Any real alternative to the A110 NG?
Discussion
Hi guys, I'm one of the unlucky ones struck by the recent Alpine's inability to deliver (working and driving) cars. Due to the way they're handling this (or rather not handling) I'm going co cancel my order, that's jut too much incompetence for me and I'm afraid what I'm going to receive and if they're even able to keep that car in motion. This is extremely sad for me as driving A110 two years ago was one of my best car driving experiences in my life, apart from my first night ride in a cabrio.
That said I'm back to my situation ~2 years ago when after long search I finally came to something that fit me perfectly - surprise surprise, it was the new A110. I still think that's a great car, it's just my bad luck that I'm apparently unable to buy a new one. Is there anything at least comparable in terms of ride fun, handling and so on? I'm at the point where MX5 is a great car but a bit too weak for me (I can keep it as a second or third car though), 718 too poshy (and German design definitely isn't something that I'm fond of) and heavy, any regular hothatch too dull (yeah, especially Megane is great but I want to go further, FWD and front-engine is something I drove since I was a kid) and I don't want to go electric yet (weight!) so that doesn't leave me many options.
I don't live in the UK so Caterham is completely unknown to me, same with Lotus (nearest Lotus Centre is 300km from my current house, Alpine Centre is in next city - another plus for them, duh) and I'm just a regular dude who wants to drive something that turns well and gives fun, that's all. I'm not one of those millionaires that can pack their car and take in to the other end of Europe just to make regular service, if that would be the case I would already have some Donkervoort or something like that. Unfortunately, I have to stick to more popular and "civilian" things.
So could you imagine that for some reason you would have to abandon your A110 and buy something else instead - what would it be?
That said I'm back to my situation ~2 years ago when after long search I finally came to something that fit me perfectly - surprise surprise, it was the new A110. I still think that's a great car, it's just my bad luck that I'm apparently unable to buy a new one. Is there anything at least comparable in terms of ride fun, handling and so on? I'm at the point where MX5 is a great car but a bit too weak for me (I can keep it as a second or third car though), 718 too poshy (and German design definitely isn't something that I'm fond of) and heavy, any regular hothatch too dull (yeah, especially Megane is great but I want to go further, FWD and front-engine is something I drove since I was a kid) and I don't want to go electric yet (weight!) so that doesn't leave me many options.
I don't live in the UK so Caterham is completely unknown to me, same with Lotus (nearest Lotus Centre is 300km from my current house, Alpine Centre is in next city - another plus for them, duh) and I'm just a regular dude who wants to drive something that turns well and gives fun, that's all. I'm not one of those millionaires that can pack their car and take in to the other end of Europe just to make regular service, if that would be the case I would already have some Donkervoort or something like that. Unfortunately, I have to stick to more popular and "civilian" things.
So could you imagine that for some reason you would have to abandon your A110 and buy something else instead - what would it be?
There isn’t really anything like it. I’d decided I’d done buying sports cars as too big/heavy/expensive to run/fast* - until I drive the A110.
Why don’t you consider cancelling this one and re-ordering for next year - you’ll get one of the last ICE A110s.
Why don’t you consider cancelling this one and re-ordering for next year - you’ll get one of the last ICE A110s.
- much of the fun factor of the A110 comes from the combination of light weight and the chosen gear ratios. You can get through more than just 2nd without breaking speed limits!
The obvious alternative to waiting for a new A110 would be to buy a used A110, which should be immediately available. If it's out of warranty you could also feel free to tweak it and take it elsewhere for servicing.
I can't think of anything as 'special' as an A110 that isn't also more specialist and thus less readily maintained.
Toyota GR86 is somewhat similar in being a pure sports car from a mainstream manufacturer, it's a hair faster than an ND2 2.0 MX-5 I seem to recall, but not hugely quicker.
You can get a Ferrari 360 (Coupe or Spider) for around the new price of an A110, that could be an option?
Sticking with that era, the Honda S2000 falls into the category of Boxster rival, a bit quicker than an MX-5.
The Artega GT is rare, a bit pricey but might be in budget. It's just a Passat drivetrain so perhaps a confident VW independent specialist could look after one?
As a bit of an outlier, you could look at a Corvette Z06 or something, C5 or C6 gen perhaps.
Ultimately most people don't buy cars like the A110, so such cars are generally going to be a bit rare and special, and thus take a bit more effort to maintain unless you're lucky to live near a suitable garage.
You have my sympathy- I almost cancelled my A110 PE order for similar reasons and then came close to selling the car after my alternator issues- first drive after it was fixed convinced me to keep it.
Alpine’s customer service is shocking - their dealers vary.
The fact is the car sells itself and is a brilliant drive.
Alpine don’t care about one or two orders being cancelled so my advice is to forget about cancelling and enjoy the car once it arrives because there’s nothing like it on sale today.
Alpine’s customer service is shocking - their dealers vary.
The fact is the car sells itself and is a brilliant drive.
Alpine don’t care about one or two orders being cancelled so my advice is to forget about cancelling and enjoy the car once it arrives because there’s nothing like it on sale today.
