Car review: Renault Alpine A110

The Renault Alpine A110 makes an interesting Porsche Cayman/Audi TT alternative, says Martin Gurdon

27 February 2018

Renault claims that it gave designers of its Alpine A110 sportscar a ‘clean sheet’ brief, but the car shares the looks if not the technology of its much loved 1960s predecessor.

That dainty little car’s fibreglass body had an inimitable Gallic stylishness that has updated well, and the new one curvaceous body’s lack of aggressiveness is very refreshing.

It’s elegantly made from bonded and riveted lightweight alloys, that are used in areas like the suspension parts and seats which, like the rest of its interior, possess a good looking minimalism. This vehicular dieting has led to a car with a lack of bulk that will please sportscar purists.

This applies to Alpine’s driving characteristics too. The car’s mid-mounted 1.8 turbo petrol engine is rorty and responsive, aided by a brisk, seven-speed twin-clutch transmission, which can do its own thing or be worked by steering wheel paddles.

The ride is firm rather than brutal, the steering quick and very engaging, and the car nicely balanced. It’s all great fun and easy to use, if rather more hard core than the A110’s looks might suggest. This is a car you wear as much as drive.

Of course it isn’t perfect. Although the driving position is comfortable and accommodating for properly tall drivers, the interior is quite snug, luggage space insubstantial and for town driving, rear and three quarter vision is woeful. It could really do with a reversing camera, but you can’t have one of those.

Oh well, practicality isn’t really what this car is about, and it makes an interesting Porsche Cayman/Audi TT alternative. It’s also distinctive, sure footed and a complete blast, commodities that are in short supply in the car world.

Details: Renault Alpine A110

Top Speed: 156mph

0-62: 4.5 seconds

Combined fuel consumption: 46.3mpg

Emissions: 138g/km

Released: February 2018

Price: £50,000 estimated

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