2022 Alpine A110 update revealed ahead of electrification

French manufacturer Alpine has unveiled its updated A110 sportscar, giving the lightweight legend a send-off before the brand goes all-electric.

First launched in 2017 at the Geneva Motor Show, the A110 has been regarded as one of the best driver's cars of the last decade, with its mid-mounted 1.8-litre turbocharged engine providing more than enough power to push the sub-1150 kilogram coupe down the road.

For 2022, the base A110 has remained largely unchanged, with power and torque remaining at 185kW and 320Nm. But its two more expensive variants – the A110 GT and A110 S – have been handed a performance boost, as Alpine has tweaked the four-pot engine to now produce 221kW and 340Nm, an increase of 6kW and 20Nm over the current A110 S.

With launch control activated, Alpine has set the A110's engine management system to deactivate one of its four cylinders, providing a harsher, more aggressive sound before completing the 0-100km/h sprint in as little as 4.5 seconds, continuing on to a top speed of more than 270km/h.

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Alpine A110 S

In addition to the performance changes, all A110 variants are fitted with a seven-inch touchscreen developed by the French manufacturer – which includes Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, two USB ports, satellite navigation and voice recognition.

For the range-topping A110 S, an Alpine Telematics menu is now included as standard, providing real-time data on the car's functions, such as; turbo pressure, gearbox temperature, torque, power, steering wheel angle and acceleration.

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Alpine A110 GT

On the outside, not much has changed for the entry-level A110, riding on 17-inch wheels shod in 205/45 front and 235/45 rear Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tyres, while the new-for-2022 A110 GT step ups to 18-inch, diamond cut alloys wrapped in 205/40 and 235/40 rubber.

As the most track-focused variant, the A110 S receives slightly wider tyres (215/40 front and 245/40 rear), but can also be optioned with the semi-slick Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 Connects, in addition to racing-inspired Sabelt seats and an external aero kit – adding a carbon front blade, rear spoiler and under-car fairings to increase diffuser efficiency.

Buyers of the base A110 can add equipment from the higher variants such as the 320 millimetre Brembo brakes, aluminium sports pedals, a comfort pack, park assist and sports exhaust – although these modifications won't increase outputs to the same levels as the GT and S.

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Alpine A110

Unfortunately for Australia, Alpine can't bring the refreshed A110 to the local market as it was dropped just last month, owing to the sportscar not complying with the new Australian Design Rules regulation relating to side intrusion (ADR 85).

However, this may not be the death of Alpine in Australia, as the brand will soon go all-electric as a dedicated performance arm of parent company Renault – having already teased a reborn Renault 5 Turbo, electrified A110 and as-yet unnamed SUV.

In its native France, the A110 will go on sale next year from €59,900 (AU$93,400) in base trim, stepping up to €69,500 (AU$108,200) for the A110 GT and finally €71,500 (AU$111,300) for the range-topping A110 S.