Alpine A290 vs Toyota Gr-Yaris

The Alpine A290 strikes a unique pose with its retro yet flashy design, reminiscent of its predecessors but with a modern twist. Those 19-inch wheels and flared arches scream ‘look at me!’—if you can get past the slightly fussy details. Meanwhile, the GR Yaris sports a more purposeful appearance, a nod to its rally heritage, with a squat stance and aggressive lines that suggest it's anything but your run-of-the-mill hatchback.

In the styling department, the GR Yaris edges out with a more cohesive design that clearly communicates its performance intent, while the A290 may leave you with mixed feelings thanks to its overdone aesthetics.

Inside, the A290 offers a blend of premium materials, including soft-touch leather and modern touches like a large central screen, but you’ll wish they hadn’t skipped on cupholders (who doesn’t need a coffee holder?). The GR Yaris, albeit sportier, features a driver-focused layout ensuring everything is within reach, though it sacrifices some rear headroom for agility.

The A290 is much more a comforting companion, boasting padded seats and a quieter cabin experience, while the GR Yaris, despite its sporty seating, is more tailored for spirited driving than passenger pampering.

The A290 comes equipped with two flavors, a 178bhp GT version and the more spirited 217bhp GTS, but let's be honest—neither will win a drag race against the GR Yaris, which boasts a spicy 276bhp three-cylinder engine that's engineered for excitement.

Alpine’s schnazzy hot hatch handles impressively with a keen chassis, though it lacks the raw excitement you'd expect from a true hot hatch. On the flip side, the GR Yaris is like a caffeinated squirrel, bounding through corners thanks to its lightweight construction and advanced AWD system.

The A290 sports an array of driving modes and regenerative braking options, while the GR Yaris includes adjustable torque distribution settings that allow you to play around with grip and drift mode—just don’t blame me if you go off-road!

The A290 flaunts a modern infotainment suite with a large screen and Bluetooth connectivity, adding a touch of luxury to your drive, while the GR Yaris keeps it functional with good usability but a more basic feel.

Both vehicles come packed with tech, with the A290 featuring wireless charging and several safety systems, while the GR Yaris focuses on a driver-centric experience, ensuring you're connected without the clutter.

Boot space in the A290 is more spacious for those weekend getaway bags while the GR Yaris offers just enough room for a few essentials, such as your rally ambitions (and perhaps a snack or two).