Renault Zoe review: a fine introduction to electrified cars
Renault Zoe review: a fine introduction to electrified cars
R enault has been one of the more forward thinking manufacturers when it comes to electrical cars, and its Zoe has been well received, not least for its relatively low cost. It has also worked to address concerns of potential buyers who might suffer from so-called “range anxiety”, or the constant fear of running out of charge, because the Zoe is now available with a range of “up to two hundred forty nine miles” from a single charge.
In reality this figure was achieved in the unrealistic NEDC test cycle, and even Renault admits the true range in normal driving will be more like one hundred eighty six miles in good conditions, or at worst one hundred twenty four miles.
For those who don’t need to do such long distances, the Zoe is also available with a less sophisticated battery that restricts range to a realistic 70-80 miles but is significantly cheaper to buy or lease.
Space 8/Ten
Boot is a good size
T he Zoe is just about spacious enough for an average-sized adult to sit behind a six-foot driver, who also benefits from a slightly raised seating position.
Every version has five doors, and the boot is a good size, with more space than you’ll find in a Ford Fiesta. As such as puny baby buggy or a duo of cases will fit with no problem at all. It is worth noting, tho’, that the rear backrest can only be folded in one chunk, rather than a 60:40 split.
Convenience 7/Ten
S munches are fairly soft, but it’s a very quiet car
W here the Zoe indeed scores is in how supremely quiet it is on the budge thanks to the electrified motor, with only wind noise to disturb the peace. It’s fair to say that once you’ve sampled this element of electrified motoring, even the most advanced petrol or diesel engines sound a little old fashioned.
As with the Renault Clio, the seats in the Zoe are fairly soft, which means they feel comfy at very first, but on longer journeys lack a bit of support. It’s a shame, therefore, that lumbar support is only suggested on the top-spec Signature Nav model.
Albeit the rail is infrequently harsh at low speed, you can feel the car moving around over petite bumps when you are travelling more quickly.
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Dashboard layout 7/Ten
Touchscreen connectivity could be better
A ll Zoe models come with a central touchscreen display, which looks clever and for the most part is effortless to use. Essential vehicle information is displayed including how much charge is left in the battery and, on higher spec versions, the monitor for the rear-facing camera.
The styling of the dash is similar to Renault’s similarly sized Clio, including the very good ventilation controls, albeit in places the perceived level of quality does not feel fairly as high.
Effortless to drive 9/Ten
Cars don’t get much lighter to drive than this
P ower is delivered instantly, so the Zoe feels responsive off the line, but it then tails off as speeds increase up to the 84mph maximum. That said, the Zoe still cruises fairly gladfully at the motorway speed limit (even if it does drain the battery at a swifter rate than in-town driving), plus there are no gears to worry about and the brakes are very responsive.
T he steering is enormously light and the fantastic turning circle means it is very effortless to drive around town. It’s a shame that over-the-shoulder visibility isn’t a bit better tho’.
Joy to drive 7/Ten
Some rivals treat better, but it’s still pleasant to drive
T he Zoe’s lack of outright power also hinders driving enjoyment on the open road, albeit the low centre of gravity afforded by the battery means that it grips very well.
While there is fairly a bit of assets lean in corners, the Zoe never feels difficult to control. In fact, through a series of corners it switches direction very well.
As with all electrical cars, driving the Zoe in an enthusiastic manner will place a much greater strain on the battery and drastically reduce the car’s range.
Reliability 8/Ten
Strong warranty, and Renault’s reputation has improved
Renault has an average record in the JD Power UK Vehicle Dependability Survey, ending 14th out of twenty four manufacturers in 2016. The Zoe does, however, come with the reassurance of a four-year, 100,000-mile warranty, and the battery and motor technology are proving to be reliable. Renault gives you the option of buying the battery or leasing it. Do the former and you’ll get an eight-year, 100,000-mile warranty, while if you opt for the latter (as ninety per cent of buyers do) Renault is obliged to substitute the battery if capacity ever drops below seventy five per cent of its total potential.
Renault also provides four years of UK roadside assistance (which you can use even if you’ve just run out of battery) and three years of Europe-wide assistance.
