Revamped line-up and new technology for popular sports coupé, but no longer available for Australia.
Alpine’s revered A110 sports coupe has been updated and upgraded for 2022, ushering in a revamped model line-up and new technology. However, from November 2021 the ALpine becomes ineligible for sale in Australia due to ADR rules on side-impact ratings coming into force.
As before, there are three core models, although what was the A110 Pure is now just the A110 and the Légende is now the GT, while the hardcore S continues to top the line-up.
“Each has its own character and its own territory,” claims the brand, highlighting the bespoke engine and chassis configurations offered by each variant as tangible differentiators.
The entry-level A110 continues to prioritise lightness and agility. It now tips the scales at 1102kg dry and, with a weight distribution of 44:56 front to rear, promises “efficiency and communicative behaviour in all circumstances” for “undiluted driving pleasure”.
It continues to pair its 1.8-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine – producing 185kW and 320Nm – with a seven-speed automatic gearbox, for a claimed 0-100km/h time of 4.5sec.
Output is boosted to 221kW for the mid-rung GT, which has a more overt focus on long-distance refinement. It weighs slightly more, at 1119kg, but dispatches 0-100km/h in just 4.2sec courtesy of the power boost, and is marked out by its bespoke 18-inch alloy wheels, leather ‘comfort’ seats and upgraded kit list. A sports exhaust and uprated brake set-up also feature.
The A110 S, meanwhile, offers an “intensely sporty and intensely Alpine” driving experience. It is obviously marked out from its range-mates by way of an optional carbonfibre aero package (including a chunky rear wing), 18-inch ‘GT Race’ wheels, orange brake calipers and black badging. Unique to this car is an optional orange and black two-tone paint scheme.
All three A110 models retain three drive modes – Normal, Sport and Track – and Alpine highlights that the automatic deactivation of a cylinder during launch control procedures gives “more racing-style sounds”.
All cars receive a new, Alpine-specific infotainment system modelled on smartphones. It is operated via a 7.0-inch touchscreen and brings Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and voice recognition functionality.
The new system also offers a range of real-time data sets, including traffic and hazard alerts, and a new telemetrics interface that gives readouts on turbo pressure, gearbox temperature, torque, power, steering wheel angle and acceleration times.
Felix Page