BRUTALLY HONEST REVIEW OF THE ALPINE A110
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- Опубліковано 3 січ 2024
- Ever since the modern Alpine A110 was launched back in 2017, I've found them intriguing. I've always wanted to see what one was like to drive. This week, I've spent 7 days living with one and I can tell you it was not what I expected...
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#itsjoel #brutallyhonest #alpinea110 - Авто та транспорт
Do you like the Alpine A110?
erm, it's French ... I say no more
got one, love it! 21,000 miles in 4 years.
the seats can be moved up and down but theyre bolted and theres only 3 choices
@@RoSsMiLlEr08or get the comfort seats and go slightly lower still and have them heated.
I'm planning to buy one shortly so yes 😁
Yes .
2 reasons I haven’t bought one
They are still too expensive , holding their value well.
Second reason although not a deal breaker , the 4 pot engine .
Had mine for nearly 2 years and I love it as much as I did when I test drove it. No other car comes close.
Why a muddy field for a sports car Joel😮
Sorry Joel, quite ridiculous number of errors. Seat height is much better in lowest setting. Night brightness can be adjusted, Park is available - read the manual. Why not actually get it right? Had my A110 almost 4 years. Love it.
I usually love Joel's content, but even I assumed the park thing was incorrect, and with one quick google, found you just have to hold down N for a few seconds.
First review I’ve viewed of Joel but won’t be viewing any more, to much waffle, misinformation and generally talking bollox.
Seat height is always best in the lowest position in a sportscar. Higher positions should only be used by people who are 5'6" or shorter.
If seats an issue can always buy the comfort seats or get a GT .Fully adjustable and can be heated .
Post a review video. Let’s see how good you are
I have had my A110 for about 7 months now, and I absolutely adore every second I get to spend in it. The Renault controls/stalks are actually very intuitive to use and I believe they are an advantage rather a thing to complain about.
Think if one of them breaks: easy to source a replacement and not as expensive as a Porsche or BMW stalk.
The interior might be cheap but the way it is shaped around the driver is absolutely special, and if you get a GT or an S model you can spec a full Alcantara interior (headlining, centre console, dashboard, steering etc) that feels really upmarket and nice.
I do agree that the pops and bangs can get a bit annoying after a while, but they can easily be tuned out with a map at Life110 (UK company), so you get the best of the sports exhaust without the farting. By the way, I think the 4 pot sounds absolutely epic for such a small engine - yes it is not a Ferrari V12, but for a 4 cylinder 1.8 it is bloody brilliant, and (unfortunately) sounds better from the outside than from the inside of the cabin imho.
Yes it is an unpractical car, but it is quiet and comfortable enough if you want to use it everyday (who needs to carry a suitcase all the time?), it can achieve excellent mpg and be fast/furious on demand - not many cars can be as entertaining and frugal as this. After all this is not the kind of car you buy with practicality in mind, and most essential 2-seater sports cars are far more impractical than the A110 (Elise/Exige/Alfa 4C); those that aren't (Cayman, Boxster, Z4) are much heavier, more expensive to run and less engaging to drive.
Of course I would say that, I am biased because it's my car - but there was a time it wasn't and I chose it for all these reasons.
Looks wise of course it is subjective, but I think it works a lot better in the flesh than in pictures/videos.
First time I read a pragmatical comment about this. I enjoy my R since the first second I laid hands on it. The controls (and I don't care whether the same in a Dacia or not) are utterly practical. They look cheap? Yes. They're way more practical than in other cars with much more expensive devices? Yes. So, kudos to you Alessio. Well spotted. Glad to see that there is still people not caring about mainstream comments about that particular item in the A110. It works and it works easy and well. Period.
... and of course very happy to see that the biggest flaws reviewed in the car are the sound control satellite and the few storage places available. Great car indeed if that's all they can complain about.
