My favourite upgrade, though, is the new drive selector. This is lifted straight from the incredible Alpine A110 sports car, and I found it much easier to get along with in everyday use than the column-mounted item in the Renault, especially when trying to pull off quick manoeuvres. More than once in the R5,I’ve flicked the shifter down to go into Drive and come close to having a scrape with something because the car’s stayed in reverse.
In all honesty, though, this is one of my few gripes with the car. However, the lack of cup-holders in the A290 is rather annoying, as is having the charging cables taking up space in the boot because of a sub-woofer sitting where the underfloor storage is in our R5.
As you’d expect, there are some differences in the two cars’ driving experience as well. For instance, in the Alpine there’s a synthesised, Star Trek-esque sound when you accelerate, which I’m a fan of, and the Renault’s already responsive steering has been made even more precise. The A290 feels more sure-footed than its sibling too, giving you more confidence
to go around corners at even higher speeds. And yet, the Alpine manages to absorb bumps better, thanks to its hydraulic bump stops. The GTS version also has around 70bhp extra on tap, so it feels punchier off the line and there is even a little torque steer when you floor the throttle.
