Alpine coupe confirmed for Australia

Renault’s reborn Alpine A110 sports coupe has been confirmed for Australia, with deliveries to start in the second quarter of 2018.

Pricing will sit between $90,000 and $110,000 before on-road costs for the two-seater, with an initial launch model based on the European ‘Premiere Edition’.

That sort of money puts the A110 up against rivals like the Jaguar F-TYPE, Porsche Cayman, Audi TT and Alfa Romeo 4C.

A range of other variants of the will follow, likely including a convertible and even an SUV.

After a long teaser campaign the A110 was unveiled at this year’s Geneva show, but there were question marks over whether it would come to Australia.

Today’s confirmation makes Australia only the second market outside Europe and the third right-hand drive market to get the A110, which will be sold through a limited number of yet-to-be-named Alpine dealers.

However, potential buyers able to reserve a car now through Renault Australia.

“Alpine, the sports premium brand of Groupe Renault, defines a modern sports car designed for driving pleasure,” declared Renault Australia’s new managing director, Andrew Moore.

“We are delighted that it won’t be long until its loyal fans, as well as those new to the brand, can get behind the wheel.”

A mid-mounted 185kW/320Nm 1.8-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine powers the A110’s rear wheels via a Getrag seven-speed dual clutch gearbox.

Underpinned by an aluminum platform and body, the A110 weighs in at just 1080kg, aiding a claimed 0-100km/h acceleration time of 4.5 seconds and electronically limited top speed of 250km/h.

The new A110 draws its styling inspiration from the A110 Berlinette first launched in 1961.

The ‘Premiere Edition’ which the Australian launch model will be based on features 18-inch Otto Fuchs forged aluminium wheels, Sabelt monocoque sport seats, Brembo sports braking system, active lightweight sports exhaust, Alpine-tuned Focal audio system, matte carbon-fibre interior accents and brushed aluminium pedals

Full details of Australian specifications will be revealed closer to the arrival of vehicles.

Developed by Renaultsport, the A110 will be built in Dieppe, France, the historical home of Alpine.

While little known in Australia where it has never officially been sold, Alpine was a manufacturer of both road and race cars originally established n 1955. Renault purchased the company in 1973 and ceased production in 1995.

Alpine won both the Monte Carlo rally and the Le Mans 24-hour in the 1970s.

Régis Fricotté, International Sales Director of Alpine Cars, said: “We know that many people have been waiting for this car.

"In fact, when bookings opened in Europe, all 1955 Premiere Edition cars were reserved within just a few days. We believe the A110 offers a unique proposition to the market and we expect a similar reaction from Australian sports car enthusiasts when the car is on sale.”