Talk Morgan Forums Thread Like Summary - Alpine A110?

I've repeatedly read, watched and heard very positive reviews about the Alpine A110. More often than not the Pure (base spec) and GT (more power but same suspension as the Pure) are favoured over the S-version (which has more power than the base Pure but also stiffer suspension); the combination of size, ride comfort and accessible performance making them the perfect antidote to our less than perfect roads!

Does anyone own one and if so, would love to hear your opinion and experience? Interestingly, the size of the A110 makes it comparable to an early (60s-70s 911), which makes it closer to classic sports car proportions than those of most modern cars with sport pretensions.

Lastly, Gordon Murray uses one as his daily driver and I think we can all agree that he knows and thing or two about what makes a good sports car.

A rare check in on TM but thought I can contribute to this. Have owned a Premiere Edition A110 for over 6 years, it being one of the first in the UK. Bought without a test drive, which felt brave at the time. Not now. Easily the best decision I’ve ever made car wise. For as long as I can, I’m never selling it.

As a road-biased sports car it has been fantastic. 4 Alps trips, 1 for over 2 weeks for my wife and I, and several Scotland trips. Even on the most recent trip this year, it’s a rare sight even on the continent and generates such a positive reaction from almost everyone. The ownership experience has changed a bit in the UK from the earliest days, and the dealership I used (Manchester) was once brilliant but now is far, far from that. But Alpine UK appears to be getting more engaged once again and other dealers have better, deserved reputations. In these regards it’s much like my experience of Morgan too.

Early ones suffered from windscreens that used to crack and door trims that rattled, and there have been fuel pump and arch bubbling issues as someone above said. However - and touch wood here - mine has suffered none of those. A few minor things like the window seal peeling away and a creaky door hinge, a few recalls as is the norm, but it has been mechanically faultless. Infotainment was improved from what I have, but it always did the job - just lacked CarPlay / Android Auto if you care about such things. Newer ones have those of course. The biggest issue I have using it like I do is both the front and rear boots get warm. Very warm in the case of the rear, meaning some creative packing is needed. Again not too dissimilar from the Morgan but a world away from a 911, or even Cayman.

The Sabelt buckets are the best seats I’ve had in any car. They can’t easily be lowered but there are 3 heights that the dealer can set for you. The engine is so much more characterful than the BMW in the Plus Four, but also has a gearbox with ratios that are genuinely useful and engaging in the road. It can be playful or be a chilled cruiser - going through the Netherlands I can see 50+mpg on cruise control, much to the annoyance of my Porsche owning friends. Then in the mountains it is genuinely rapid. Alongside the Plus Four and my GR Yaris, driving the A110 for the first time in a while always needs a few moments of recalibration about how quick it pivots around its axis. It feels light and nimble in a way the others don’t. The standard suspension is a very interesting setup - as is the geo. Initial damping is firmer than you might expect, but with softer spring rates that result in a lot of lean. The S and R will of course suit different tastes, but I think the extra playfulness of the standard one is key to the way you should drive the A110. It’s fun. Although the life110 geo settings aid stability, especially at Autobahn speeds. Beyond that I’ve done very little more to mine, but as stated above Dave Pook and Matt at Spires certainly know how to set them up well. He has some very trick components available too.

The Ultime version feels so far removed from what the A110 is about, but I still love it. It highlights that they are all thoroughly engineered; I’d recommend reading the Inside the Machine book by David Twohig, who was the chief engineer who took over the project and got it launched.

All this said, I’m very impressed at how well the new Nitron-equipped Four can cover a tricky road with traits similar to the body control of the A110. When considering all other aspects there’s only 1 of the 2 I’d keep forever though. And it would be the one made in Dieppe.

Yes, Rich is quite right, I have had a 2020 Legende for the last couple of years. I always had a soft spot for the original A110 so when they bought out the new one I was naturally interested.

They have had their fair share of problems, mainly, it seems fuel pumps packing up for no discernable reason. I had a new pump fitted under a warranty recall a month or two back, so am hoping they have found the fix. They have also had a problem with paint bubbling on the edges of each wing, due to using metal clips for the bumpers. Mine is due to go back for new paint on all four wings in a month, again all under a recall.

The engines are strong, and can be easily chipped to 300bhp or so, but the 7 speed DCT Getrag gearbox is, apparently on its limit for torque, and the new 350 bhp car has a completely new gearbox, hence one of the reasons for its' spectacular price. The box is actually quite nice, with an innocuous auto option, manual, sport manual and track manual modes. Once you accept the flappy paddles, then it is actually good enough and quite nice in traffic or at the start of a drive, before getting into the groove.

I am having problems with the much vaunted soft ride though. It is shod with 18" wheels and I fancy the 40 section tyres just do not have the resilience to take up small and medium road imperfections. Frankly it is nearly as hard riding as my ARP4. I can't help but think it should be on 17"s with a deeper tyre sidewalls, if ride is important. However it goes around corners like nothing else - it is so well balanced and whilst I haven't had it on a track, on the public road it corners as well as anyone would wish.

Interior stowage though, is a problem. There is none - simply none, no door pockets, no glove locker no cup holder and very little room behind the seats. I have put some elasticated nets down below the doors which works for small items, otherwise everything else goes into one of the boots. The front one holds two cabin sized cases, the rear one has a small opening but is good for squashy bags etc. We were away for 4 - 5 days recently and it was just about OK, but admittedly stops the issue of putting things into bags 'just in case'.

Fuel consumption is generally good, I get between 35 - 40 with give and take driving, although some owners report regularly getting 45 somehow. Noise is acceptable but not that quiet with road roar being prevalent, but the seats are great. I have multi adjustable 'comfort' seats, but apparently the fixed seats are also quite good, although a little too high for some.

Servicing can be done by one of the few Alpine dealers, though my nearest dealer is around 3 hours drive away from me in South Devon, sadly, but frankly it is not a very sophisticated car and any good independent workshop will do all the routine servicing and for half the price too.

I would be happy to answer any other questions if anyone is interested.

I've had my S for the past three years, taken me a long time to really like the car, auto being the issue, my issue with auto sports cars, not the auto box itself, however perfect sized sports car for me at 6"1 inside and outside as well on country lanes. Luggage space ok for long weekends and suspension is OK in the UK in the main, perfect when abroad, France, Germany, Austria & Switzerland. I preferred the S suspension setup and stance of the vehicle overall compared to the other models and the bucket seats are extremely comfortable even on a 12 plus hour drive. Had no issues at all with reliability but only done 14k in the three years. And it's purple 😀

Just to push you over the edge...

Interesting that Alpine are developing a proper internal combustion engine running on hydrogen:

https://www.alpine-cars.co.uk/concept-cars/alpenglow.html