NEW RENAULT ZOE. Short review.

The Renault Zoe has been around since 2012 and now it’s had a makeover which keeps this little French car up to date.

Technology never stands still and now it has a new motor and an upgraded battery. It now has a range of up to 239 miles (WLTP).

Two electric motors are available – 80kW R110 and 100kW R135.

The exterior updates include LED lights and redesigned front & rear bumpers.

The update to the interior includes a new customisable 10-inch TFT instrument cluster and a 9.3-inch portrait style infotainment screen. An improved dashboard texture and switch gear gives the interior a fresh feel and look which all helps to make the Zoe’s interior more premium.

The driving position is high and I was able to find a satisfactory seating position.

Currently, prices start at £27,595 for the Zoe E-Tech R110 EV50 after Government Plug-in Car Grant.

Included in this price is:

• 5 year 100,000 warranty

• 8 year 100,000 battery warranty

Out on the open road I found that driving visibility is good… mainly because of the satisfactory high seating position. The Zoe has a free and light driving characteristic to it.

This car wasn’t designed for ultimate drivers’ feedback…but it reacts well to my steering inputs which makes it feel reassuring and relaxing to drive.

So much fun can be had with the “single pedal” accelerator using the new “B mode” function. In this mode, regenerative braking helps the car to slow down by lifting off the accelerator pedal while extending the car battery range.

It was immediately evident to me that town and village driving is where this car comes into its own. It is happy driving at national speed limits on the open road but it definitely excels with the local commute because of being quiet and smooth. The instant torque makes pulling out of junctions effortless.

All in all, for normal driving (and let’s face it 99% of the owners will be driving a car like this sensibly) I found the new Renault Zoe a very pleasant car to potter around in.