “The Alpine A290 takes all that’s good about the Renault 5 (our Best Small Car Award winner last year) and dials everything up a couple of notches.

“For many people, the A290 is going to be their first experience of the Alpine brand, so it was an important car for the company to get right. And it’s more than done that. The A290 blends retro-futuristic style, sharp handling and a massive ‘want’ factor.”

Nicola Burnside, Brand Director, Alpine UK, commented: “We’re absolutely thrilled that the A290 has been recognised as the Best Hot Hatch by The Car Expert. This award is a fantastic validation of everything Alpine stands for – bold design, razor-sharp dynamics, and an unwavering commitment to driver engagement.

“The A290 marks the start of an exciting new chapter for Alpine, and we’re proud to see it resonating so strongly with both critics and customers alike.”

Bringing Alpine’s racing DNA into the electric era, the A290 has been engineered with a laser focus on agility, feedback, and feel. Its multilink rear suspension, driver-focused cockpit, and finely tuned chassis deliver a level of engagement rarely seen in the EV world – all in a compact, everyday-friendly package.

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
Press Officer
archie.finnie@renault.co.uk – 07887 468977