Driving the A110 R: Alpine's Most Hardcore A110 | Henry Catchpole - The Driver's Seat

The Alpine A110 R is billed as the ultimate version of the featherweight French sportscar. But after driving it, Henry Catchpole began wondering what the R in its name might stand for. After pondering a few possibilities, he finally hit upon the answer, which doesn’t lie with the Alpine F1 team as you might expect but rather with the greatest hot hatch of all time.

A quick look at the Alpine A110 R’s numbers could also have you questioning why it commands such a price premium over the original and S variants of the A110; It has no more power than the A110 S and the weight savings are a relatively minimal 34kg or 75lb. But dig a little deeper and it’s clear why the R very much deserves its top billing.

For a start, the weight saving has been hard-won and strategic. For example, the standard buckets were an already trim 13.1kg (28lb 14oz) each, but the R has managed to shave another 2.5kg (5lb 8oz) off that figure. The carbon fibre wheels by Duqueine might give you sleepless nights if you have to park next to high kerbs on a frequent basis, but they do save an impressive 12.5kg (27lb) of unsprung, rotating mass.

This means that the unchanged 296bhp and 251lb ft has just 1082kg (2385lb) to push around. Combined with Michelin Cup 2 tyres, this sees the 0-62mph time drop to just 3.9sec, so the R is no slouch in a straight line. However, it’s in the corners where it comes alive: New springs from Eibach, 20-way adjustable dampers from ZF and bump stops by BASF all combine to create magic in the ride and handling department.

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[HenryCatchpole]

Thank you, as ever, for all the lovely comments. I really do appreciate it. As a few of you have said, the R is a frustrating prospect in many ways as the price will (understandably) be a sticking point for many and rivals like the Cayman and even the Emira will no doubt outsell it. But there is some real magic in the car (thank you JP Dauce and team) that stands out and deserves recognition. Probably didn't deserve the terrible joke after the credits at the end, but I couldn't resist!

[larsmolema]

Wow Hagerty, what a movie! I love the man called Henry, the calmness of the voice, the always logical but not mainstream way of telling a cars story! Simply lovely!

[Tuberuser]

Another great presentation by Henry and the Hagerty team, fantastic car and always nice to see the land of my Fathers.

[adamalmqvist]

The Alpine is such a beautiful car. Ive seen one in real life and it is up there.

[spyros]

Brilliant. Simply brilliant. Both the car and the presentation.

[andrewburrell]

Another great Henry video with a story angle not seen elsewhere, always unique thanks sir

[leglessAlex]

I knew, I absolutely KNEW that Henry was going to reference the R26.R when he started that description. Top work as always.

[thomaslegoff]

The way the diffuser goes so far under the car is amazing

[ttluckybear]

The juxtaposition between Henry and Larry presenting and video styles is what makes this channel so unique and enjoyable!

[aitorgallego]

I have a standard a110 as my daily drive and only car and it's awesome can only imagine how the R feels like

[dobster]

Thank you Henry, magnificent as always.

[mrrs]

The minute the Catchpole name shows up.... it is that instant "I've gotta watch this one" pop up notification ❤🤘 Mr Catchpole is that eloquent person you need to watch 🤘

[Trophy_R]

So glad I’ve still got my R26.R still after 11 years, I do need to get it out soon though for a good blast.

[jamesmancuso]

If only I lived in a country where I could have one of those! Beautiful car.

[everyday]

Brilliant, well fitted and fast, French may be... Kidding from France, a new follower!

[ImBarryScottCSS]

Great car, shame nobody bought it. Fitting really that the spiritual sucessor to the Elise will share it's fate of being lauded by all the pundits and ignored by the punters.

[MrDallman]

Henry on point as always…I think, and I know it’s very subjective, he really is the best presenter out there, his presentations are always ultra compelling.

[topcover]

Love Henry my single favorite car reviewer.

Wish they had this in the U.S....in a manual.

[Lookbusybuddy]

Do love a light agile car. So many heffers nowadays . Effortless movement.

[OfficialWilly]

fantastic aspect ratio guys
more of this!