Alpine A110 R in the Blick test: None more radical

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We can’t help but smile when we look at the car. Somehow the little Alpine looks cute next to the other cars in the test car garage. But also brutal: black carbon hood, rear spoiler with gooseneck brackets, side skirts, diffuser and front lip. The cute speedster looks really bad.

before trip

The Alpine A110 R is the most expensive and radical version of the model range: priced from 116,000 Swiss Francs, it has a lot of carbon, saving 34 kilograms of weight, more extreme attachments providing better aerodynamics and a sharpened chassis. However: Performance remains unchanged compared to the A110 S with 300 hp (221 kW). Carbon-shell seats provide optimum support with a six-point belt; Even if you’re just going to the supermarket for a short while. The space both inside and outside the front and rear trunks, which have quite large glove compartments, seems quite narrow. However, Alp was not created for going on vacation.

on the street

If you manage to get into the deep car, the second challenge follows: fastening your seat belt. Because the six-point seat belt needs to be adjusted every time the driver changes. There is no normal belt – this will be additional weight. Once connected, you can start using the red start button on the center console. Three driving modes are available: Normal, Sport or Track. Sport mode is noticeable even when stationary due to the louder and noisier exhaust system, and you have to press the button for Track for a long time in order not to accidentally turn it on. The chassis is stiff but still acceptable, but the seats are surprisingly comfortable, even on long journeys.

that was good

It’s so much fun, you get more addicted with every meter you drive. It’s remarkable how easy the A110 R is to maneuver through corners. You almost feel like you’re driving a go-kart: the steering is direct and precise, the throttle response is sharp and the heated Michelin semi-slick tires have very good traction. If the driven rear wheels lose grip, the Alpine can easily catch up again. The brakes are also good as they have improved cooling compared to the A110 S. They are stable and easy to dose. The R is also the fastest in the Alps: acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h takes 3.9 seconds.

he was bad

In fact, there is nothing to complain about – if you remember that such an Alpine is neither practical nor family car. However: The four-cylinder 1.8-liter turbo engine produces 300 hp (221 kW) and 340 Newton meters and transmits this to the rear wheels via a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. But for a more venomous draw, a little more power wouldn’t hurt. The A110 will also be successful with an update to the multimedia system, which has remained unchanged since its launch in 2017.

what remains

The A110 R is definitely the right choice for a Sunday morning tour with several passes. There isn’t much for the tour to Beck beforehand; Just because the rearview mirror and rear window are missing. But that doesn’t bother you much on the race track. Whether the weight savings, better chassis and sharper looks will justify the surcharge of over 35,000 francs over the A110 S remains a matter of taste. For comparison: For around 10,000 francs less, you can get a Porsche Cayman GTS with 100 hp more power and at least suitable for daily use.

Source: Blick