Introduction
Many manufacturers are having to make major changes to their ranges to keep pace with the rise of electrified models, but one firm that was well ahead of the curve was Renault.
Its popular ZOE supermini has been around since 2012, going from being a left-field choice through to appealing to all supermini buyers looking to cut their costs by going electric.
As sales keep growing year-on-year, it’s about time we had an all-new third-generation model, and here it is.
Of interest to most buyers will be the *245-mile electric range, achieved by a more powerful battery. Inside it benefits from a new touchscreen, EASY LINK multimedia system, more connected than ever before and soft touch materials, with 100% recycled upholstery on the iconic model.. Brand new colours, Full LED lighting signature, and new bold lines,the exterior has kept the best from previous ZOE but evolved to express a more modern and dynamic look.
Performance
Renault continues to offer the ZOE with the option of an 80 or 100kW electric motor, which are badged as the R110 and R135 – the number correlating to the metric horsepower.
If you’re coming to the ZOE from a petrol- or diesel-powered supermini, you’ll be shocked by the 245Nm of torque, which is available immediately. It shoots off the line without hesitation, and it surges up to speed at some pace. It certainly feels faster than the claimed 0-62 mph 9.3 seconds suggest.
Ride and handling
Our Sardinian test route wasn’t the best indication of how the ZOE will fare around the cold damp streets of Sheffield (or similar) – though we think it won’t be the most comfortable car in its class, the ride settled down quickly, and hopefully the serenity that comes with electrification won’t be tarnished.
The ultra-responsive electric motor is also a complete delight – it makes driving fun again. While the Zoe isn’t tailored to be a weekend fun car, there’s a surprising amount of enjoyment that can be had, but all kept within sensible law-abiding speeds.
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Interior and equipment
Renault has been hard at work on the cabin giving it a complete overhaul, and it has really paid off. It’s a positive upgrade, with the touchscreen being more intuitive than before, and the cabin quality being vastly improved. The dashboard now features a host of soft-touch fabrics, while the 10-inch digital drivers instrument panel displayis superb and very clear to use.
The Zoe is offered in three trim levels – Play, Iconic and GT Line.
Standard equipment is excellent, with the Play coming with keyless entry, LED headlights, a seven-inch touchscreen and the aforementioned digital instrument cluster. Upgrading to the Iconic brings climate control, satellite navigation, wireless smartphone charging, rear parking sensors and 16-inch alloy wheels.
The range-topping GT Line adds a 9.3”touchscreen, a reversing camera, blind spot warning and diamond-cut 16-inch alloy wheels and a chrome grille
All but the entry-level Play versions are available with rapid charging capability, which means the ZOE can be charged 0-80%in one hour and 10 minutes or gain 90 miles range in 30 minutes. Using a wallbox at home, the ZOE can be charged from 0-100%in nine hours and 25 minutes – so it’s ideal for overnight charging.
Cost
A £25,670 starting price makes the Zoe an appealing prospect next to rivals that aren’t able to manage such an impressive range.
It’s pricier if you look to own the battery, though a £25,670 starting price makes the Zoe an appealing prospect next to rivals that aren’t able to manage such an impressive range.
Get local available prices and offers from trusted dealerships.
Verdict
The Zoe has clearly been doing something right to be one of Europe’s most popular electric cars, and this third-generation model has overhauled the Zoe in exactly the right places.
The result is a hugely accomplished EV that can rival cars three times as expensive when it comes to its seriously impressive 245-mile range. The appealing driving experience and vastly improved interior are all bonuses to what is a seriously well-rounded electric car.
*WLTP figures shown are for comparability purposes; only compare figures with vehicles tested to the same technical procedures. The WLTP electric range shown has been achieved using the new (WLTP) test procedure. Figures obtained after the battery was fully charged. Actual real world driving results may vary depending on factors such as the starting charge of the battery, accessories fitted after registration, weather conditions, driving styles and vehicle load.
