Mat’s Car of the Day: leasing this stylish electric hot hatch makes a lot of sense
Car changing is a big deal
Mat Watson doesn’t reckon the Alpine A290 is worth paying the extra for over the mechanically-similar Renault 5, but some cracking lease deals make it look much more appealing.
The Alpine A290 is an awesome-looking electric hot hatch which is great to drive, but it’s always had one big problem: the Renault 5. It’s very nearly as good as the Alpine, but it costs around £10,000 less.
That makes choosing between the two a bit of a no-brainer, unless you’re willing to spend that much for the styling alone. However, if you lease your car then there is a good case to be made for the Alpine. Let me explain.
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Alpine A290 leasing: how to get the best deal
If I was going to lease a Renault 5, I’d want the mid-spec Iconic 5 model with the larger battery and more range. Over three years and 30,000 miles, this car will cost you £288 per month with an initial payment of £2,886, bringing the total to just under £13,000.
The Alpine A290 may be a lot more expensive to buy outright, but it’s not that much more to lease than the Renault. Over the same three years and 30,000 miles, it’ll cost you £314 per month with an initial payment of £4,061. That brings it to a total of around £15,000.
This isn’t for the basic A290 either, it’s for the more powerful GT Performance+ model. You get 220hp, upgraded Michelin tyres, Brembo brakes and heated front seats.
If you can spare that extra £2,000, I reckon it’s well worth considering the Alpine over the Renault. Here are three reasons why.
Three good things about the Alpine A290
1. Just look at it
The Renault 5 is a wicked-looking small car, but the Alpine A290 turns things up to 11. The widened wheel arches and aggressive bodykit make it look like it means business, and the X-shaped daytime running lights give it a rally car vibe. I’d pay the extra for the styling alone.
2. It’s more fun to drive
The Alpine A290 isn’t sharp enough to warrant an extra £10,000, but for an extra couple of grand it is more fun on a twisty road than the Renault 5. That’s high praise indeed, because I love the way the Renault drives. The Alpine builds on that car with slightly faster steering, lower, stiffer suspension and a healthy dose of extra power – 70hp more to be precise.
3. It uses the same excellent infotainment system
Both the Renault 5 and the Alpine A290 have a Google-based infotainment system, and I reckon it’s one of the best in the business. It’s as easy to use as your phone, and you get apps like Spotify and Google Maps built in.
Three annoying things about the Alpine A290
There are a few drawbacks to consider before leasing an Alpine A290. Here’s three.
1. You get less range than the Renault
While the Alpine A290 GT Performance is faster than the Renault 5, the trade-off is less range. The Renault will do up to 252 miles on a charge, whereas the Alpine will do 226 miles. Drive it in the spirited manner which was intended and you’ll see closer to 200 miles.
2. No cupholders
The Alpine’s interior does look more sporty than the Renault’s thanks to a taller centre console and a chunky steering wheel, but the A290 has put the gear selector buttons in place of a cupholder. That’s madness if you ask me, especially seeing as the Renault’s column-mounted stalk is easier to use.
3. It’s not that practical
Just like the Renault 5, the Alpine A290 is really cramped in the rear seats and doesn’t have a massive boot. If you’re after a sporty electric car with more interior space, I’d recommend checking out the Abarth 600e.
With your sensible head on, the Renault 5 is still the better buy out of these two cars. It’s very nearly as good as the Alpine, and if you’re after the cheapest EV possible then you won’t be disappointed with it.
However, the Alpine looks so cool that I reckon it’s worth paying the extra £30 or so a month. It’s got that “want it” factor which makes it uber-desirable.
Car change? Carwow!
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