Alpine A110 GT review. Does the flyweight A110 still live up to the hype in 2024?
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- čas přidán 17. 02. 2024
- Alpine A110 GT review. The new A110 first appeared in 2017, seven years later, just it still live up to the hype? For more info on Shamir lenses: shamir.com/uk/for-professiona...
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In the world of ghastly, overweight SUVs, the Alpine is a breath of fresh air. Criminally underrated.
yes, as common as dirt, those pathetic suv s
Another reason living in the states sucks
Alpine will release an electric CUV in the near future
😂😂 I can’t imagine too many buyers thinking “shall I buy a family SUV or a two seat sportscar”. You’re making a meaningless comparison. And who’s “underrated” it - most road testers loved it? It doesn’t sell because it’s has the core engine and interior quality of a $20k car not a $75k one. Beautiful and good to drive as it is, Europeans are still just buying Caymans (and the brave now Emira’s) and I guess in the US it wouldn’t be getting anyone out of their Corvette, hence Renault don’t even bother trying.
It’s highly rated in every test written. Where’s the underrating?
Gordon Murray’s daily car of choice
MIne too
Only cos he can’t fit in an Elise
@@Gaudine Yeah but let's be honest an Elise is too hardcore for a daily driver. You could daily drive an Emira potentially but an Elise is too much.
He must’ve bought all five they sold in the UK last year…
@@neilturner6749 haha 😂
HG is really the new TG. Just as it was the highlight of the week to watch Top Gear on a Thursday night at 8.30 in the 80s or 8 on a Sunday in the 00s, Harry's Garage is the definitive must watch and highlight of the week in motor journalism and entertainment. Don't stop doing it 😊👍
Yes!! Couldn’t have put it better myself! Absolutely right.
Spot on!
Hear hear, 👑 long may he reign
5pm Sunday. Glass of Wine. Harry’s Garage. Perfect!
6:15 here & doing exactly the same thing!
A nice IPA for me perfect Sunday viewing.
pretentious
0-60 in 10.9 , I assume you meant 0-100.😂
That’s not too bad , one that sticks in my mind was Fast Lanes test of the Qv countach , it did it in 10 dead .
So that little 1.8 is nearly as fast as your v12 Countach 😂
...and I hope he's meaning mph.. 0-60km/h in 10.9s doesn't sound fast at all
For a fraction of a second I was flabbergasted to learn my Subaru Outaback (Wilderness) is three seconds quicker than the Alpine, despite being at least 1,300 Kgs heavier, with 40 fewer horses…
Lol, yeah.
Let's just pretend Harry was showing off his automobile brain by quoting the 1970s Alpine A110 timings.
yeah, 0-60 is in 4 seconds on this one
Thanks for clearing that up, i did wonder what he meant by 10.9 seconds to 60.
At last - It’s Sunday. It’s 5pm. It’s Harry’s Garage. Enjoy 👋
Amen!!!!!
He’s my daddy. I love Harry’s garage
& Tyrell!
Crackerjack!!
As a yankee obsessed with mid-engine, this is one I have ALWAYS wanted to try. You Britts sure have good taste! They just keep giving us truck after truck 😂
It’s a French car made in a small factory in Dieppe, France.
Having said that, I think that Colin Chapman would have been proud of this car. 😁
You get the new Z. Something has to give lol
AND YOU AMERICANS GET THE CORROLA GR!@@autodigitvlogs
@@FOXHOUND4143ha! Ha! Pretty much. Unless you are like me, and prefer top down mazda RF.
Not as fast, but certainly going to use up the roads we have available.
I realize it is French. I mean the Brits get it because they appreciate that kind of car.@@Conservator.
So pleased you're giving this car the credit it deserves
Great review. And as an owner I can even agree a bit with the critique. Still really happy with mine. The light weight, the rotational mass close to the center of the car, and how the car rotates around you give it something special. The fact that the suspension is comfortable (thanks to lightweight) makes it such a remarkable car on actual roads. On a holiday (filled with luggage) I drove a very badly maintained road in Croatia mountains with constant corners and hairpins and the occasional spot of gravel. An absolute joy to drive. Also its comfortable enough to actually use it, since even a highway onramp or a roundabout is already a lot of fun. This means I even take it out on boring commutes in winter - and still have fun with it.
