The homologated figure is not a promise
The A290 GT homologates 236 miles (380 km) WLTP; the GT Performance and GTS, 226 miles (364 km). In real use, owners typically see 180–210 miles (290–340 km) in summer and 100–130 miles (160–210 km) in winter. The difference is not a defect: it is physics, weather and speed.
What moves the needle
- Temperature: cold reduces available capacity and forces cabin heating.
- Speed: at 75 mph, consumption rises far more than in town.
- Heating: a warm cabin can draw several kW.
- Wheels and pressure: 19-inch wheels and low pressure cost range.
- Rain and wind: they increase drag.
- Terrain: climbing costs energy; descending recovers only part of it.
How to read the gauge
Battery percentage is more reliable than the estimated range. The car calculates miles from your recent driving; if you have just been in town, it will show more than you get on the motorway. Reset the trip if you want a fresh reference.
Tips that work
- Preheat the car while plugged in before leaving in winter.
- Use seat and steering-wheel heating before raising the air temperature.
- Keep to 68–75 mph on long trips; the difference from 80 mph is large.
- Check tyre pressures cold.
- Plan charging stops at 10–80 %, not 0–100 %.
In winter
The heat pump helps, but it does not remove the loss. A garage adds a few degrees and a few miles. If the car sleeps outside, assume half the summer range or less on very cold days.
Do not aim to arrive at 0 %. Reach chargers with 10–20 % and avoid the stress.