If the Fluette A110 never required astounding power, it still frustrated certain stubborn, taped on the bad line of its technical sheet.Alpine therefore ended up abdicating: this time, that's it, the 2022 version embraces the 300 hp mark when the previous A110S pealed at 292 hp.At the time already, facing the 252 hp A110 still offered in the catalog, the additional 40 CH did not transfigate performance.The fault of an identical maximum torque between the two versions, restrained at 320 Nm by the Double Clutch Box EDC7.For the record, this transmission was even initially designed to lighten only 300 Nm, but the low weight of the A110 (and the smallest constraints that result from it) had convinced the supplier GETRAG to slightly push the limit.

"We have put a little pressure on our supplier," recognizes the Alpine staff.We had to be able to gain a little more couple without reviewing the whole transmission […], whose development would have greatly exceeded the available budget.»Hondled asks.After identifying the possible weaknesses (primary tree notch and the sixth in -ratio matt gable, handpicked clutches), the EDC7 box now collects 340 Nm of torque and a more aggressive Launch Control system.Immediate profit: 4.2s from 0 to 100 km/h, against 4.4 for S 292hp.A contribution which the A110S 2022 and the unpublished A110GT benefit from the 300 hp a110S 2022 but keeps the chassis of the 252 hp version (springs, shock absorbers and anti-roll bars less stiff, tire less wide and adherent).

Three A110, three prices

The new Alpine range therefore has three models, at logically different prices: € 59,500 for the A110 252 hp, € 69,500 for the A110 GT 300 hp and € 71,500 for the A110S 300 hp.Compared to the A110S 2021, the price of S 2022 increases by € 2400 against a chip jump in power and the arrival of an Apple Carplay and Android Auto connection (see below in the "on board" chapter)).Certain equipment also goes from "series" status to that of option, such as microfiber roof sky (€ 710) and tinted front lights (€ 150), while the rear view camera (€ 1230 with the parking radars), electrically folding retro (€ 520) or the Focal Premium audio system (€ 620) remain in addition.

At the same time, the list of options hosts new entrants.You are rather a microfiber pack (steering wheel, roof sky, central console and microfiber dashboard for € 1660), backlit door thresholds (€ 350), orange belts (250 €) or deep black contrast roof (1500 €, involving the new Fire Orange at 1850 €)?At the Argus, we rather aim for new things influencing behavior like the Michelin Pilot Sport 2 Cup tires at € 740, or the aero kit with front blade and large carbon fiber aeron at € 5,400.Guess what ?For this first test, our wish was granted.On the way !

A110 GT test on road

Before walking the Paul-Ricard circuit, we ride an A110 GT a few kilometers away on the selective course of the Sainte-Baume rally.Myriad of hair pins, asphalt always frosted in the shaded portions and spirit still filled with images of the Monte-Carlo 2022 rally first make us doubt an arrival safe, but this fear dissipates from the first turn.What a reunion!Far from intimidating its driver (wedged in its non -bucket but already enveloping seat), the A110 GT enrolled in curve with a disconcerting naturalness, agrees to invite the rear train to the party in a slight drift then stands, withoutNone skating, in a subtle swaying perfectly controllable.

Perhaps inspired by the many cyclists sharing the roadway, the term "bicycle" comes quickly to qualify the light A110.In addition to her ability to fly over virolos, she provides this rare pleasure to be able to flirt with her adhesion limits without having to reach crazy speeds and/or have Sébastien Loeb's talent (Ah, this Monte-Carlo rally ...).The little 1.8 TCE continues to bang between two pins, especially in sport mode which summons the maximum power (the normal mode is limited to 285-290 hp) and invites exhaust crackles to the accelerator release (nice ... then too muchfrequent on a very winding course where the right foot is constantly hesitating).

Compared to the old S, the engine character does not appear transfigured.It just generates a slightly more intense and immediate thrust during low -speed reminders.Same subtle improvement in box management, recalibrated: normal mode imbued with sweetness but reactive during a sudden need for power and sport mode always on time in dynamic driving, without keeping the engine at very high speed when this nis not useful.The ultimate track mode, which delays the action of anti -slip and requires passing its relationships manually, is the only one not to experience any evolution.And, speaking of the wolf, it's time to go to the circuit.

A110 S test on track

For our session on the Castellet circuit, we prove our sensational alpine A110 GT for an A110 S Warcracted chassis and ad hoc options: Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires with almost semi-S-Slick profile, but also famous aerodynamic kit providing 81 kg D'Additional support at the rear and 60 kg at the front… Only at maximum speed range at 275 km/h (without this kit, the S remains bridled at 260 km/h and the GT, at 250 km/h).We will not reach them today despite the length of the straight line of the Paul-Ricard circuit, here cut by the north chicane then covered, just before the very fast turn of signs, a small layer of frost before the pointrope.

Departure of the stands, frank acceleration in the first right end, the engine shows its second improvement after the increased torque on the road: a (very) slight revival of power around 6,000 rpm, welcome to the circuit where developments untilat 7,000 rpm becomes much more frequent.After powerful but easy to dose braking, the A110 attacks the first chicane without much deductible because its specific gums demand some frank supports to reach their ideal operating temperature.

As expected, the second loop allows you to raise the speeds of passage, and our flairing ballerina in the morning (A110 GT) becomes a rigorous sporting coupe in the afternoon (A110 S), containing its cash movements much better to braking and inturn.These settings make the A110 s more effective.But with the optional semi-series tires, we do not find the more underlying balance of this version.By increasing the front axle grip, the A110 s revolves more around its axis and sees its rear axle again again mobile (A110 GT, less progressiveness), especially in the curves of Castellet, often fast and requiring brakingin support to marry the right trajectory.

A new balance far from being boring which simply requires reviewing its piloting style compared to an A110 S mounted in Michelin Pilot Sport 4 original: Braking well online and turn of turn in light acceleration to take full advantage of the grip ofHis new gums.Our abuse of drifts at the start of the session unfortunately increases the temperature and pressure of the tires, which would have deserved to be slightly deflated to find their optimal grip.Under these conditions, difficult to feel the additional support generated by the aero kit, especially since the signs curve, the only one to allow support beyond 170 km/h on dry soil, was still wet during our session oftrial.The profit should rather operate at very high speed on the German highway.Besides, this inspires us with an idea of a place for a future essay ... We let you guess!

Aboard the A110 "2022"

Competition

Since the disappearance of Alfa Romeo 4C and Lotus has required, our national A110 feels good alone in the kingdom of featherweight coupes.To find approaching performance, you have to go to knock elsewhere.Let us quote the Porsche 718 Cayman S PDK, 50 more powerful horses but also 275 kg heavier.The performances are equivalent in a straight line, upper turn, and the price does not seem so far away at first: € 75712 with the PDK box, against € 71,500 for the A110 S.The actual additional cost unfortunately reaches € 40,000 on arrival, once added the frightening penalty (more than € 33,000, against € 1276 for the A110!) And the multitude of options imposed by a indigent standard endowment.

Different proposal with the Toyota Gr supra, which shares its platform with the BMW Z4.If it exists with a 265 hp turbo four-cylinder, it only equals the performances of the Alpine with its 340 hp turbo-cylinder because the Japanese is almost 400 kg heavier (see our match Toyota Supra vsAlpine A110 Pure)!Lower in the catalog, the price of € 65,900 returns again beyond that of the A110 S after application of the penalty: € 10,980 in 2022.A beautiful nose to the hybrid specialist ...

Find the test of the test, the technical sheets, the prices and the options of the Alpine A110 2022 on the next page.