Key fob cover: Protects the naff plastic key. Allows keyring attachment. For a premium option, LM Parts make hand painted key covers in France, colour matched to your car (Alpine Vision Blue, Deep Black, etc.).
PPF (Paint Protection Film): Highly recommended, especially for matte grey. Full PPF + ceramic: c.£3,800. Critical front panels + side skirts + ceramic: more economical. £150 for critical areas (eBay DIY option). Important: Tell your insurance - some insurers (Aviva) refuse coverage with PPF on young drivers.
Ceramic coating: Recommended for black cars (easier cleaning). Gtechniq mentioned specifically.
Blackvue 4K Front & Rear: DIY fitted using fuse taps in glove box. "Cable routing easy in headliner and into rear hatch." Much better value than the optional Kenwood (c.£2k).
Other options: Nextbase 622GW + rear camera (hardwired to fuse box). The fuse box in the glove box makes hardwiring easy.
Cup holders & bottle holders (the eternal struggle) §
The A290 famously doesn't come with a cup or bottle holder. It's the single most discussed missing feature. Here are the solutions owners have found:
Purpose built options:
Pure Plastics A290 Cup Holder: Custom fit for the A290, available standalone or bundled with a Yeti Rambler cup. Bristol based, ships nationally. pure-plastics.co.uk
Idle Hands (PistonHeads): 3D printed in carbon fibre, black, or blue. Two designs - centre console (over phone holder) or inside armrest bin. Also makes armrest trays (3 sizes) with Apple Wallet/card slots. Files on Cults3D if you have your own printer.
Generic options that work:
Clip-in centre console holders (Amazon, various)
Air vent mounted cup holders - used by multiple owners
Door pocket bottle wedges
R5 parts: The Renault 5 "baguette holder" fits the A290 and can hold a bottle.
If you've found another solution, share it in the owner communities and we'll add it here.
Wheel spacers: 15mm rear spacers popular. 20mm spacers used with lowering. Direnza spacers didn't fit (not machined deep enough for centre spigot) - check spigot depth before buying.
Lowering: H&R springs popular. 30mm lowering kits available. Life110 developing options (previous A110 specialist). AC13 Premier can help. Warning: UK road conditions make this painful for commuting.
Winter wheels: 18" option available (Rallye spec, some A110 wheels compatible). 225/45 R18 fitment. ET30 offset, 5x114.3 PCD. A290 brakes/axle from A110, not R5.
Tyres:
Michelin Cross Climate 3: excellent in rain/snow
Michelin Pilot Alpin 5: A290-specific winter tyre available