Alpine A390 : The automotive world is witnessing a revolution as Alpine unveils its latest masterpiece, the A390. This high-performance hot hatch combines French elegance with racing DNA, promising to shake up the premium compact segment with its impressive specifications and innovative features.
Alpine A390 Design and Styling
The A390 showcases Alpine’s distinctive design philosophy with a modern twist. The front fascia features signature X-shaped LED headlights and an aggressive splitter that enhances aerodynamic efficiency. The wide stance and muscular wheel arches house 19-inch forged aluminum wheels, while the rear sports a prominent diffuser and dual exhaust outlets.
The exterior design achieves an impressive drag coefficient of 0.31, thanks to carefully sculpted surfaces and active aerodynamic elements. The distinctive Alpine blue paint remains a signature option, alongside five other exclusive colors that pay homage to Alpine’s racing heritage.
Alpine A390 Engine and Performance
At the heart of this French rocket lies a sophisticated 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing an impressive 300 horsepower and 340Nm of torque. The engine pairs with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission featuring Alpine-specific gear ratios. Power reaches all four wheels through an advanced torque-vectoring system that ensures optimal traction in all conditions.
Performance figures are equally impressive, with 0-60 mph achieved in just 4.7 seconds and a top speed of 155 mph (electronically limited). The lightweight construction, utilizing aluminum and carbon fiber components, results in a kerb weight of just 1,320kg, contributing to its exceptional agility and performance.
Alpine A390 Technology and Features
The interior combines sporty aesthetics with cutting-edge technology. The 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster features Alpine-specific graphics and performance data displays. A 9.3-inch central touchscreen handles infotainment duties, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The premium audio system by Focal delivers exceptional sound quality through 12 perfectly positioned speakers.
Alpine A390 Safety and Innovation
Safety features include a comprehensive suite of driver assistance systems. The A390 comes equipped with adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, autonomous emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. A unique Alpine-developed stability control system offers multiple modes, including a track-focused setting that allows for more dynamic driving while maintaining a safety net.
Alpine A390 Efficiency and Practicality
Despite its performance focus, the A390 remains practical for daily use. The five-door configuration offers easy access to all seats, while the 380-liter boot provides adequate storage space. Fuel efficiency is impressive for its performance level, achieving a combined cycle figure of 34.5 mpg (WLTP).
Alpine A390 Price and Availability
The Alpine A390 will be available in three trim levels: Pure, Légende, and S. Prices start from £45,000 for the Pure, rising to £55,000 for the fully-loaded S version. Orders will open in late 2024, with first deliveries scheduled for early 2025.
Alpine A390 Heritage and Evolution
The A390 builds upon Alpine’s rich racing heritage while embracing modern technology and performance capabilities. The vehicle’s development involved extensive testing at famous circuits, including the Nürburgring, where it achieved impressive lap times that challenge more expensive competitors.
The success of this model will be crucial for Alpine’s expansion plans and its position in the performance car market. With its competitive pricing, impressive performance figures, and distinctive French flair, the A390 is poised to challenge the traditional hierarchy in the hot hatch segment.
As Alpine continues to evolve and expand its range, the A390 stands as a testament to the brand’s ability to create exciting, driver-focused vehicles that remain true to its racing heritage while meeting modern demands for efficiency and practicality. Whether used for daily commuting or weekend track days, the A390 promises to deliver an engaging driving experience that sets it apart from its competitors.
The Alpine A390 represents more than just another hot hatch; it’s a statement of intent from a brand that continues to push the boundaries of performance and technology. Its combination of power, agility, and everyday usability makes it a compelling alternative to established players in the premium compact segment.
The vehicle’s sophisticated powertrain management system offers multiple driving modes, including Comfort, Sport, Track, Rain, and Individual, allowing drivers to tailor the car’s characteristics to their preferences and conditions. The adaptive suspension system provides both comfort and dynamic capabilities, adjusting ride height and damping characteristics based on driving conditions and selected modes.
Inside, the cabin features sustainable materials without compromising luxury, including recycled fabrics and responsibly sourced leather options. The acoustic engineering ensures a serene driving environment while maintaining the connection to the road that Alpine drivers expect.
As the automotive industry continues its evolution toward electrification, the A390 represents perhaps one of the last purely internal combustion engine offerings in its segment. This makes it not just a compelling performance car but also a potential future classic, combining traditional driving thrills with modern technology and safety features.
The Alpine A390’s launch marks an exciting chapter in the brand’s history, offering enthusiasts a unique blend of performance, style, and practicality that stays true to Alpine’s sporting heritage while embracing modern technology and safety requirements. Its success could well determine the direction of future Alpine models and cement the brand’s position in the premium performance segment.