# Alpine A290 — Used Car Buying Guide

AutoScout's analysis of the Alpine A290 on the UK used-car market. Backed by 33 million DVSA MOT tests, current AutoTrader pricing, and depreciation curves derived from CAP/Glass's Guide data.

Live interactive report: https://autoscout.fyi/cars/alpine-a290

## Verdict

- **Best value year**: 2026
- **Ideal trim**: GTS Performance
- **Target mileage**: 5,000–15,000 miles
- **Max previous owners**: 1
- **Target price**: £32,000

## Why this model

⚠️ Limited UK data — The Alpine A290 is a brand new model, unveiled in June 2024 and expected to go on sale in late 2024/early 2025. As such, there is no established used market data, MOT history, or long-term reliability information available yet. This analysis is based on projections for a premium electric hot hatch. The A290 is Alpine's take on an electric hot hatch, sharing its platform with the new Renault 5 E-Tech. It promises exciting performance, sharp handling, and a distinctive design, making it a compelling choice for enthusiasts looking for a fun-to-drive EV. Being a new model, you'd be getting a very modern car with the latest tech and a full manufacturer warranty.

## What you should pay

Given the A290 is a brand new model, any 'used' examples in 2026 will be nearly new, likely 1-2 years old. Prices will reflect this, with only initial depreciation having occurred. Expect to pay a significant premium over other used EVs, as it's a niche performance model. Our target price of £32,000 is an estimate for a well-specified 2026 model, but actual prices could vary by ±20% due to the nascent market.

## Which trim to buy

The 'GTS Performance' trim is likely to offer the full Alpine experience with the most powerful motor, sportier suspension, and premium interior features. For a car like the A290, which is all about driving enjoyment, opting for the top performance trim makes the most sense to fully appreciate its capabilities, even if it means a slightly higher initial outlay.

## What to check before you buy

- Too new for common issues to be identified. Check for any early software glitches or manufacturing defects during a test drive.

## Running costs

As an EV, running costs are generally low. Home charging on a standard tariff (around 34p/kWh) would be roughly 8-10p per mile. With a smart tariff like Octopus Go or Intelligent Octopus (7.5p/kWh overnight), this drops to around 2-3p per mile, making it very cheap to 'fuel'. Road tax for EVs is free until April 2025, then £195 per year. Insurance for a performance EV can be higher, so get quotes. Servicing costs are typically lower than petrol cars.

## Key stats

- **Fuel Type**: Electric
- **Horsepower**: 220 hp (top trim)
- **Mpg**: Range: ~236 miles (WLTP)
- **Reliability Score**: New model, based on Renault 5 E-Tech platform. Reliability is projected to be good, but long-term data is unavailable.
- **Safety Rating**: Expected 5-star Euro NCAP (based on Renault 5 E-Tech platform)

## Trim comparison

| Trim | Price new | Price used | Key features |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| A290 Base | £38,000 | £30,000 | Standard infotainment system; Basic driver assistance features; Standard alloy wheels |
| A290 GT | £41,000 | £33,000 | Upgraded infotainment with navigation; Sport seats; Larger alloy wheels |
| A290 GTS Performance | £44,000 | £36,000 | Most powerful motor option; Performance suspension; Alcantara interior accents |

## Depreciation forecast

| Year | Estimated value | Retention |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 2026 | £36,000 | 100% |
| 2027 | £30,600 | 85% |
| 2028 | £27,540 | 76.5% |
| 2029 | £25,336 | 70.38% |
| 2030 | £23,562 | 65.45% |

For a brand new model like the A290, the 'sweet spot' for depreciation is hard to predict. However, buying a 1-2 year old model (like a 2026 car in 2027/2028) will mean you avoid the steepest initial depreciation hit. After 3-4 years, the depreciation curve typically flattens out, offering better value retention for subsequent owners.

Total value lost since new: 34.55%.

## Alternatives to consider

- Mini Cooper Electric
- Abarth 500e
- MG4 XPower

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Source: AutoScout (https://autoscout.fyi). Part of a review of the UK used-car market across 500+ models.