Even though it does not sell in big numbers this car (and its factory) was also never setup to be sold in high numbers. Its a success story. I honestly see this car as the perfect middle ground between MX5 and GR86 (though their engines being in front makes it a very different feel) and a Porsche. And honestly other than perhaps a little luxury and a little better engine sound I don't see the value of the Porsche. And the Lotus for me would be the choice over the Porsche but I don't think I would favor an Emira over a A110. The A110 is what Lotus used to be but slightly more daily drive friendly.
I regularly passed a Renault garage in France during the summer while my partner was hospitalised . They had an Alpine in orange out in the forecourt . It looked stunning. A bit of an underrated car.
Bit underrated. Massively underrated. In fact potentially the last of a breed. Ever
The Alpine and the 182 Trophy would make a great two car garage,
Yes because the trophy is perfect for that weeks holiday with family and luggage 😂
I’m guessing he wanted to use the alpine as the family car lol
@@G1installs I've put my family of 5 in my 182 for a long weekend more than once!
Or a Clio RS200 cup would be even better.
RS200 in any configuration is a much more practical car than a 182, but a 182 is a purer driving experience.
For the vast majority of people a 200 will be a better all round proposition. For the ultimate driving experience though you want a 182 Trophy or a 172 cup.
Haven't seen Harry grin like that in a car for a long while!
As a 110 lover in the U.S., I’ll be stopping by the dealership In Deauville Normandy to drool…unfortunately, all I’m able to do. 😢
I feel that. Until it's 25 years old--or is that just for Japanese cars?
Any country of origin.
It really bugs me that we don't get some cars because the manufacturers don't believe it would sell well over here. I think it would do fine. Look at lotus here. The cayman sells well, why can't this?
@@barsaf9989- The Cayman sells but it doesn’t sell well. Porsche’s Cayenne and Macan are their best sellers. In the pecking order Cayman ranks near the bottom just above the Taycan EV. Don’t get me wrong I wish it wasn’t so. But the reality is everyone says they want sports cars but they buy SUVs instead.
@@stuffhappens5681 That's fine. But suv's are a different segment. Otherwise they would just end the 911 and put all that money into their suvs.
The perfect timing of a 110 review, as I am looking at buying.
Just do it 😀 - they are genuinely brilliant and superb as a daily (very nearly 50k miles on mine)
Did you?
4:28 "It's Louis Vuitton or something I don't know, being French"
You got a laugh out of me!
Beautiful car. I wish they’d sell in the States here in small numbers 😊
Great video - and great car, I drive one (well, not a GT - preferred original seats) and it's just magnificent. They will never sell in numbers - even if it did have future: comments here and elsewhere tell you all you need to know - too many potential buyers just don't care enough about engineering a car for low mass and want more weight (cylinders, "better materials", etc) chucked on.
Thank God they do not sell many, let’s try and keep this a secret… sort of! 😊
Sad, but true. Or a badge they feel is more prestigious.
The rare spotting of an original Alpine has always been a treat but this new iteration looks the business!
A few pennies from myself having recently test drove the Alpine A110 GT through south Wales. After 5 minutes I was sold. Its just the way it sits on the road, I almost want to say the road works for the car and not the car works for the road. Acceleration hits you in big gulps of turbo, you soon realise you can carry that same speed through the corners making it very quick down a B road. You cant hear it in the video too well but once you get into the power band and the down shifts, the fizz and whoosh from the turbo does add charater to a very responsive engine. Unfortunatly, I have to wait until my house move to buy one in Europe. Great review as always Harry.
Its a poor engine and gear box. Can't stand those crappy over blown four bangers - just cheap and nasty.
@@VK6AB- You clearly havent driven one? Dont forget the 1.8 is also light and although I wasnt impressed looking at it on paper it was written on, driving it was a totally different expirence. Gearbox is amazing on these, really quick and crisp.
@@kccar256 Its crap compared to a decent performance car it really is. Mutton dressed as lamb. Drive a good car with a great engine like A Cayman 4L GTS with PDK.
@@VK6AB- have you driven one though? Be honest
ppl in the know recommend testing gr86 as well beside a 110; it might save you 25k.
