With the introduction of ‘+’ models to the range, both the Renault 5 and the Alpine A290 are eligible for Band 1 of the government’s electric car grant, receiving discounts of £3,750. This reduces the starting prices to £23,945 and £30,245 for the 52kWh battery-equipped Renault and the Alpine respectively. The banding is dependent on manufacturers reaching sustainability criteria, and as the batteries are now made at the Renault Group’s Douai gigafactory, the pair can move into the higher grant banding.

The introduction of the French-made batteries coincide with a model year update for both cars. The Alpine A290 model range has been consolidated, now made up of the GT+, GT Performance+, and GTS+. The former uses a 178bhp and 210lb-ft (285Nm) electric motor on its front axle, while the latter models employ a 217bhp and 221lb-ft (300Nm) powertrain. The more powerful A290s take one second off the 0-62mph time, dropping it to 6.4 seconds, and boast a top speed of 106mph rather than 99mph.

The GT+ and GT Performance+ are broadly aligned in terms of specification, with both featuring adaptive cruise control, a 10” infotainment display, heated front seats, and fabric upholstery. The GT Performance+ gets the Alpine Telemetrics software included as standard, alongside additional exterior badging. The range-topping GTS+ gains nappa leather upholstery, the Devaliet premium sound system, a heated steering wheel, and gloss black “Snowflake” wheels. The A290 GT Premium and the Premiere Edition have been removed from the UK product offering.

Enhanced customisation options join the range, with the Signature Bleue and Signature Rouge styling packs adding contrasting highlights to the sills, roof, diffuser, wheel flanges, brake callipers, and floor mats, either in blue or red. The Tricolore Design Pack adds a blue logo to the steering wheel, and a French flag on the C-pillar, while the Signature Tricolore Pack brings intelligent cruise control, blind spot monitoring, and autonomous parking.

The updated Alpine A290 range starts from £30,245 for the GT+, £32,745 for the GT Performance+, and £34,245 for the GTS+. The car offers a WLTP range up to 236 miles.

Built on the same production line, the Renault 5 has also seen a specification update. The 40kWh capacity battery is now only available on the entry-level Evolution specification, paired to an electric motor developing 118bhp and 166lb-ft (225Nm), and offering a WLTP range up to 192 miles.  This model remains in Band 2, capturing a £1,500 saving from the government grant. There is no change to the £21,495 starting price.

All other variants use the 52kWh battery, and the more powerful motor with 148bhp and 181lb-ft (225Nm) as we tested earlier this year. The WLTP range increases up to 252 miles with the larger battery, and the Band 1 saving is unlocked.

The Techno+ model gains a contrasting black roof as standard, while the Iconic Five+ adds a Harman Kardon sound system. The range-topping Roland Garros+ model gets two-tone six-spoke alloy wheels, and unique touches on the exterior and interior marking the partnership between Renault and the organisers of the French Open tennis tournament. Prices begin at £23,945 for the Techno+, rising to £25,945 for the Iconic Five+, and £26,945 for the Roland Garros+.

The enhanced £3,750 government grant banding masks a slight price increase for the 52kWh battery-equipped Renault 5 and Alpine A290, but the price customers pay will be reduced. Both models are available to order now, and deliveries are expected to commence shortly.