The Alpine A110 may no longer be available Down Under, but the mid-engine coupe been given an update — including a few more spuds — to see the brand through until its all-electric future is ready.
The A110 range has been rejigged: it now consists of a base model, a luxury-focussed GT spec and a sportier S trim.
As before, all versions come with a 1.8-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine positioned behind the passenger compartment. It drives the rear wheels via a wet seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.
The 1.8-litre mill in the base model cranks out 186kW and 320Nm, which is the same as before.
For the uprated engine used in the GT and S trims, the 1.8-litre now makes 221kW at 6300rpm and 340Nm between 2400 and 6000rpm. That’s 6kW and 20Nm more than at present.
According to Alpine, the A110 can complete the 0-100km/h standard in 4.5 seconds. Cars fitted with high-line engine require only 4.2 seconds to crack through the century, an improvement of 0.2s from before.
Interestingly the launch control feature now shuts off a cylinder so the car has a “more engaging engine note” on takeoff.
Visually there’s very little distinguish the revised A110 from the pre-update model, with new model badges possibly the only change.
If you opt for the S, though, there’s an optional aero package, which includes front bumper blades and a race-style rear wing.
The S also includes lower and stiffer suspension, a sports exhaust system, new anti-roll bars, and larger 320mm Brembo brakes. Sabelt racing seats with microfibre trim are a new option for the S.
On the inside, the A110 is now equipped with a new 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system that supports Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and over-the-air software updates.
In the S the infotainment system also includes a telematics section, allowing the driver to keep track of lap times, and monitor items like boost pressure and transmission temperature.
Given the A110 was withdrawn from the local market as it didn’t meet Australia-specific side impact regulations, it seems highly unlikely the updated car will be coming here.
During its three years on sale here under 100 were sold. In the same time period its nearest competitor, the Porsche Cayman, outsold it five-to-one.
In 2025 the A110 will be replaced by a new all-electric model jointly developed with Lotus. It’s unclear if this vehicle will be sold in Australia.
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