Great review, Harry.
What an absolute joy this car is! I test drove one a few weeks ago after spending a lot of time looking at them and talking to Alpine people at several Bicester Scrambles. And the result is that I ordered one and it’s coming next month..
A thoughtful channel for thoughtful drivers. Ten out ten, Harry et al.
Another Sunday treat,the Alpine really is the modern car with old school attributes,I think anymore power could overwhelm it and that weight is incredible.
Always worth watching Harry's videos on the big screen TV on 2160p!
Really would like one of these.... very underrated - great review again Harry
The more I see them around, the more that I appreciate
Perfect timing Harry as you pass the Boxster 😊
This Alpine is a very well born car and I'm very glad you enjoy your ride aboard. And have made a video of it. We french, don't have sport brands so the reborn of Alpine is quite a proudness for us and to see the enthusiasm of journalists like you is a pure pleasure. Thank you !
Very interesting link to Shamir lenses, for those of us with accomodation issues... many thanks !
Love the Alpine as well.. a base model will do fine 😉
Harry with the In-Video plug
future classic without a doubt. you should review the 2024 mx5
the quality of the vid around the 12 min mark (or when i first noticed it) is awesome. I mean, from the camera car, with the lighting (or editing?), and the blue car... just spectacular.
I’ve always been a fan of it. Good to know that you are as well. I also like the addition of the tricolore 🇫🇷 as detail. A lovely little car. With good thinking behind it too.
I was just thinking “I hope Harry revisits the Alpine as I don’t know if I should buy one!”. Thank you, Harry, spot on!
As an owner of A110 GT I would say yes
Me too just buy one! 👍
If the numbers work, buy it. Its incredibly grown up and competent and also has the rarity no Cayman will ever have. People are made up when they see mine.
Go for it! I've put 12000 miles on my 22 Legende (ie a pre-facelift GT) and have never had a car like it. I live 3 miles from a dealership and still hardly ever see any. There are approx 1200 in the UK, so rarity comes as standard 😊.
Just seeing Harry stand next to the car shows off how wonderfully small it is. It would be interesting to see it sitting next to the Emira. I'll never understand why they don't offer it in a manual transmission.
They never sold enough to justify a manual...
There is no manual box that would fit and it wouldn't make financial sense to develop one. That and the auto box is actually lighter than a manual would be. You can then have a 7 speed with closer ratios to keep it on boost all of the time. I have one, my first ever auto after some great manuals and I don't miss the third pedal at all.
@@TheAmbler looks like someone eat the whole marketing bs book from renault and now regurgitates all the bs info towards others.
This car should have been a manual.. but the poor guys(engineers) at renault were forced by suits(marketing and finance) to build it with an auto.. because in 2015-2016, when it was developed, any "serious sports car" had a dkg, pdk, dsg and etc.. and so, they had to work within the set limits, having no porsche GT money to develop two gearboxes for one car.
The same suits at Renault decided against clio rs 16 and also decided against a manual clio rs IV(because drivers want automatics, right?, riiight??) which brought a colapse in clio rs sales which concluded with thr end of the RenaultSport brand last year; basically, one bad decision after another and yet, there are ppl like yourself who applaud them for going automatic only. 🤦🏿♂️
#posers everywhere these days.
@@TheAmbler Your description is the typical PR reasoning when a manufacturer is asked about a manual. But the actual, sad truth is that if there were demand it would be made. I don't mind automatics but I strongly prefer manuals, especially in my sports cars. More connection to the process of driving.
Well it's the truth. No buyers = no money. Porsche sell 9 PDK Caymans for every 1 manual. Maybe the uptake would be slightly higher on an Alpine if it were offered, but still more would opt for Auto. Its a lot quicker, not that outright pace is everything, but also with paddles diving into hairpins or S-bends and the like at speed you can keep both hands on the wheel at all times. That, plus daily driving is made easier. I like a manual, my last was a TVR so I'm no bore, but the obsession over Manual is odd. You could remove your syncros from your manual box and do it properly, but why would you?
Great review as always Harry , you always have the ability to get into the soul of the car and be very honest . Had a 110 GT for a year now Got to say it’s a keeper as always puts a smile on your face as ideal for British roads. Yes it’s not perfect but what is. Never had a car , and had quite a few, that draws so much interest .
