Alpine A390 review

We're testing the A390 early doors, so don't yet have exact prices let alone lease rates.

But we do know the prices reflect confidence on Alpine's part. It's on sale in France already, where the Euro stickers indicate that when it lands in the UK it'll be around £60,000 for the GT and £70,000 for the GTS.

GT is the 400bhp spec, with 20in wheels. It has most of the premium interior trim, full connected screens, heated seats and steering wheel, a 13-speaker Devialet stereo, 360 degree parking cameras and a heat pump.

Step up to the 470bhp GTS and you get bigger wheels and grippier tyres, Sabelt seats with massage and electric adjustment, and an XtremeSound processor for the hi fi. That version also has the surprisingly wide-ranging driver coaching system, and semi-autonomous driving.

Both versions have the same battery, 89kWh. On the WLTP test range is 325 miles for the GTS and 346 miles for the GT. Both have 11kW AC charging (if you have three-phase supply) and up to 190kW DC, for 15 to 80 per cent in 25 minutes.

It comes with external charge ability, AKA V2L. Renault's Mobilize division is working towards using its vehicle to grid – V2G – capability in the UK, which could transform ownership cost. Basically, if you can charge at home you buy cheap electricity at night, store it in the battery, and sell it back to the grid at higher prices in peak hours.