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Alpine A110 1.8L Turbo 300 R Fernando Alonso Edition 2dr DCT Review

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The more powerful unit fitted to GT, S and R models comes with 296bhp and 251lb ft of torque. That drops the 0-62mph time to 4.2sec for the GT and S and 3.9sec for the R. Top speed for the GT model is a respectable 155mph, with the S achieving 162mph (an optional Aero Kit on the S raises the top speed to 170mph) and 177mph for the R.

1.8L Turbo 300

Coupe

Alpine (pronounced 'Al-peen') only makes one model, but if you’re in the market for a sports car, this French brand is worthy of your attention.

Its A110 is one of the best-handling cars on sale today. And while it’s not especially powerful, it’s still properly quick, thanks to its low weight.

The looks and character of today’s A110 were inspired by a legendary namesake that won the first ever World Rally Championship back in 1973. But the new car is undoubtedly a worthy successor.

ALPINE

A110

The R Fernando Alonso Edition is almost mechanically identical to the regular R, but has lots of design featured inspired by the Formula One driver. Its elevated price over the R is impossible to justify, but it is at least rare, with only 32 being produced (the number of Alonso’s F1 victories).

R Fernando Alonso Edition

1.8L Turbo 300 R Fernando Alonso Edition 2dr DCT

18l-turbo-300-r-fernando-alonso-edition-2dr-dct

Alpine A110

The A110 is one of the most entertaining and rewarding sports cars you can buy – at any price. Being ultra-lightweight means that, despite its relatively small engine, performance won't disappoint, while at the same time it feels incredibly nimble.

<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Ride comfort shouldn’t be sacrificed at the altar of handling sharpness</li> <li>Plenty of power from a melodic engine</li> <li>Handling that doesn’t come at the expense of a back-breaking ride​​​​​</li> <li> Practicality is not essential but nice to have </li></ul>

Driving fun is right at the top of any sports car buyer's priority list, and every one of our award candidates has backroad entertainment coded into its DNA.

The Mazda MX-5 embodies sports-car spirit without wearing an exotic price tag, and has deservedly gained a strong following over the years. Much newer to the scene is the mid-engined Alpine A110. It may carry a name from the past, but this potent, mid-engined sports car was designed with the very latest lightweight thinking.&nbsp;

Rounding off our shortlist, though, is a name that'll be familiar to even those to whom sports cars hold little interest. The Porsche 911 was born an icon in 1964, and the latest generation bridges the gap between sports car and supercar. Yet, somehow, it manages to preserve a distinctly civilised character.

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Alpine A110 1.8L Turbo 300 R Fernando Alonso Edition 2dr DCT Review

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