Great to see you back in an Alpine
Tried. One of the best car of the décade. Hands down. This have should been the response the co2 émission problems... but non sens took over as usual.
I saw one of those in Broadway today looks stunning 👌
Broadway ? Like New York ?
@@mathieuschafer1360No… it’s a town in The Cotswolds 😊
Take it up broadway tower cry😅
@@miura67 yeah that makes sense lol
I drive around the South East every day and its always a thrill to see the Alpine, its a rare beauty, I would order one tomorrow
THAT is a thing of beauty ❤
Beautiful lines that just flow majestically.
I had not seen one before.
Thanks Harry 👍
So a neighbor has one and I have to say it looks a lot more special in person than on video
Yep. It’s an odd one. The whole rear end doesn’t work for me and seems to have a lot of visual weight in any pictures I see. As soon as it starts moving it seems to gain a lot more grace but seeing one in the flesh I always think they look smashing. Most expensive “proper” car I could daily that fits in my garage. Unfortunately price tag is too big for my wallet…
They are an unusual car in the fact that pictures do them NO justice. In the flesh they just look fantastic! They’re also a lot smaller than you imagine. I’ve had mine for four years and I always turn round to look at it when I park up! 🤩
Most cars are like that. Take my RS5 Vorsprung coupe, I was going to get an M4 instead until I actually saw an RS5 in the metal...it looks terrible in vids & pics imho.
Possibly the most underrated car in the world! Alpine really deserved to sell millions of these... 🚀
You’re confusing “underrated” with non-selling. It would only be underrated if its reviewers didn’t give it the credit it deserved. All the armchair sportscar “enthusiasts” love it, but if you gave them £70k they’d all go and buy a Cayman!
@@neilturner6749 So it's underrated in the eyes of the consumers. People that confidently "corrects" others while being wrong are my favorite people. You can't just redefine a term by claiming it only applies to reviewers.
@@RichardTheRoe Got to love people like that. "It's not underrated" followed by a statement describing how it's underrated.
Auto gearbox killed it for many, sad to say.
The boot space killed it for me, I was hell bent on one, but my Exige V6 has more space to go touring in than a car designed to go touring in.
Another great review Harry, I have a base Pure version, and agree with everything you say, even after driving mine for 8k miles, but the engine note/gearbox are both a big let down along with the pops and crackles in sport, way too many of them making you feel like a boy racer. Great road trip car, chose my Alpine for a Euro tour over all the Alps passes over my McLaren LT Spider, quiet, comfortable good economy and amzing on the mountain roads. Enough storage in the two boots, but lack of inside storage is an issue on these extended trips. Decent manual box and an exhaust upgrade and you'd have an absolute amazing car rather than just a very good car.
Great review as usual, well deserved.
Those wheels look fun to clean lol
I think this is the sportcar for me - and not only because I love french cars in general and Renaults in particular - but it is just that focused, no-nonsens approach to it. I would only buy a sportscar for the driving part of it - luxury i could not care less for, so this would fit the bill perfectly, and the fact that Gordon Murray used it as a bench-mark car just make it even more right. Also - those driving glasses seems very interesting... think I have to check that out more.
I had an Alpine a610 turbo when much younger. It was superb.
Yes, definitely looking into it the GT! Saw it back in 18 at the meet up in Renault West London. Only live once! This is an exotic here. Its very rare.
Less weight not only offers better acceleration and handling but is easier on components like brakes, tyres and suspension. Nothing new in that equation, as most enthusiasts will know, just basic physics but really well executed by Alpine.👍 Manual gearbox mode seems to mean paddle shifts these days. Being of a certain age I'd much prefer the old clutch and stick shift, especially in a car like this but it's "progress" I suppose. Lightweight it maybe but I liked the reassuring "chunk" when the doors are shut. 😀
As a spectacle wearer I'd be interested to see how those new driving glasses perform behind a visor when out on the bike.
Totally agree with your comments about light weight. I've recently bought a delivery mileage Honda S660 from Japan. Much less power but even lighter than the Alpine (820kg) and a delight to drive. A great rasp from the engine and all at speeds that won't upset the local constabulary. Wonder if we will see the end of power (and weight) one up manship any time soon?
