Alpine went in a different direction entirely with its turbocharged four-cylinder. The A110 is still more than quick enough, owing to its lighter weight, but it doesn’t have the violence of the Emira. It has a resonator tube that pipes intake noise into the cabin. It’s real, not coming through the stereo speakers, but is selectively amplified to replicate the kind of nasal snort you used to get from high-performance twincam engines with Weber carbs.
It’s a bit over the top, particularly when you’re not actually on it, but it is fun and isn’t that what we’re here for? With that said, the Sport mode for the exhaust adds in horrible bangs on the overrun that probably made the Welsh sheep think they were being hunted.
Both cars drive through a dual-clutch automatic gearbox. Personally, I think they’re missing a third pedal and a nice snicky sixspeed stick. To have these otherwise quite mechanical, pure sports cars but be denied that final piece of interaction feels like a missed opportunity. Buyers have spoken, though, and overwhelmingly chose automated transmissions when they still had the option, so here we are.
As it stands, the Emira’s eight-speed dualclutcher is obedient and quick enough, but the A110’s seven-speeder is cleaner and snappier, plus its paddles have a more satisfying action. Its top gear isn’t as tall, which results in more revs at motorway speed, but that doesn’t seem to impact either cruising economy or comfort.
Indeed, spending a few days with the A110 after our photoshoot, I found it just as pleasant as the Emira for daily duties. The ride is a fraction more relaxed and a bit more consistent too. It’s just as quiet and economical at a cruise and the one-piece Sabelt bucket seats are superb.
