Alpine has started taking orders for its A290, the French brand’s first electric vehicle and newly announced as the joint winner with its Renault 5 sister of the European Car of the Year award.

The A290, described as the ‘hot hatch’ variant of the Renault 5, will cost from £33,500 on the road, or on a PCP at prices starting from £345 a month plus a £5,054 deposit.

Alpine is offering the newcomer with a choice of two powertrains – a motor equivalent to 180hp with a WLTP-certified range of up to 236 miles, and a more powerful 220hp variant stretching the potential range to 226 miles and boasting a 6.4-second 0-62mph time.

The car boasts the largest battery offered on the Renault 5 as well as more aggressive styling and chassis upgrades over its Renault sister, including a tuned chassis and Brembo brakes, along with three choices of bespoke Michelin tyre.

Five versions of the A290 will be available from launch, dubbed GT, GT Premium, GT Performance, GTS, and Launch Edition. Entry-level GT models sit on 19-inch alloy wheels and equipment includes heated seats and steering wheel, a 10-inch infotainment touchscreen and wireless smartphone compatibility.

The car has already attracted a number of reservations with customers paying a £250 deposit, and those that confirm their order before 4th February and use Renault’s Mobilize Financial Services for their finance will be able to claim up to three years free servicing and a VIP Alpine experience – these include track driving an Alpine A110, a tour of the Alpine F1 factory at Enstone in Oxfordshire or VIP hospitality at major events.

Dealers are expected to receive their first cars in March with first customer deliveries in the following month.