What a fabulous choice of car, i'm in awe
There's plenty available in Japan for import. Really low mileage ones would be half or less than the Alpine. Just be prepared for the "what's that mate?" questions
Beautiful alpine, I falling for it since I was driving the Alpine 110 in 1973
Great review Harry
I like these also cause they will be quite exclusive, don't see many of them bombing around 😎
Harry you said 10.9 secs to 60mph lol I’m pretty sure you made a mistake there. Keep up the good content for us on Sundays
Nice touch at ~17min when Harry mentions Cayman and a Boxster passes by... was that planned or accidental ? :)
It sounds surprisingly good.
My optometrist had my progressive eyeglass lenses made to be dashboard to distance, without a problem. I prefer to read over the top of them or with no glasses on, as I can see text better that way.
I really enjoyed that. Not really noticed an alpine for years. What nice looking car.
Gordon Murray's reference car for the f50 enough said
What a glorious machine, good lord.
Eyes need testing then
Happy Sunday
Great review as always. If this car was closer to £40k I’m sure it would sell very well.
Hi Harry, great review! Have always thought the Alpine A110 sounds remarkably similar to the Toyota GT86 / GR86 and Mazda MX5 in terms of lightness and driving dynamics… I’m surprised more reviewers don’t draw this comparison over the Cayman and Audi TT.
Also I’m surprised you don’t appear to have ever done a review on the Toyota or the Mazda, unless I’ve missed it?
As you own a Lotus Elan, would be very interested to see how you think the MX5 compares.
Having driven all 3, the Alpine is in a different laugue to the GR86 and MX5. Its a much faster car, think comparing it the Porsche Cayman/TTRS/Toyota GR Yaris (but different class of car really)
Yes I appreciate on paper the Alpine is in a different league in terms of price and outright performance but traditionally EVO has seen past these two factors to offer intriguing comparisons.
I would suggest if someone is less interested in 0-60 times and looking for a lightweight sports car with delicate, precise dynamics then the Toyota, Mazda, or maybe even a Lotus Elise are far more closely matched than a heavy 4 wheel drive Audi TT, or GR Yaris.
Was also just surprised that Harry doesn’t appear to have reviewed the world’s best selling sports car.
@@kccar256 I appreciate the MX5 is not in the same league of overall performance, but my feeling is that the sensation of speed is more relevant than the numbers on paper.
This ironically must be the future of sustainable motoring. Light weight, smaller engine, better handling and ll the toys you could want inside. There needs to be more cars built to this philosophy
Another great review from Harry, I’m a big fan of the A110: I’d love to see a review from Harry on a BBR fettled MX5 ND, and how that stacks up for nearly 1/2 the price of the alpine
Thank you for the video. I am looking forward to watch it 😊
Keeping with the lightweight theme, would you ever consider reviewing the ND2 MX5?
Cracking little car
Love them A110 hope to own one someday 😊
Harry, super cool video. Very point to point perfect. Great eyeglass info. Neat car. I WISH ALPINE WOULD SELL THESE IN THE USA. End shout not to you but to any ALPINE executive reading this.
Great. I just ordered a 2024 soul red Mazda MX-5 RF Kazari, 6 speed manual. A raw, minimalist sports car that is not about speed but driving fun, among the most fun at any price. Beautifully made and finished, beige nappa leather etc. If you want to wear a grin round your head when tossing it about on twisty country roads, give it a try. I did and now I can’t wait for it to arrive mid-June.
Lucky you, enjoy!
@@jimmyh6601Thanks!
Both this and MX5 are real sports cars. Its not always about 0-60. No manual in Alpine but i wonder how many manuals would have sold
Admirable dedication and humility in your content. Keep inspiring!
It's nice of Harry to do a revisit of the A110. Yesterday I found myself in the Alpine showroom again. rationality still wins from passion, but barely. I can settle with a Legende to give it a stage 1 upgrade later.
Speaking of driving glasses, a simple set of yellow glass does the job to reduce bright glare. Which reminds me of those awesome Alpines with retro yellow headlights..
Unfortunately not availeable as manual.. what a bummer. Took half the price an got my self a brand new GR86 manual instead. Great video as allways!