Hmm, seems that you are 'cutting off your nose to spite your face' a British saying that means you are hurting yourself not them.
Frankly I'm really surprised you don't consider a secondhand one, there are plenty around and most have done little to no miles. There is a small but reasonable saving over a new one and most options are available if you look around. Keep your order in and sell the s/h one when you get the new one - if you still want it.
I have recently come across the Wells Vertige, a lightweight car of 800kgs using a 2.0l Duratec, with power from 200bhpm, mid engined, 2 seats very much like the A110 but with a glass fibre body, which puts me off a bit. Price is much the same as the Alpine and the company is small and enthusiastic. If you think the A110 is rare, the Vertige is like rocking horse droppings.
Keep us informed as to your decision.
Paul.
Frankly I'm really surprised you don't consider a secondhand one, there are plenty around and most have done little to no miles. There is a small but reasonable saving over a new one and most options are available if you look around. Keep your order in and sell the s/h one when you get the new one - if you still want it.
I have recently come across the Wells Vertige, a lightweight car of 800kgs using a 2.0l Duratec, with power from 200bhpm, mid engined, 2 seats very much like the A110 but with a glass fibre body, which puts me off a bit. Price is much the same as the Alpine and the company is small and enthusiastic. If you think the A110 is rare, the Vertige is like rocking horse droppings.
Keep us informed as to your decision.
Paul.
kitcat7 said:
I have recently come across the Wells Vertige, a lightweight car of 800kgs using a 2.0l Duratec, with power from 200bhpm, mid engined, 2 seats very much like the A110 but with a glass fibre body, which puts me off a bit. Price is much the same as the Alpine and the company is small and enthusiastic. If you think the A110 is rare, the Vertige is like rocking horse droppings.
Keep us informed as to your decision.
Paul.
The Vertige shows real promise, but needs a big step up in fit, finish and refinement from the (very well used) pre-production car I drove. Robin Wells is very much aware of that - and there are a lot of changes to address that in the first production cars now being made. That said you'll have to wait until 2026 to get one, they are only aiming to make 25 a year. With the demise of the Elise I have little doubt they can easily sell that many.Keep us informed as to your decision.
Paul.
I would agree go used and just do it, appreciate people like new and specifying exactly what they want but when you get under the skin of the A110 they all drive pretty much the same to be honest. Nothing wrong with the additional performance of the S but it is a very subtle increase over the stock car, the only other 'significant' point (IMHO of course) is whether you prefer stock or S suspension, there is no right or wrong to this one and purely down to how you like the car to feel.
The analogy I use is say a Cayman, i.e. the difference between a 4 pot base spec car and a GT4RS is worlds apart, the A110's are just not like this which make purchasing much easier in my view.
The analogy I use is say a Cayman, i.e. the difference between a 4 pot base spec car and a GT4RS is worlds apart, the A110's are just not like this which make purchasing much easier in my view.
OP said it in the original post.
Latest MX5. Spend some money on suspension rims and tires and some other mods. Anyone who drives an A110 knows it is fun everywhere EVEN if it is putting less than 180 bhp of the 290 max, to the ground. Well the MX5 can do all that, plus the manual gearbox and larger more usable trunk and is naturally aspirated so you don't need to pressurise anything to get to max power. It's 26 to 32k vs 52k++
The ND versions also look great, in person. Almost every other idea is rejected as being too heavy. Fine. MX5 isn't.
Latest MX5. Spend some money on suspension rims and tires and some other mods. Anyone who drives an A110 knows it is fun everywhere EVEN if it is putting less than 180 bhp of the 290 max, to the ground. Well the MX5 can do all that, plus the manual gearbox and larger more usable trunk and is naturally aspirated so you don't need to pressurise anything to get to max power. It's 26 to 32k vs 52k++
The ND versions also look great, in person. Almost every other idea is rejected as being too heavy. Fine. MX5 isn't.
a110au said:
OP said it in the original post.
Latest MX5. Spend some money on suspension rims and tires and some other mods. Anyone who drives an A110 knows it is fun everywhere EVEN if it is putting less than 180 bhp of the 290 max, to the ground. Well the MX5 can do all that, plus the manual gearbox and larger more usable trunk and is naturally aspirated so you don't need to pressurise anything to get to max power. It's 26 to 32k vs 52k++
The ND versions also look great, in person. Almost every other idea is rejected as being too heavy. Fine. MX5 isn't.
The Mx5 isn't really an alternative either - if refinement is important. And the boot may be more convenient - but luggage space is much less in total (150 vs 200 litres and much less space behind the seats). Don't get me wrong the MX5 is a very good car (particularly in ND guise) - but it doesn't have the all round ability of the A110. The lack of torsional rigidity would get on my nerves too.Latest MX5. Spend some money on suspension rims and tires and some other mods. Anyone who drives an A110 knows it is fun everywhere EVEN if it is putting less than 180 bhp of the 290 max, to the ground. Well the MX5 can do all that, plus the manual gearbox and larger more usable trunk and is naturally aspirated so you don't need to pressurise anything to get to max power. It's 26 to 32k vs 52k++
The ND versions also look great, in person. Almost every other idea is rejected as being too heavy. Fine. MX5 isn't.