@@angelarnaudas thanks! Yes, what most people do not realise is that the Alpine is an out-and-out sports car, that has the advantage of staying true to its roots without making too many compromises. How many modern cars are built this way? It's a safe bet to say that probably there's just a handful of them, and the A110 definitely fits into the same category.
Are the Renault/Dacia switches a compromise? I don't think so, because they serve their purpose and do it well, so we'll leave badge snobbery to the kind of person that enjoys touching soft plastics instead of actually driving their car.
And by the way, I also have a Megane GT from 2017, which incidentally I got to compare to a BMW 520d from the same year, approximately same mileage. The Megane is surprisingly well made for the price (half than that of the BMW) and is the only one in the C segment to feature 4 wheel steering (Renault sport know their stuff) and I am happy to say it squeaks and rattles less than the BMW I drove did. Renault have stepped up their game, as many non premium manufacturers have these days, so badge snobbery is something that shouldn't belong to this day and age... especially when we are talking about properly made pleasure machines.
Hear hear
Gordon Murray has a A110 in his collection liking how old school this car drives. its 99.9999% there with his approval!
I like those audio controls , I have them in my van .
Once you are used to them they work brilliantly 👍🏻
'After 30 seconds it realizes what day of the week it was' 😂😂😂😂 ohhh, I needed a good laugh 😂
I am considering buying one. I am concerned about electrical issues as I don't need to use the car for days at times. Is it feasible to leave it unused for a week or so without battery problems? Also, I am quite far away from a Alpine dealership. How dependent are we on them?
Disagree with your friends on the exterior styling. Stunning car. Love it!
Seats have bolts that can be removed to lower or higher. Only 3 holes it appears?
In the middle setting form the factory
Superb car....as you said, all the car you ever need for the UK. Also so much less common than a Cayman. Future classic?
Excellent review.
Thanks for watching!
Caymans are a far more common sight particularly where I live. Had an A110 GT for around 18 months and only seen another 2 in the wild.
With so many cars being very good these days, it's great to actually get the usability details that can drive you a bit mad on a day to day basis. Great review, thanks Joel 👍
Did the car not come with a manual for you to read first before reviewing?
You are good at these reviews. Keep up the good work.
Hi Joel good review as always . I have owned a110 gt for 12 mths which I adore as I believe perfect combination of sport and comfort . What didn’t mention is as owner the feeling you are part of a club of keen owners . Not to mention the constant curiosity of UK public when driving . After owning a number of MX5s the Alpine is as fun to drive, but importantly feels that much more comfortable / secure on motorways when driving to your favourite b roads .
Adjust the dash brightness in the dash using the stalk buttons and/or switch the auto lights off
Why park in a muddy field?
Great review Joel. Do you think its in the Lotus Elise/Vauxhall VX220 territory?
Oh you can put the car in park if you press and hold the N for a few seconds, it'll show P for park in the instrument cluster.
Perhaps the car should tell you that in the dash
The handbook tells you, it normally comes with the car.
Super review thankyou🍀
So Joel, what would you have?
This or the 718 boxster T?
Actually the seats are adjustable for height with 3 positions available but... you need some tools
Great review. Have owned mine for 2 years now. Took me 2 weeks before I warmed to it. I was ready to get rid of it ASAP .Handover from dealer was non-existent, as is the bad servicing backup here in Brisbane Australia . Park was not explained to me either on dealer hand over - you actually hold N down for a few seconds an N turns red .Agree drivers seat position in the mid setting does seem a little high, would be great to try in lowest setting. The car really starts to makes sense on a curvy road, and must be in sport mode . The best part of the car is that it is non threatening as it compliments a normal driver at normal speeds .Traction is stunning ! It Is fast too, I have achieved in my pure a 0-100km/h in 4.38 seconds ! I have the sports exhaust option and it makes using the paddle shifters a daily treat. My previous mk3 Audi TT (which i loved)had paddle shifters , however I never used them as they were not engaging. My Alpine shares the garage with a VW Arteon for practical duties and a Nissan 350Z for fun modern classic motoring. The Alpine is definitely a special car , but you are on your own here with no dealer back up . Having said all that it is fun to drive and you never see another - only 110 ever made it here to Australia - A Great honest review - agree on all points ! - cheers rom Brisbane
Have you driven an Alfa 4C Joel? Very similar to the A110 in some ways - very different in others.
