Colapinto brings luck. One day after the Argentine driver signed a contract with Alpine, the Renault Group sports brand obtained one of the most anticipated achievements in its history: win the World Car Championship.
He Alpine A290the sports version of the new Renault 5 was chosen Car of the Year 2025the most prestigious award in the sector that has been awarded every year since 1964 and since 2023 has been announced on the eve of the Brussels International Motor Show, in Belgium.
Not surprisingly, the distinction was shared with the new Renault 5 E-Techa classic that was reinvented as electric and was relaunched worldwide in 2024 as one of the banners of the French brand’s new global strategy.
The votes of 60 specialized journalists from 23 countries chose the winner. The duo formed by Alpine A290 and Renault 5 E-Tech reached first place with 353 points, beating others in the final six contenders.
The podium was completed by the Kia EV3, which achieved 291 points, and the Citroën C3-ëC3 (215 points). Fourth place went to the Hyundai Inster (172), fifth to the Dacia Duster (168), while the Cupra Terramar (165) and the Alfa Romeo Junior (136) completed the list of finalists.
According to the organization, this edition was more competitive than ever, since all the finalist models had electrified elements, the most of them 100% electric.
“The Alpine team is very proud to have won the award today. This award is even more symbolic because the A290 inaugurates the 100% electric Dream Garage, a first step in the development of electric sportiness in the Alpine style,” declared Philippe Krief, CEO of Alpine.
A high voltage sports car
The Alpine A290 is the first model of Alpine’s 100% electric erawhich will soon add the A390 fastback and the new A110. This urban sports car resurrects the hot hatch category, appreciated for its driving pleasure.
Developed on the AmpR Small platform shared with the electric Renault 5 E-Tech, it measures 3,99 metros and is offered in versions of 177 and 218 horsepower. The latter is capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.4 seconds and achieve a maximum of 170 km/h.
Both versions are powered by a battery with a capacity of 52 kWh, which with one charge allows autonomy of 379 kilometers for the less powerful variant and 362 kilometers for the 218 horsepower one. It can be charged at a maximum of 100 kW with alternating current and 11 kW with direct current.
Inside, the A290 is similar to the Renault 5 E-Tech, but with some differences that show its sporty spirit. The steering wheel, for example, is thicker and has several commands, including an exclusive red button for overtaking that, for 10 secondswill allow you to achieve those 218 maximum horsepower (in normal mode it delivers 190 HP)
The Alpine A290 is manufactured at the Renault Group plant in Douai, northern France.
