The Renault Alpine A110 stands as a modern tribute to lightweight sports car engineering, delivering a ride that captivates with its balance of agility and comfort. This mid-engined marvel revives the Alpine legacy, offering drivers an intimate connection to the road without the harshness typical of high-performance vehicles.
Reviving a Legendary Heritage
Alpine’s return to the sports car scene with the A110 marks a pivotal moment, drawing from decades of dormant innovation. The original A110 from the 1960s and 1970s earned fame for its rally successes and nimble handling, setting benchmarks in the lightweight category. Today’s iteration honors that spirit through a bonded aluminum chassis that keeps weight under 1,100 kg, ensuring responsive dynamics across varied terrains.
Engineered in France, the A110 prioritizes purity over raw power. Its 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, shared in architecture with RenaultSport models but uniquely tuned, produces between 249 and 296 bhp depending on the variant. This powertrain propels the car to 62 mph in as little as 3.9 seconds, yet the real magic lies in how effortlessly it carries speed through corners.
Mastering Road Imperfections
One of the A110’s standout traits is its ability to glide over uneven surfaces. The suspension setup, featuring independent double wishbones at all corners, absorbs bumps with a suppleness reminiscent of classic Lotuses but refined for contemporary roads. Reviewers note how it ‘shrugs off bumps’ and maintains composure, preventing fatigue on long drives.
In everyday scenarios, the ride remains composed. Soft spring rates allow the chassis to float just above the road, filtering out high-frequency vibrations while preserving feedback. This creates a ‘three-dimensional feel,’ where drivers sense the car’s movements intuitively, enhancing confidence on winding lanes. Unlike stiffer rivals, the A110 avoids jarring impacts, making it suitable for daily use despite its sports car credentials.
- Key Ride Benefits: Exceptional bump absorption without loss of control.
- Quiet cabin insulation for relaxed cruising.
- Adaptive response to surface changes, ideal for UK B-roads.
Dynamic Handling Precision
The A110 excels in cornering, where its low mass and balanced weight distribution shine. Front-engineered steering is light yet communicative, wriggling gently over crests to relay surface details. Turn-in is crisp, allowing precise line placement without understeer, thanks to wide Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires gripping relentlessly.
Drive modes—Normal, Sport, and Track—tailor the experience. Sport mode sharpens throttle response, firms stability control, and enhances exhaust pops, unlocking fluid flows through bends. The seven-speed dual-clutch transmission shifts slickly, with reassuring jolts under hard acceleration, compensating for the lack of a manual option.
| Variant | Power (bhp) | 0-62 mph (sec) | Weight (kg) | Top Speed (mph) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A110 | 249 | 4.5 | 1,102 | 155 |
| A110 S | 292 | 4.2 | 1,108 | 160 |
| A110 R | 296 | 3.9 | 1,119 | 177 |
| A110 GT | 296 | 3.9 | 1,119 | 160 |
This table highlights performance evolution across models, with the R variant stiffening springs by 10% and lowering ride height for track focus, though it retains road usability.
Performance Nuances Across Variants
Standard A110: Everyday Thrill
The base model offers 249 bhp and a serene ride, ideal for spirited commutes. Its engine delivers linear torque from 2,000 rpm, popping on over-run for auditory delight. Normal mode suits urban jaunts, while Sport awakens its playful side without drama.
A110 S and R: Track-Oriented Edge
Upgrades in the S and R models boost power and sharpen chassis tuning. The R’s firmer anti-roll bars and optional hydraulic heave adjustment enhance flat cornering, yet the ride avoids crashiness. Brakes, with large ventilated discs, provide progressive stopping power, inspiring confidence in overtakes.
GT Legende: Grand Touring Refine
The GT variant refines the formula with plusher seats and subtle power hikes, maintaining the core fluency. It zips through straights and dances in corners, feeling ‘alive’ even at moderate speeds.
Interior Comfort and Practicality
Despite minimalism, the cabin prioritizes driver focus. Physical dials for climate control sidestep touchscreen frustrations, and supportive seats cradle without rigidity. Dual luggage areas—one front, one rear—add utility for weekends away.
Noise levels stay low at cruises, with the turbo four-cylinder humming unobtrusively. This usability elevates the A110 beyond track toy status, rivaling pricier supercars in refinement.
Braking and Safety Integration
Braking is a highlight, with feel and modulation earning praise. Large rotors and grippy tires halt the light chassis decisively, crucial for mountain descents. Stability systems intervene subtly, preserving the organic feel.
Real-World Testing Insights
Drives across France, UK roads, and US routes confirm consistency. Passengers note the serene motion, while drivers revel in the ‘fleet-footed’ agility. Even firmer R models fatigue less than expected, proving versatile tuning.
Competitor Comparison
Against the Lotus Emira or Porsche 718 Cayman, the A110 distinguishes via lighter weight and softer ride. It lacks the Cayman’s outright pace but surpasses in fluidity, offering Lotus-like purity with greater compliance.
- Vs. Lotus Emira: Softer suspension, lower price.
- Vs. Porsche 718: More forgiving daily dynamics.
- Vs. Toyota GR Supra: Superior chassis balance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Alpine A110 comfortable for daily driving?
Yes, its supple suspension and quiet cabin make it surprisingly livable, outperforming many sports cars on imperfect roads.
What engine powers the A110?
A 1.8-liter turbo four-cylinder, tuned for 249-296 bhp, paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic.
Does it have a manual gearbox option?
No, but the DCT is praised for quick, engaging shifts.
How practical is the A110?
Modest boot spaces front and rear accommodate weekend gear; it’s a 2-seater focused on driving joy.
What’s the top speed and acceleration?
Up to 177 mph for the R, with 0-62 mph in 3.9 seconds.
Why the A110 Captivates Enthusiasts
The A110 redefines sports car expectations by emphasizing lightness, balance, and driver involvement. Its ride transforms mundane roads into playgrounds, where every undulation informs rather than annoys. As Alpine evolves the lineup, the A110 remains the purest expression of its philosophy—fun without compromise.
References
- Renault Alpine A110 ride review — Auto Express. 2017-07-05. https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/alpine/a110/100023/renault-alpine-a110-ride-review
- Alpine A110 Driving, Engines & Performance — Top Gear. 2022. https://www.topgear.com/car-reviews/alpine/a110/driving
- Alpine A110 R Review — CarThrottle. Recent. https://www.carthrottle.com/reviews/alpine/alpine-a110-r-review-both-best-and-worst-a110
- Alpine A110 review — Evo. Recent. https://www.evo.co.uk/alpine/a110
- 2022 Alpine A110 review — The Intercooler. 2022. https://www.the-intercooler.com/library/driven/driven-2022-alpine-a110/
- I Drove It. Now I Want One. | Alpine A110 Review — YouTube (Chris Harris). Recent.