Nice one again, GS
It amuses me whenever people road testing Renaults get so annoyed by the satellite stereo controls. Any owner you speak to actually like the ease of use but of course, unless you are road testing for a week, its just doesnt make sense to them.
I own one of these and it's second nature now and really intuitive.
People that think these controls should be on the steering wheel are getting it wrong. Having them where they are means you can operate them whilst still maintaining pressure on the steering wheel to steer properly. If you put them on the wheel you aren't maintaining proper pressure on the wheel. Plus the controls are out of sight so it isn't an issue, and it leaves the lovely steering wheel free of clutter, unlike many other cars
Very very nice car and a good in depth review!
You can get another version with 'normal' seats which are more adjustable.
The only thing I do not like is the infotainment screen which seems to be a 2010 one 😉
A great review Joel, I like that you came in with doubts and left a convert. As you say it's just so different and strikes such a good balance between pure lightweight sportiness and creature comforts, with such an accessible drivability combo of power, gearing and suspension setup, plus infotainment, climate control and decent mpg. It's absolutely brimming with character and a certified future classic, it's hard to not love it. I've never had a turbo before and concur the dump valve noise is very cool indeed.
When it comes to the seating position, the buckets have 3 heights and all are set on the middle @ factory. The GT model has conventional seats with lower side bolsters for easier entry/exit, plus height adjust and heating, with a few extra bhp. Using the key at night is nigh on impossible, but the car has keyless entry. After adjusting the night brightness in the instrument cluster settings, I found the transition fine for when it engages during the day in tunnels and on our grey cloudy days. I actually like the stereo controls as find them very tactile, it just looks a bit angular.
I hope Alpine lend you an S and GT to test too. ;)
Some say it's a Jekyll / Hyde car. Refined when necessary and sporty when needed.
@didzz4275 Good description. I find the A110 similar to the old Renault Sports, where the drivetrain feels like a race car for the road but at the same time has softer suspension compared to equivalents. It feels both raw yet refined.
I love the looks. Wish it was available here in the US.
The seats are a mixture of Alcantara as well as leather 3:37
Microfibre, not alcantara
Nice review, a great a great alternative to the Alfa 4C similar in many ways.
why would you take it to a muddy road and then where those boots and then put a bit in to protect the interior? why? Your DAFT lad.. really daft... PS.. i love the car..
Probably the worst review of a car ever, so many errors and misinformation it’s obvious you didn’t read the handbook. I don’t know where to start correcting the errors, there’s just so many! No need to use the key card, just use the button on the door handle. To engage ‘Park’ press the ‘N’ button and hold. The seats are adjustable….etc etc. Do your research before doing a review.
Another good video 🚗🚙🚘👏👏👍👍⭐️⭐️
So jealous. I love this cars
press and hold the "N" button in the centre console for a second or two and that will engage the gearbox in "P".
Regarding the screen brightness. It literally said on the screen adjust night brightness at 9:50
Yes, watch on further! You can adjust that brightness but not to an extent where you can see it clearly in day light
7:30 don't need to press anything it will auto unlock/lock as you get closer or get away from the car. I have a Renault megane with the same card and I leave it in my backpack when going to work or you can leave it in your jacket/trousers pocket.
And as for the audio entertainment stalk you tell the people who never used it on a daily basis and just repeat what other reviewers have been saying lol. That entertainment stalk is so intuitive for changing volume, tracks, radio etc and I remember them being in a 2006 Renault Laguna ! If that stalk was so bad Renault would have got rid it by now lol
Very nice 😊 If a little expensive
It should be definitely sold in India it would capture good market
Why did Alpine give him a car to rag with on 500 miles on the clock when it needs 1500 miles below 3500 RPM before it is run in?
press car, they dont mind if it gets ruined
620 miles/1000 km is the running in period. Demos and press cars generally don't get the full run in period though.
