Alpine A110 2018 confirmed for second-half launch

Renault Australia has confirmed it will import the Alpine A110, with the lightweight sportscar to arrive in local showrooms during the second half of next year priced between $90,000 and $110,000, before on-road costs.

The A110 will launch in Australia with a special-edition variant featuring a specification level similar to that of the Premiere Edition sold in Europe.

This version will include 18-inch Otto Fuchs forged aluminium wheels, Sabelt monocoque sports seats, a Brembo sports braking system, an active lightweight sports exhaust, an Alpine-tuned Focal sound system, matt carbon-fibre interior accents and brushed aluminium pedals.

This powerplant is a modified version of the 1.6-litre unit employed by the Clio RS but with a specific air intake, turbocharger, exhaust system and engine tune.

Other variants will become available after the initial special edition's production run ends, with more details (including Alpine dealership locations) to be revealed closer to the A110's local launch.

Powered by a mid-mounted 1.8-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, the two-door coupe produces 185kW of power and 320Nm of torque.

This powerplant is a modified version of the 1.6-litre unit employed by the Clio RS but with a specific air intake, turbocharger, exhaust system and engine tune. A more potent 205kW/390Nm derivative will be used by the next-generation Megane RS.

Paired exclusively to a seven-speed Getrag (wet) dual-clutch automatic transmission, the A110 sends drive to the rear wheels and can sprint from 0-100km/h in 4.5 seconds, while on the way to an electronically limited top speed of 250km/h.

These performance credentials are thanks to an aluminium platform and body that limit kerb weight to 1080kg while providing exceptional rigidity with optimal weight distribution (44 per cent front, 56 per cent rear) and a low centre of gravity, according to Alpine.

Measuring in at 4178mm long, 1798mm wide and 1252mm tall, the the French sportscar is lighter and smaller than the 202kW/290Nm Porsche Cayman ($117,160) but heavier and larger than the 177kW/350Nm Alfa Romeo 4C ($89,000).

A double-wishbone suspension set-up is found on the A110's front and rear axles.

A110 production capacity ranges from 1000 to 10,000 examples per year.

Three driving modes – 'Normal', 'Sport' and 'Track' – allow the driver to adjust engine, transmission, steering, suspension and stability settings on the go.

Revealed at the Geneva motor show in March, the A110 has a classic Alpine design, mimicking the profile of the original A110 Berlinette from the 1960s and 1970s, which contributes towards its 0.32 drag coefficient.

At the front, four separate full-LED daytime running lights and the bonnet's central spine carry on the sports brand's established design language.

Built alongside the Clio RS at the Groupe Renault factory in Dieppe, France, A110 production capacity ranges from 1000 to 10,000 examples per year, with Australia following Japan as the second market outside Europe to launch the model.

Will the Alpine A110 offer better bang for your buck than the Porsche Cayman? Tell us what you think in the comments below.