Alpine A110 Test Drive Review

bimbeano · 2018-09-13T12:08:36Z

Test drive review of the Alpine A110 by bimbeano. Discover its lightweight design, engaging handling, and surprising comfort for a sports car.

bimbeano

WPS member · Automotive forum

30 replies6321 views6 photos

bimbeano shares an exhilarating test drive experience of the new Alpine A110, a car he describes as his modern hero. His review delves into the A110's surprising lightness, engaging handling, and remarkable comfort, offering a personal comparison to other performance cars he has owned. This article captures the pure joy and fun of driving a well-engineered, lightweight sports car.

This afternoon i passed by one of the 2 Belgian Alpine dealerships.

Frank the sales manager lives near my place and immediately recognized me and also immediately proposed a test drive

.... .

I was thinking at that point .. ' i'm done ' ... my accountant will probably have to kill me in a near future.

But they say you should never meet your hero's ... in this case the new A110 is my modern 2018 hero like the Ferrari F40 and Testarossa are my childhood heros (i never got to drive them anyway).

So with the Sabelt bucket seat already manually screwed to the lowest point i was very surprised i could put the seat halfway to wards the front !!!! Mind you most Purists who met me in person know i'm a lot above average length

What struck me first was the lightness of the whole thing at very low speeds, a nice sound but still comparable to the engine (the same one) in my Megane RS.

The Alpine's 1,8 turbocharged engine delivers 252 hp (320 Nm), the 'same' one in my RS delivers 280 hp and 390 Nm, so a pretty big difference.

The Alpine has a Getrag 7 speed dual clutch gearbox, the RS a Renault 6 speed EDC (also double clutch), the 7 speed is miles smoother for that matter :-(.

Full acceleration and pick up at any rpm is a lot faster in the A110, yes weight is everything and then there's the handling

At any speed this car feels fun, just like my 2010 Clio RS gives me, the Clio being an atmospheric (no turbo) 2 liter delivering 200 hp (for 1240 kilos .... Alpine=1080 kilos, Megane=1400+ kilos) gives a much rougher experience off course.

The steering never feels dull or unnatural just like that 'old' Clio, in the Megane it sometimes is difficult to estimate the correct input, probably due to the 4 wheel steering system (rear wheels also steer to a certain degree depending on speed ).

The comfort is amazing as the A110 is pretty soft, if you have a very light car you can use a soft suspension without loosing grip, just like my old Peugeot 205 that only weighs 810 kilos. Taking speed bumps at high speed is a piece of cake which is pretty funny.

This test drive only confirmed what i already knew, actually it was really unnecessary to try it out

... it was fun but now i really know how it feels and my hunger for it will probably only grow faster than intended :-( ... .

Here are a few pics, the blue color is simply stunning in the flesh, standing next to this tiny car also makes you realize why it sells so well (13 to 18 month waiting list depending on the country).

My verdict (being a very biased Renault fan) is off course: This is the best car in the world ... kind off

And now ... time for noodles ...

About the Alpine Ref. A110

The A110 reference represents a specific offering within the Alpine product line, known for its distinct design characteristics and manufacturing period. This model is recognized by collectors for its particular aesthetic, which sets it apart from other references in the brand's history. Its production run concluded in the late 1970s, marking it as a piece from a defined era of the manufacturer.

Details regarding the case material, dimensions, and the specific movement caliber are integral to understanding the A110. The construction of the case and the type of crystal used contribute to its overall presentation and durability. The movement, whether automatic or manual, and its power reserve are key technical aspects that define its functionality and appeal to enthusiasts.

For collectors, the A110 holds significance as a reference that is no longer in current production, with the last modern examples having been phased out of the catalog. The scarcity of these pieces, particularly those from the final production years, contributes to their appeal in the secondary market. Its place in the brand's lineage offers insight into the evolution of Alpine's design philosophy.

Specifications

Caliber: 1.8L turbocharged 4-cylinder

Case: Aluminum chassis and body

Key Points from the Discussion

The Alpine A110's Sabelt bucket seats are designed to accommodate a wide range of body types, including taller and larger individuals, with ample adjustability.
The A110's 7-speed Getrag dual-clutch gearbox offers a significantly smoother experience compared to the Renault 6-speed EDC found in the Megane RS, despite both being dual-clutch systems.
The Alpine A110's lightweight construction (1080 kg) allows for a softer suspension setup without compromising grip, resulting in exceptional comfort even over speed bumps.
The A110's steering provides a natural and engaging feel, superior to systems like the 4-wheel steering in the Megane RS, which can sometimes make estimating input difficult.
The Alpine A110's acceleration from standstill to 200 kph feels very quick but stable, even on non-straight roads, distinguishing it from more powerful but less composed cars like a 996 Turbo in similar conditions.
The A110's driving pleasure is attributed to its lightweight design and all-day usability, making it a fun car to drive despite its automatic transmission.

The Discussion

bimbeano

Sep 13, 2018

Just like i really like my old 205 with only 85 hp ! I can't imagine how the old A110 would drive, but be assured the new one (for a modern car) is all about driving pleasure as well. ... are you coming to Belgium in the near future ?

MCG (Markus)

Sep 13, 2018

I love that car! I hope I will have the chance to drive it some day … 🍀☀️😃

AuHavrePro

Sep 13, 2018

Uniquely appealing for sure . Thanks for the photos, cheers, Filip

cazalea

Sep 13, 2018

I hope the test drive wasn’t too much of a burden! Mike

bimbeano

Sep 13, 2018

Actually the pleasure was all mine

bimbeano

Sep 13, 2018

But somebody had to do it !

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About the Alpine Ref. A110

Specifications

Key Points from the Discussion

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