I first drove an Alpine A110 a few years ago, when it was launched, and had fond memories of it. Making its acquaintance again, rather nearer to the end of production of this talented little car, I’m ashamed to say I’d forgotten just how great it is. Even by comparison with the Ferrari Roma that preceded it, the Alpine holds its own – and is arguably the more involving in the hands of your average driver. As good as a Ferrari grand tourer? In its own way, yes.
Full marks for the retro styling, for a start. It’s a conscious, even self-conscious, echo of a 1960s original, when it was known as a Renault, and it still works well. It avoids being too much of a pastiche. It’s rear-drive and mid/rear-engined, which means it can sit low and have a slim, racy bonnet line. Some “fins” in the side panels add to the classic appeal, and the fact that it’s quite compact by modern standards (4.2 metres long by 1.8 wide) just makes it seem that much more authentic, a throwback to the pre-SUV age.