Just Apple car play or has it got Android Auto as well
Think it has AA as well!
Do your research Joel!
It didn't prior to 2022. 22 models have both but wired only and the 23 onwards has apple and android wireless
What is a Porsh?
👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
Why wouldn’t you upshift when the car already reminds what you forgot to do?
Because the upshift sound starts about 1,000rpm before the redline.
Design harks back to the original but hardly a car you would expect to cost 50k 😮
Those steering column buttons for the volume are also used in a dacia...
If they work intuitively, why would they not be suitable in high end sports cars. What is your point?
They work really well and are intuitive as you said. Renault still put the in their upcoming 2024 models (with a slightly modified design) @@user-go5pc3hl2z
@@user-go5pc3hl2zhes trying to say parts bin a bit like Honda NSX...but ppl dont know its the same family of cars thats how things usually work.
Agree with all your friends on the exterior styling
Hold down 'N' to get 'P'
You are excellent at the car reviews! The more I watch the more I think so. The Alpine is not and never will be a car for me. Too many compromises against the competition when considering the type of quality used vehicle you can get for that money. Great review though.
Man that must be the worst review of the A110 so far... No empathy for what this car is all about.
Yeah not amazing but good effort 😂
Pretty silly to complain about seating position when you've not even tried to lower them.
Unique or not unique. There is no quite.
Well, better mud on your face than egg on your face :)
XD !!!
Would not buy the plain one. Would consider an S with the full aero kit or even an R
That would most likely be a mistake... Drive both for a full day on the road & you will understand
The GT is the one I’d buy!
@@itsjoelas a GT owner I'm biased of course but as a daily it's a great car. More power and slightly quicker than the base model, seats are heated and adjustable but retaining the supple and fun suspension set up of the Pure
Why they hell wasn't this manual!! Would've bought one in a heartbeat. Why wouldn't they listen to the purist 😢😢
It is too expensive for what it is, at the same price you can buy sports cars with a much better reputation and performance.
Base model, those comparisons with Turbo S, Aventador etc are moot.first editions had more body rolls..the only comparisons Cayman, Lotus etc, hope you cleaned it before returning it. 1.5 CRZ exhaust pops...its just piped into the cabin on Alpine. Not sure why you're complaining so much 😂....This is a niche market and anyone looking would have researched it and already know about pros and cons. Many people who wanted one already bought one over last 5 years or will get one. I say that not to discredit the review but its similar to when i bought a Nismo, i didnt listen to a lot of reviews. I knew i was 1 in several million looking at it. Ended up with 4 over 7 years.
Never been a fan of these, and just had a look at how much they go for, 40 grand for a 2018 wtf.
I don't get it. It's a 20 grand at best car to me.
Much rather have my OG M2.
It’s fine that you don’t understand
@@johnnyng8527 I understand very well, it's an over-priced, low quality, slow, basic, car which (a bit like the BMW 1M ) is double the price that it is actually worth, just because there are not many of them around.
Just because a car is rare, doesn't automatically make it desirable, there is a reason why they are rare, it's because not many people bought them, and that was because the competition was much better.
Please please please so a plastic surgeon and get Mr Mole removed!!!
long press the N button, and the car will put itself in Park. you will see that the cercle around the N will switch from white to red
Muddy boots for a test drive. A joke?
I love how it looks. Except the "anus" tailpipe. That's a tough one to overlook. The rest of the car, inside and out, looks lovely. If I could get one (here in Canada), I'd look immediately to replace the anus-pipe with something a little more traditional, even if that meant having to replace the rear bumper to do so.
For me I’d rather spend my £50000 on a used Cayman.
This car stinks.
Why?