What you're looking at here, and we'll forgive you if you're a gnat's confused, is a crossover version of the sublime Alpine A110 sports coupe. It's called the A110 SportsX and it was among a fleet of new or little-known models from the French manufacturer which it put on display at the International Automobile Festival in Paris Invalides from January 30-February 2. Most of the stuff on show from Alpine was from its past, such as the A210 prototype from 1966, the A110 1800 Gp4 racer from 1972 and a 1971 example of the original A110, but there was also the Vision Gran Turismo concept from 2015 and the current 292hp A110S range-topper. However, it was the SportsX which was the most intriguing vehicle there. Said to be a styling exercise, it is inspired by the rally versions of the A110, such as the machine which famously won the 1973 Monte Carlo Rally. The 2020 take on the formula sits 60mm higher off the road than other A110s, while it also has an 80mm-wider body. Aline says the A110 SportsX 'explores a new facet of sportiness' and it is based on the mechanical underpinnings of an A110 Pure, which means it is still rear-wheel drive and powered by a 252hp mid-mounted 1.8-litre turbo petrol engine. At the moment, Alpine says it is a unique model and not for sale, but if enough pressure were to be exerted... who knows?!