Jack Evans heads to Lisbon to see if ‘S’ adds some spark to the Alpine A110

the anti-roll bars are firmer by 100 per cent. So, it’s safe to say that the way the A110 rides has been radically changed. New wheels and tyres feature on all four corners, and the car’s electronic stability program has been given a tweak too, for a more focused drive. There are also powerful Brembo brakes and calipers, which are available as an optional extra on the standard A110, too.

HOW DOES IT LOOK?

Alpine hasn’t radically changed the looks of the S over the base A110. That 4mm drop in ride height gives it its largest visual change and we’d argue it’s a good one, helping to give the car a little more purpose. Carbon-fibre badges adorn the sides of the car, and our test cars came with forged alloy wheels too - though these remain an optional extra on the

S, just as they do on the A110. In truth, Alpine didn’t need to mess with the looks of the car. It’s one of the strongest parts of the overall package and we’re glad that its features haven’t been over-exaggerated for the S.

WHAT’S THE SPEC LIKE?

The Alpine A110S weighs in at £56,810, which represents a significant hike over the next most expensive model - Legende - which commands a £50,805. If you’re hoping for a full suite of new interior tech for that premium, then you’re likely to be disappointed. Yes, there are new, more upmarket materials used throughout the cabin, but the main architecture remains the same. The infotainment system is decent enough, but as said about its use in lower versions of the A110 before, it’s not quite as clear to use as rival offerings.