Renault Zoe Hatchback (2019 - ) Electric review

The Zoe is one of the cheapest electric cars around, so that’s a great start. Better still, residual values for the previous Zoe are among the best of any used car. If the latest model continues the trend, it will make it a sound long-term investment. With fewer moving parts, servicing and maintenance costs should be lower than for a petrol- or diesel-powered supermini. The cost of recharging the Zoe should also work out at far cheaper than filling that equivalent ICE (internal combustion engine) hatchback. A full top-up takes 9 hours and 25 minutes on a 7kW wallbox charger and will cost you between £3 and £7 per charge, depending on the tariff and the time of day. The official WLTP figures suggest that should give you a range of up to 245 miles, but in the real world your maximum range will depend on a variety of factors including how fast you drive and what the ambient temperature is. Be aware, too, that if you want to upgrade your standard 22kWh charger to a 50kW charger that gives you up to 90 miles worth of range in just half an hour (provided you can find an appropriate charging station, that is), it’ll cost you several hundred pounds more. It can’t be retro-fitted, either.

The Zoe’s electric powertrain means fewer moving parts to go wrong, which could make it a more reliable option than some petrol- or diesel-engined rivals. Auto Trader owner reviews of the previous Zoe are generally positive but, as a brand, Renault’s reliability record is nothing special. More recently there have been stories in the consumer press of owners facing big bills for seemingly innocuous failures to things like charging connectors and heating systems. In these highlighted cases Renault’s after care was seemingly lacking and, while they may be isolated incidents, it doesn’t help the perception of the Zoe’s ongoing reliability, especially out of warranty.

The tests carried out by independent body Euro NCAP can be a blunt tool but the zero-star score for the 2021 model year Zoe are a concern, especially for a brand generally considered strong in this field. Seemingly the automatic emergency braking systems now required on all new cars was only optional at the time the Zoe was tested, though higher trim levels did get it as well as driver aids like warnings (and then interventions) if you drift out of lane, traffic sign recognition and, on the top model, blind spot assistance. But some less than impressive occupant protection in Euro NCAP’s crash tests, especially side impacts, might give cause for concern.

The Zoe has a smart, high-tech interior that’s a perfect match for its classy, eco-pioneer image. It's even available with interior trim that uses a recycled fabric made out of old seatbelts and plastic bottles. All models have a version of Renault’s latest touch-screen infotainment system – a 7.0-inch example in the cheaper models and a more Tesla-esque portrait-format 9.3-inch version in top-spec cars. Both versions are pretty responsive and user-friendly. You sit quite high in the Zoe, which isn’t to all tastes, while rear visibility could be better. Rear parking sensors are standard for all but the basic trim level, though, and a rear-view camera is available. Interior space is very impressive for such a small car. Headroom and legroom is good in both the front and rear seats, with easily enough for four six-foot adults to travel comfortably. Thanks to a wide middle seat in the rear, carrying a fifth person should be comfier than in many superminis, too. At 338 litres, the boot is significantly bigger than you get in a Ford Fiesta or Volkswagen Polo, and the space is a good square shape. It’s a shame that the entry-level car only comes with a one-piece rear backrest, but other versions have a versatile 60/40 split. Buyers who appreciate the supremely quiet, nippy nature of electric cars will love the way the Zoe drives. In fact, it’s not just good to drive for an EV, it’s good to drive full-stop. Most importantly, it’s an easy-going, relaxed experience. There’s little more than a faint whirr from the electric motor, so progress is impressively quiet. The comfortable ride also helps keep things serene and the Zoe also feels assured and responsive, changing direction with real poise.

Standard equipment for the Zoe is pretty much on a par with that of mainstream (petrol- or diesel-powered) superminis, although Renault has been a bit stingy with the entry-level model. It gets basics such as air-conditioning, cruise control, heated and electrically operated door mirrors and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while you also get things you might not expect, such as full-LED headlights and automatic headlights and wipers. You need to stump up for the next trim level up to gain many desirable items, however, including alloy wheels, electric rear windows, body-coloured door mirrors and a split-folding rear seat. This trim level also brings with it a much more comprehensive level of safety equipment, as well as useful features such as a wireless phone charger, sat-nav and automatic high/low beam headlights. Top-spec models have extra convenience features, including a rear-view camera and front and rear parking sensors, as well as a larger touch-screen display.

All versions of the Zoe come with the same 52kWh battery, but there are two different electric motors to choose from – the 108-horsepower R110 and the 136-horsepower R135. So far, we’ve only driven the latter. Its 0-62mph sprint time of 9.5 seconds is healthy enough, but that only tells half the story. Off the line, the Zoe’s power is unfurled smoothly and gradually so as not to overpower the front wheels. However, if you put your foot down on the move the Zoe allows its motor to respond much more quickly and with much more ferocity, and the acceleration you feel is scintillating. The single-gear transmission also means a seamless, uninterrupted, shift-free power delivery, which helps the car feel even more responsive. It’s especially good for overtaking, and for getting the power down quickly when coming out of corners. The brakes are really good, too, never feeling overpowered by the performance and boosted by regenerative braking that is smooth and predictable.