Renault 5 E-Tech and Alpine A290: Double Trouble or Twice the Fun?
Image Credit: Renault Group.
Renault has done it again! They've only gone and scooped up the coveted Car of the Year award for the second year in a row. This time, it's the Renault 5 E-Tech and its mischievous sibling, the Alpine A290, sharing the crown. Yes, sharing the crown. Apparently, they're so inseparable that even the judges couldn't bear to split them up.
Two winners? Isn't that a bit like having two birthday cakes? It's excessive, and someone's going to end up with a tummy ache. But before you reach for the antacids, let me explain.
These two electric hot hatches are built on the same platform, the AmpR Small platform from Ampere in Europe. Essentially, they are identical twins but with slightly different hairstyles. The Renault 5 E-Tech is the sensible one, the one you'd take home to meet your mother. It's got those cute, retro-inspired looks that make you want to pinch its cheeks.
Image Credit: Renault Group.
Then there's the Alpine A290, the rebellious one with a nose ring and a penchant for loud music. It's the one that sneaks out for joyrides and leaves you wondering where it's been all night.
But despite their differences, they both share the same electric heart and soul. And that's what seems to have won over the 60 motoring journalists from 23 countries who voted for them. They beat out some stiff competition, including the Kia EV3, Dacia Duster and Citroën ë-C3.
What makes the twins so special? Put it simply - they're both incredibly fun to drive. The Renault 5 E-Tech has two powertrain options, while the Alpine A290 gets a more powerful motor that will leave you giggling like a schoolgirl. Both are packed with tech and safety, and are as practical as they are playful.
Image Credit: Renault Group.
But I suspect the most appealing thing about them is the price. The Renault 5 E-Tech starts at around $28,000 in Europe, which is pretty darn good for a car that's this much fun. It's available in three trim levels, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs and budget.
What about the range? I'm glad you asked. The Renault 5 E-Tech has a range of up to 249 miles on a single charge, while the Alpine A290 can go up to 279 miles. That's more than enough for most daily commutes and weekend adventures. And it's good to know that both cars can be charged quickly using a DC fast charger. You can get up to 80% charge in just 30 minutes, which is enough time to grab a coffee and a croissant.
Of course, no car is perfect. And I'm sure there are some things that the Renault 5 E-Tech and Alpine A290 could improve on. But for now, I'm just happy to see that electric cars are finally starting to get the recognition they deserve.
