Alpine A110 review: The French equivalent of the Porsche Cayman – only better

YOU like? I do, very much.

This is the Alpine A110, the French equivalent of the Porsche Cayman, only better.

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But before I explain why, I’ll answer your most urgent question first.

“Alpine? I thought it made car stereos?”

Yes, it does. But this Alpine — pronounced Al-peen — is an iconic sports car maker that ruled French motorsport in the 1960s and 1970s.

Two cherries being the Monte Carlo Rally and Le Mans 24-hours.

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Sadly, Alpine was mothballed by owner Renault in 1995 after years of dwindling sales.

Now, though, Alpine is back with this brilliant, feather-light, rear-drive, rear-engine 156mph two-seater.

Let’s all forget about eco porridge and self-driving SUVs for a week because this car is for drivers who still love driving. There’s still a few of us left.

So why does it beat a Cayman?

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I’ll start with weight. Lightness is the key to performance — better accel­er­ation, later braking — and the all-aluminium Alpine is 300kg lighter than a Cayman. That’s a lot.

Next up, engine.

The A110 uses the same 1.8-litre turbo as the 280hp Megane RS — but turned down to 252hp.

That’s still enough to propel it from 0-62mph in 4.5 seconds, quicker than a 300hp Cayman.

And I’m pleased to report the up/down shifts with the active exhaust flap sound heroic.

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Note: If it had the same output as the Megane RS, it would need bigger brakes, tyres, shafts and so on — and that adds weight.

Thirdly, it’s different.

It’s refreshing. It’s a modern, well-executed sports car but with a strong nod to its heritage.

Now before I continue, I must clarify something. I repeat, the Alpine edges the current four-cylinder Cayman.

But offer me the old flat-six Cayman with a stick shift . . . well, that’s a different matter.

Key facts

ALPINE A110

Price: £50,000
Engine: 1.8-litre turbo
Power: 252hp
0-62mph: 4.5 secs
Top speed: 156mph
Economy: 46mpg
CO2: 138g/km
Rivals: Porsche Cayman, Audi TTS, Lotus Elise

Let’s continue. I tested the Alpine on road and track (I’m very thorough) and it is an absolute joy to drive.

Playful and slidey when pushing close to the limit, without ever being scary.

Pin-sharp steering and soft riding over lumpy roads (double wishbone suspension).

In a Lotus Elise, your spine is the suspension. Nicely crafted interior with satnav, air-con and all the mod cons. A luxury everyday sports car, then.

Key facts

Porsche Cayman

Price: £45,000
Engine: 2-litre, 4-cyl turbo
Power: 300hp
0-62mph: 4.7 secs
Top speed: 170mph
Economy: 40mpg
CO2: 158g/km

Final observation.

The £50k “Premiere Edition” is the first car to be sold exclusively by an app.

All 1,955 cars — Alpine was founded in 1955 — went in five days.

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Renault thought it would take six months.

The standard road cars will start around £48k, slap bang between the Cayman and Cayman S.

VERDICT: Awesome. Welcome back.