Review of the new Alpine A110 S 2022

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Unlike most of the last sports cars, the new one is updated Alpine A110 The S’s headline figure isn’t power output or 0-62mph time. Fresh, like its predecessor, the standout indicator is still the lightweight 1,119kg kerbweight. On twisty, fun roads, its driving dynamics will make its coupe rivals nervous. However, the Alpine doesn’t feel as premium as its German rivals, which at this price point it really should.

AlpineThe future of, like every other carmaker, is electric, and we’ve documented the company’s plans for EVs – even a full-size SUV. With all that said, it’s tempting to compliment the top new product A110 WILL simply a raw, lightweight sports car, designed with driver involvement at the top of its priority list.

But there are some problems with this, mainly about the shape of the opponents, such as Porsche 718 Cayman and BMW M240i, just to name two. The French car still does not have this segment of its own.

On paper, the new Alpine A110 S is off to a good start. The 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder produces more power, up from 288 hp to 296 hp. It also develops a healthy 340Nm of torque, which helps it accelerate from 0-62mph in 4.2 seconds, 0.2 seconds faster than its predecessor.

The lightweight 1,119kg kerbweight is the new A110 S’s standout statistic and rightfully so. Along with all the dynamic benefits this has to offer, there’s also a plus for efficiency, which can go up to 40.9mpg.

Sliding into the bucket seats accentuates the A110 S’s focus – if you haven’t noticed the lower ride height, larger 18-inch wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires or a new rear spoiler.

The interior has most of the tech you could possibly need, but it falls short of the competition’. The seven-inch touchscreen might seem a bit small, but it’s got connected services and enough features. Otherwise, it’s unlikely to distract from the driving experience.

Press the big red start button and the engine kicks in with a deeper roar when you select Sport Mode.

It doesn’t take long for the A110 S to show you its contents. There’s plenty of engine noise right behind your head, while the raucous turbo sound and firm suspension grab your attention immediately. There’s a sense that the A110 S isn’t as satisfying to drive around town, because a sportier chassis means the car will be squashed by potholes and bumps at low speeds. While it wouldn’t be fair to call the A110 S unpleasant, if you intend to use the Alpine regularly in town, the standard A110 or GT version will be more suitable.

The S is happier when you ignore the urban environment and accelerate. Its 1.8-liter turbo engine may not be as slick as some of its five- and six-cylinder rivals, but it packs solid mid-range power. It tops out at 6,000 rpm, at which point you can shift gears with the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, which is good but not great. Changes aren’t as quick and precise as we’d like, but that doesn’t detract from the great driving experience that the A110 S’s superbly flexible and adjustable chassis offers.

The Alpine delivers on its promise as a sports car extremely deftly and with regard to corners. The driving feeling is more precise than that of the regular A110. And thanks to a combination of reinforced anti-roll bars and specially tuned dampers, there’s a new sense of responsiveness to the way the S changes direction, with the body rolling less than in the A110 models. other. Optional front and rear attachments provide an additional 61kg of downforce at the front and 80kg at the rear, but you won’t notice it on the road.

More obvious is the larger 320mm Brembo front brake that comes standard on the S and is also available on the mid-range GT model. They provide significant stopping power combined with excellent, progressive pedal feel.

The new A110 S starts from £59,995 – £2,855 more than the old car. With options including a carbon fiber roof, various alloys, an aero kit and a number of other extras, our car came in at £71,689 – or £21,784 more than the A110 standard.

However, even at this price, the Alpine still ranks among the best sports coupes. However, we prefer the standard A110 to be lighter and less full-bodied than this stiffer, more focused S standard.