A MAJOR car brand has revealed its first-ever EV as a hot hatch featuring an F1-style "overtake" button.

The new motor is based on an iconic model from its parent company's back catalogue.

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Alpine, which is owned by Renault, has drawn on its motorsport experience to produce a fast but affordable hatchback.

The company hopes the new A290 will usher in "the era of the electric sports car".

The model takes heavy inspiration from both Renault's beloved 5, which was revived in 2024 after being scrapped in 1985, and its predecessor the A110.

It has been developed in conjunction with Ampere, the group's in-house EV R&D team.

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The A290 boasts some unique features, including a patented driving sound based on the "natural harmonics" of its motor.

It will also include three integrated driver feedback systems dubbed Live Data, Coaching and Challenges.

As the name suggests the first mode provides minute-by-minute information on the car's performance, while the second gives advice on driving behaviour like braking points in real time.

The third activates a video game-like set of tasks for motorists to complete as they go.

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Each time you tick off one of the challenges on agility, power or endurance a new level is unlocked.

However, the real tech party piece on the A290 comes in the form of an "overtake button" inspired by the DRS systems used in Formula One.

The switch "liberates" extra power and torque from the motor for a 10-second burst to allow for rapid acceleration to surge up the outside.

A base model A290 is set to clock in at £36,000, which Alpine hopes will allow it to be accessible while maintaining solid profitability.

First deliveries are scheduled for the first half of next year.

Alpine CEO Phillipe Krief said: "Our Alpine A290 is the first model of a new electric generation, inaugurating our Dream Garage in the finest possible way.

"This urban sportscar marks the introduction of Alpine to a broader public and resurrects a forgotten category, the hot hatch, so much loved for the driving pleasure it delivers."

However, Alpine isn't stopping with the A290, revealing that two more similar models are coming down the pipe.

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A spokesperson confirmed: "A GT C-Crossover and the new A110 will join the A290."

It comes after a homeowner revealed how they took some £9,000 revenge after their neighbour stole their parking spot every day.

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