My dreamcar. 🥰
Light weight and a not-stupid amount of power. A car for proper driving enthusiasts.
Definitely on my shortlist for my next car.
Great review once again. Any plans to review the latest 911 carrera T?
damn, those are 18 inch wheels? i even thought that they look a little bit too big.
Alpine A110 vs GR86, that is the question.
If you can tell me where to get a new Alpine for £40k then please share it with us? The Alpine competes upwards with Cayman and Emira, not downwards with GR86.
Great looking little car and a lovely shade of blue.
I think that’s why James May bought one, as he’s an engineer & loves the idea of a small power plant with a light weight body! Must be fun!
what I love about this car is light, efficient, stupidly quick for 300 bhp.
I bet that gets good fuel economy drivign with a light foot.
more car makers should be going down this route.
You know they're on to something when Professor Murray has one as his daily.
Fabulous car and it looks stunning
This made sense when it was $55k. Now that they matched the Cayman in price, it's senseless.
Only if you're a slave to brand image.
@@toggtlas7099I don’t think it’s brand image, it’s practicality, not for a big tour, two up for sure. But I’ve always liked Alpines, and lightness. I don’t like the fact that the engine is obviously not user serviceable either.
Maybe one little point in favor of this A110 compare to a 718 Cayman is depreciation.
At least here in Italy these seems to not loose any value in the used market.
Yes it appears they’re selling so badly new that they’re almost “collectible” from the outset! Cayman (if with 6 cylinders and a manual) still a way better all round proposition though…
@@neilturner6749
I agree the 718 Cayman GTS with the 4.0 engine and manual gearbox is fantastic, but it also start from 96K€.
Add couple of option and you are already way past 100K.
I'll never get this whole "not selling" argument. The Alpine is made in a small factory and is hand build. They simply cannot build them at a faster rate then they do now. Its already passed the original targeted production volume. And its not like new ones are sitting all over the place waiting for a buyer. They do well. If they would sell as many as Porsche would then one of the arguments (its something special) would also disappear.@@neilturner6749
Seems a great package...shame about the cheap-looking iPad stuck on the dash. Good vid though Harry! 👍🏻
Would be great to see your take on the later Lotus Elise or Exige models, perhaps one of the final editions. Loved the Evora review quite some time back.
" 🎶 You say Alpeen I say Alpine, let's call the whole thing off"🎶😂
…it’s Alpeen if you want to pronounce correctly!✅
@@fragu123 to pronounce it really right its Renault alpine an that blue looks very much like gordini blue !😂😂😂
@@fragu123 When the French stop saying Londres, Burmeeng-am, and Murncisteur, I'll start saying Alpeen.😁
At around 9 mins 25 did I hear correct? You said 10.9 seconds to 60. That does sound slow to me!
Yes, that's actually 0-100, which is a bit more like it!
It'll be to 100mph but you heard correctly.
0-60 mph is 4.4 and 0-100 mph is 10.7
I believe the standing 1/4 mile is about 13 odd seconds. Whichever way you look at it, it’s quick!!! 🤩
French flair and ingenuity put all together in a very light, attractive package. Bravo!
Great review! Harry, if you like simpler, light weight sports cars like the Alpine, why not look at the new MX-5? There’s a lot to write about that tiny little agile sports car.
Body colour on the inner door panels is a nice touch
Yes...as Lotus has in every Elise and Exige since 1995
Will you review the a110 R? Curious what makes it cost that extra £30k
Carbon, Carbon and More Carbon.
Great car ,enjoyed the video thanks Harry.
Almost a light as my Caterham 620r 😂
I like the Alpine. It has something of the Alfa 156 about it. Ground breaking but not in an obvious way. Unique.
Driving glasses? You should get one of those prescription windscreens.
Toyota GR86 Harry, you need to consider and review that Sir.
Too cheap for Harry the snob 😂😂
@@patrickbateman7122 Another Farmer with a garage full of exotics complaining about how tough it is to be a farmer!! It was clearly bloody good at some point !!
Beautiful car 💯✅… thank you Harry for the review.
So many alpines both old and new last year at the Mont Blanc rally in Morzine , It’s years since I saw one previously and I had forgotten how good they look 👍
The sound of it and no manual option is a major put off for me.