Alpine went in a unique path completely with its turbocharged four-cylinder. The A110 continues to be greater than fast sufficient, owing to its lighter weight, but it surely does not have the violence of the Emira. It has a resonator tube that pipes consumption noise into the cabin. It is actual, not coming via the stereo audio system, however is selectively amplified to copy the form of nasal snort you used to get from high-performance twincam engines with Weber carbs.
It’s kind of excessive, significantly whenever you’re not really on it, however it’s enjoyable and is not that what we’re right here for? With that stated, the Sport mode for the exhaust provides in horrible bangs on the overrun that in all probability made the Welsh sheep assume they have been being hunted.
Each automobiles drive via a dual-clutch computerized gearbox. Personally, I feel they’re lacking a 3rd pedal and a pleasant snicky sixspeed stick. To have these in any other case fairly mechanical, pure sports activities automobiles however be denied that ultimate piece of interplay looks like a missed alternative. Consumers have spoken, although, and overwhelmingly selected automated transmissions once they nonetheless had the choice, so right here we’re.
Because it stands, the Emira’s eight-speed dualclutcher is obedient and fast sufficient, however the A110’s seven-speeder is cleaner and snappier, plus its paddles have a extra satisfying motion. Its high gear is not as tall, which ends up in extra revs at motorway velocity, however that does not appear to influence both cruising financial system or consolation.
Certainly, spending a couple of days with the A110 after our photoshoot, I discovered it simply as nice because the Emira for each day duties. The trip is a fraction extra relaxed and a bit extra constant too. It is simply as quiet and economical at a cruise and the one-piece Sabelt bucket seats are very good.
