Road Test
Renault Zoe GT Line R135 Z.E 50
Written by Richard Gooding
Richard Gooding finds subtly evolved looks and an upgraded interior enables the Renault Zoe to enter a more upmarket phase, without sacrificing the driving, range and practicality benefits that have become its hallmarks What is it? First unveiled as a concept in 2009, the Zoe has spearheaded Renault’s electric vehicle push. A car similar in size to the Clio supermini, the first ‘ZE’ production version appeared in 2012 with a 22kWh battery and a range of 130 miles. Constant refinements introduced ‘Z.E 40’ 41kWh and ‘Z.E 50’ 52kWh versions in 2016 and 2019 respectively. Now capable of up to 245 miles on the WLTP test cycle in 2020, the ‘Z.E 50’ battery is fitted to all new Zoes, with a choice of carried over 107bhp ‘R110’ and new 133bhp ‘R135’ electric motors. Frequently topping electric car best sellers lists, the Zoe has won a host of awards over its lifetime, and Renault was named the GreenFleet Electric Vehicle Manufacturer of the Year in 2019. How does it drive? On first acquaintance, little appears to have changed with the latest Zoe. However, look a little more carefully, and changes become apparent. While the appearance isn’t radically different – why risk damaging sales – new front and rear lights give a more ‘confident’ and aggressive look, and the overall impression is one of subtle assertiveness. Mild it may be, but the freshening up works. Inside, the changes are more far-reaching. Long overdue, a new dashboard and more upmarket materials impart an almost-premium air, making the new Zoe’s cabin leagues ahead of the old car’s. All the touchpoints – steering wheel, steering column stalks and air conditioning controls – are of a high quality, and the new ‘toggle’ switches below the portrait-orientated touchscreen are nice additions. The 10-inch digital driver
18
display adds a high-tech feel, too, and is help enable maximum efficiency. The car’s dual easy to use, with smooth transitions and personality as a long range cruiser and eager shortcut buttons for different functions. city zipper remains intact. In common with all electric cars, on the move the new Zoe is serenely quiet and acceleration How long does it take to charge? is brisk. There’s barely any road noise, which Renault has used its on-board ‘Chameleon again points to improved quality, and the Charger’ technology once more on the new damping is very well-judged, feeling Zoe. This means that the new Zoe is firm but still very comfortable. compatible with various power The new Zoe feels nimble sockets and sources. The most and has quick steering, convenient way to charge is he new the T making for a fun driving at home, and a 7kW wallbox n o ds experience. The car can fully recharge the new Zoe buil e strengths iv r can be driven in an Zoe’s battery in nine to 10 d easy-to redecessors, enthusiastic manner, the hours. Renault currently regenerative braking offers a home 7kW of its p gs a much ‘B’ mode really aiding wallbox to new Zoe drivers ut brin quality b d moving retardation. via its charging partner, BP improve el The ‘B’ mode contrasts Chargemaster, subject to e f markedly with the terms and conditions. standard ‘D’ driving mode. It The car can also be recharged noticeably slows the car down at one of the 11,000 nationwide to an almost stop at junctions and public charging points, and a 22kW makes for easy ‘one pedal’ driving. There is charger can refill the battery in as little as only one stage of regeneration, though, and three hours. The new Zoe also supports DC no steering wheel paddles that would enable charging for the first time, and 50kW rapid more control. An ‘Eco’ driving mode also chargers can put in 80 per cent of charge in helps eke out range, by minimising the car’s just one hour and 10 minutes. Thirty minutes’ performance and air conditioning operation. charging at the same point can add 90 miles. To help find the nearest charge point, What range does it have? Renault’s Easy Link navigation system can As before, the new Zoe employs lithium-ion be used in the car itself, or the My Renault technology for its battery, but its capacity smartphone app can also be used to find has grown to 52kWh. That’s 25 per cent charge points along a given route. more energy than its predecessor, which However, there is one word of caution. At pushes range to almost 250 miles on lowerthe time of writing, the 50kW rapid charging specification models. Top GT Line trim cars, function is a £1,000 option on Iconic and as tested here, have an official range of 238 GT Line-specification Zoes. It’s something miles on the WLTP cycle. Features such as a that we think should be standard. Renault heat pump and the extra regeneration mode has introduced new ‘Rapid Charge’ versions
DRIVING THE SWITCH TO CLEANER FLEETS | www.greenfleet.net
