It’s that time of the year; the time where magazines and websites name their respective car of the year. And, here we have the U.K.’s Top Gear giving the title of the 2018 Performance Car of the Year. The winner took us by surprise, especially because it beat some of the biggest names in the auto industry – it’s the Alpine A110!

The Spoils Of War Just Add To The A110’s Credibility

The car, which has its roots originating in France, emerged as the winner by beating some big players. The competitors included hot-shots like the Porsche 911 GT2 RS, the Bugatti Chiron, the McLaren 600LT, and the Ferrari 488 Pista. It still managed to score an upset victory and claim the top spot. Some models like the Lamborghini Huracan Performante were not considered because they competed last year. Top Gear’s annual Speed Week comparison test took place at the historic Circuit de Charade in France, where the Alpine A110 managed to impress with its great handling and balancing character.

About The Winner

The Alpine A110 comes with a 1.8-liter, turbocharged petrol engine that churns out 248 horses and 236 pound-feet of torque. It is mated to a dual-clutch transmission system, which allows the A110 to sprint to 62 mph from a standstill in 4.5 seconds.

The Pure, like the name, is a pure performer and gains a pair of Sabelt bucket seats, microfiber upholstery, 17-inch lightweight wheels, and matte carbon fiber interior trim. The Legende, on the other hand, is the more sophisticated of the two and focuses on creature comforts like six-way adjustable seats in black or brown leather and a lightweight premium audio system.

The video of the test will be released in the coming weeks, and is hosted by Chris Harris himself! Can the A110 be called an underdog convincingly? In my opinion, going only by brand value, the Alpine A110 would’ve been at the bottom. But by tripping the Bugatti, the Ferrari, the McLaren, and the Porsche, Alpine has shown the world that it cannot be taken for granted.

Alpine A110 vs the Competition

Final Thoughts

Do you feel the Alpine A110 deserved to be the winner? If you were asked to rank the cars, what would your order look like? Let us know your thoughts and answers in the comments section below.

Further reading

Read our full review on the 2017 Alpine 110.