2012 - 2024 Renault Zoe Hatchback Review

This is the Carzone.ie guide to buying a used Renault Zoe.

Review

INTRODUCTION

The Renault Zoe was one of the first spin-offs of the French company’s ‘Zero Emissions’, or ‘ZE’, move towards electric vehicles, hence the supermini’s chosen name. It followed in the footsteps of the Fluence ZE saloon and the weird but wonderful Twizy open-sided city run-around to deliver a five-door hatchback that had no CO₂ emissions whatsoever.

MODEL RANGE

Originally sold with a 66kW (90hp) ‘R90’ e-motor powered by a 22kWh lithium-ion battery, the Zoe was claimed to achieve a maximum range of around 210km – but, in 2016, a larger 41kWh battery option was added, which pushed the range up to a theoretical 400km; Renault claimed that everyday drivers using multiple drains on the battery should still be able to get 280km out of the 41kWh ‘long-range’ Zoe. Then, in 2018, Renault made a more powerful ‘R110’ Zoe, with the same 41kWh battery, but with the addition of an 80kW (109hp) motor. The overall range of the R110 is quoted as the same 400km as the R90 with the equivalent battery. Performance on the R90 is of the magnitude 0-100km/h in 13.5 seconds, with a 135km/h top speed, while the R110 trims the 0-100km/h time to 11.9 seconds and offers better mid-range performance too. Charging times, on a fast charger, can see the Zoe recuperate 80 per cent of its battery power in around an hour. Three trim lines all include satnav, with Expression Nav (only available with the 22kWh battery) providing the entry point, while Dynamique Nav and Signature Nav add further luxuries, such as parking sensors, 16-inch alloys, keyless entry and go, auto lights and wipers, a Bose 3D sound system, a reversing camera and leather upholstery, among more. These last two models come with the 41kWh battery.

BEST BUY

To maximise the USP of the Zoe – i.e. its zero-emissions running, in favour of a combustion-engined car – the best bet is to choose a long-range 40kWh model; and the added performance of the R110 motor is also most welcome for town driving, too.

THE NUMBERS

Renault Zoe R110 41kWh Dynamique Nav

Engine: 80kW electric motor

Power: 109hp

Maximum speed: 135km/h

0-100km/h: 11.9 seconds

CO2: 0g/km

GOOD POINTS

 • Zero-emissions running

 • Perky performance from R110 model

 • 41kWh battery significantly improves range

BAD POINTS

 • Not ideal for out-of-town, long-distance journeys

 • 22kWh model has limited real-world range

 • Can feel a little cramped in the rear

SUMMARY

Renault’s bold Zoe electric supermini is a fine attempt at the formula and, as battery technology moves on apace, changes to its technical make-up have seen both its range and its performance improved. A diesel supermini would provide more versatility in a wider variety of driving scenarios than Renault’s EV, but the Zoe counters with minimal running costs, thanks to its clever electric drivetrain.