Renault Zoe review - the best value for money EV in 2020!

TL;DR

The Renault Zoe is an affordable electric car perfect for urban transport, with recent updates to its design, battery, and motor. It competes with the Peugeot e208 and Mini Electric.

Transcript

this is the renault zoe and it's a bit like an electric scooter in the way that it's perfect for urban transport it's cheap to run and you can refuel it by plugging it in at home now renault has actually recently updated the zoe to give it some new technology tweak the design slightly and they've also fitted a better battery and motor and in this v... Read More

Key Insights

• ❓ The Renault Zoe offers competitive pricing, with savings available through government grants and Carwow.
• 🎨 The exterior design of the Zoe has been updated, giving it a modern and attractive appearance overall.
• 🧡 The increase in battery capacity provides the Zoe with an impressive range, making it suitable for longer journeys.
• 😨 The Zoe's driving experience is smooth, although it lacks the exhilaration and handling found in sportier electric cars.
• 🪘 The interior features updated technology, including an infotainment screen and digital driver's display. However, some materials feel cheap, and the seating may be uncomfortable for longer journeys.
• 🥖 Practicality is a mixed bag, with a spacious boot but limited underfloor storage and cramped seating for taller passengers.
• 🎚️ The Zoe's equipment levels are decent, with different trim levels offering various features such as parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, and a reversing camera.

Questions & Answers

Q: How much can I expect to save if I buy a Renault Zoe through Carwow?

By purchasing a Renault Zoe through Carwow, you can save an additional £6,746, including the £3,000 government grant.

Q: Is the Renault Zoe's exterior design attractive?

The Zoe features a modern and sleek design, with changes made to the headlights, bumper, and wheels. However, the plastic covering on the rear door and lack of body-colored door mirrors on the entry-level model could be considered as drawbacks.

Q: How long does it take to fully charge the Renault Zoe's battery?

Charging times for the Zoe vary depending on the charging method. Using a traditional three-pin socket could take up to 37 hours, while a seven-kilowatt wall charger would take approximately eight and a half hours. The fastest charging option is a 50-kilowatt charger, which takes only an hour and a half.

Q: Are the seats in the Renault Zoe comfortable?

While the Zoe's seats have a sleek design and utilize faux leather and recycled fabric, they lack support and may feel soft and cheap. The lack of height adjustment for the driver's seat may also be an issue for taller or shorter individuals.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The Renault Zoe is competitively priced, starting from £29,495, but with a £3,000 government grant and additional savings through Carwow, the price drops to just over £26,000.

• The exterior design of the Zoe is modern and sleek, with notable changes made to the headlights, bumper, and wheels. However, some features, like the plastic covering on the rear door, are not aesthetically pleasing.

• The Zoe's battery capacity has been increased to 52 kilowatts, offering a range of up to 245 miles. Charging options include a traditional three-pin socket, a seven-kilowatt wall charger (eight and a half hours), or a 50-kilowatt charger (one and a half hours).

• The Zoe is equipped with either a 107 or 135 horsepower motor, offering decent acceleration and a smooth driving experience. The interior features an updated infotainment screen and digital driver's display. However, some materials in the cabin feel cheap, and the seats lack support.

• The rear seating area may feel cramped for taller passengers, and the integrated headrests affect visibility. The boot is spacious, with a capacity of 338 liters and the ability to fit six carry-on suitcases, but the lack of underfloor storage is a drawback.