A retrorocket re born
WITh Christmas looming and snow falling, what better time for a real Alpine adventure? Reborn after 20-plus years, France’s Alpine A110 sports car — which I’ve been driving in the mountains of provence in southern France — goes on sale in spring.
This traditional two- seater compact brings back smiles, fun and frolics for motorists of all abilities. parent company Renault may have a mountain to climb in seeking to relaunch the brand, but it has produced a belter of a car that could export well to Britain and even make porsche feel a little twitchy as a rival to the Cayman.
For younger drivers, the Alpine is probably the most exciting car they’ve never heard of. But in France, it has the same emotional tug that an MG, Triumph, lotus or Aston Martin does in Britain, or a Ferrari in Italy.
people stopped me in the street to stare and reminisce. I took the A110 for a spin in the mountains and on the track near Aix-en-provence.
This cute coupe really does put a smile on your face, offering an agile and exciting ride — the perfect antidote to self- driving cars and all-conquering SuVs.
Mid- engined and rear-wheel drive, it’s powered by a 1.8-litre 4- cylinder 16v turbocharged 252 hp petrol engine linked to a seven- speed dual- clutch automatic gearbox with manual paddles on a chunky steering wheel. From rest to 62 mph takes 4.5 seconds, with top speed restricted to 156 mph.
The svelte retro, but aerodynamic, styling is a contemporary update of the lovely Alpine A110 Berlinette from 1962 to 1977.
Alpine has capitalised on the elements that made the original such a hit in the Sixties and Seventies: small and light with a low centre of gravity, making it a delight on twisty mountain and country roads and on the track, but also a comfortable ride that’s fun at low and medium speeds.
Just 1,955 of the premiere edition, from £50,000, will be built. Main production examples, from about £45,000, will follow from the middle of next year.
Sadly, no open-topped version is planned.