The only car I'd consider is a GR86, which was a real steal at £30k, but you won't get one for that now.
bcr5784 said:
Heavy and wide, a competitor for a Cayman - but not really an A110.
isn't the cayman the most often cited competitor car versus A110?Fwiw, i test drove the Emira 3 days before putting my deposit down for A 110 gt.
In my mind, it was a genuine alternative. Turns out I preferred driving the A110.
erics said:
isn't the cayman the most often cited competitor car versus A110?
Fwiw, i test drove the Emira 3 days before putting my deposit down for A 110 gt.
In my mind, it was a genuine alternative. Turns out I preferred driving the A110.
As you doubtless found the A110 is quite a different driving experience from the Emira, the Cayman is further removed (I've owned a 981S). So if you want what the A110 offers in terms of engagement you will probably find the Cayman wanting. On the other hand if you want the bling the Cayman offers you will probably find the A110 wanting.Fwiw, i test drove the Emira 3 days before putting my deposit down for A 110 gt.
In my mind, it was a genuine alternative. Turns out I preferred driving the A110.
erics said:
isn't the cayman the most often cited competitor car versus A110?
Fwiw, i test drove the Emira 3 days before putting my deposit down for A 110 gt.
In my mind, it was a genuine alternative. Turns out I preferred driving the A110.
Definitely an alternative. Originally I’d planned to get the I4, but seeing as they’ve not delivered a single one yet and a 2 year waiting list I went for the A110. Fwiw, i test drove the Emira 3 days before putting my deposit down for A 110 gt.
In my mind, it was a genuine alternative. Turns out I preferred driving the A110.
I think if you had an Emira for a while you’d get why it’s quite different from the A110. It’s a lot lot bigger and you’ll notice it on the narrower lanes. That is from someone who spent the last 10 years in Evoras (and whilst I’ll get told off for this let’s face it the Emira is just an Evora with a new dress).
The difference is best evidenced from experiences on the IOM a group of us have been going for over a decade. We’d lose the Eliges over the mountain, but as soon as we got onto the lanes the Evoras size starts to become an issue.
Loved every minute though. Whether the A110 ever makes way for an Emira all depends on the next few years experiences.
Colin P said:
Definitely an alternative. Originally I’d planned to get the I4, but seeing as they’ve not delivered a single one yet and a 2 year waiting list I went for the A110.
I think if you had an Emira for a while you’d get why it’s quite different from the A110. It’s a lot lot bigger and you’ll notice it on the narrower lanes. That is from someone who spent the last 10 years in Evoras (and whilst I’ll get told off for this let’s face it the Emira is just an Evora with a new dress).
The difference is best evidenced from experiences on the IOM a group of us have been going for over a decade. We’d lose the Eliges over the mountain, but as soon as we got onto the lanes the Evoras size starts to become an issue.
Loved every minute though. Whether the A110 ever makes way for an Emira all depends on the next few years experiences.
Lots of valid points.I think if you had an Emira for a while you’d get why it’s quite different from the A110. It’s a lot lot bigger and you’ll notice it on the narrower lanes. That is from someone who spent the last 10 years in Evoras (and whilst I’ll get told off for this let’s face it the Emira is just an Evora with a new dress).
The difference is best evidenced from experiences on the IOM a group of us have been going for over a decade. We’d lose the Eliges over the mountain, but as soon as we got onto the lanes the Evoras size starts to become an issue.
Loved every minute though. Whether the A110 ever makes way for an Emira all depends on the next few years experiences.
For me, it was a very simple approach in the end: drive both, see which one is nicer.
The A110 won that intangible test by a long margin. Ironically enough, it also seems to work better on UK roads. My choice may have been different if I had been living in mainland Europe.
As you guys seem to agree the Evora or Emira both engage and provide some of the appeal of the A110. Had the A110 not had that special something I could easily have replaced my 981S with an Evora (probably in truth in preferance to an Emira, though I've not driven the latter) - but I can't see me wanting to go back to the Cayman.
bcr5784 said:
The Mx5 isn't really an alternative either - if refinement is important. And the boot may be more convenient - but luggage space is much less in total (150 vs 200 litres and much less space behind the seats). Don't get me wrong the MX5 is a very good car (particularly in ND guise) - but it doesn't have the all round ability of the A110. The lack of torsional rigidity would get on my nerves too.
I fully agree. To me, the MX-5 ND is a good alternative for shorter trips. I actually prefer driving the MX-5 in and around the city, that is why I kept it after buying the A110. I would not consider taking the MX-5 on a road trip to Southern Europe anymore. The Alpine provides a lot more fun on fast curvy roads, and offers more comfort on longer trips. As a matter of fact, these cars aren't alternatives, but they complement each other very well.Gassing Station | Alpine | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff