Concept teases new Alpine hot hatch

ALPINE will take up the mantle from A hatchbacks, and this Alpine A290_B show car previews a future hot hatch from the sporty French brand.

- Sean Carson 

● A290 EV set for debut in 2024 
● Cabin draws on racing heritage

The name pronounced A290 'beta' - is derived from the gaming world, where developmental programmes are given this tag, highlighting that this car previews a production model that's set to make its debut in 2024.

Although this A290_B show car is based on a one-off bespoke platform not dissimilar to that of the Renault R5 Turbo 3E concept shown last year, the production version will be based on sister firm Renault's CMF-B EV architecture, which the A290 will share with the future Renault 5 all-electric supermini.

The two concepts share a similar silhouette and basic shape, but the A290_B offers an even sportier stance, thanks to wider track widths covered by chunky bodywork. There are 20-inch wheels wrapped in bespoke Michelin tyres (19-inch wheels will be standard on the production car), a deep front bumper housing the brand's trademark four-light face and 'X' LED signature, plus a big rear spoiler, extended side skirts and wheel-arches made from a new "rock-like forged carbon" with a blue inlay.