Everything progresses, even the autonomy of electric cars. Thus, the Renault Zoe displays 395 real km and a price, including battery, 26 000 € with bonus.
The 2nd generation showed its doors on autonomy of 400 kilometres but was advised to build on 300 km in the urban route, much less on the motorway. This time, with the new, more rigorous WLTP standards, more means to announce performance achieved in exceptional conditions. The Renault Zoe is now able to connect two charging stations of 395 km normal pace on the road. But not on the highway.
However, the new Zoe does not lack attractions, maintaining the same smooth and elegant silhouette and the same length of 4.08 m. Above all, it benefits from a new 135 hp engine, a new 52 kWh battery, a more advanced instrument panel and a full range of high-tech equipment.
A much-improved interior
Externally, the front panel has been retouched with, in particular, a more vertical and enlarged diamond that opens on the refill hatch. 100% LED optics to offer better illumination and fog lights work alternately depending on the turn. At the rear, the LED lights are scrolling during changes of direction.
In the cockpit, the level of quality of finish is significantly enhanced by presenting a dashboard almost similar to that of the new Clio, soft and flexible touch and matte appearance.
Behind the multifunction steering wheel, the 10-inch driver’s screen is available from the first level of finish. The tablet-shaped multimedia system screen dominates the reworked centre console, incorporating the electronic shift lever, the electric parking brake and an induction charger.
A battery full of energy
This real autonomy of 395 km comes from the new battery called ZE 50 which has an energy of 52 kWh, storage capacity increased by 25% compared to the previous battery of 41 kWh. Its size remains the same while the additional weight is only 20 kg. In other words, the new Zoé retains the same space for 5 passengers and the 338 cm 3 trunk adjustable thanks to the 1 / 3-2 / 3 folding bench.
It now incorporates a dedicated DC charging box that can charge up to 50 kW on terminals in service, especially on motorway corridors. This ZE 50 battery is associated with both the new 135hp engine and the old 110hp still in service, giving the same autonomy for a saving of 600 € to the purchase offered to customers who intend their Zoe to essentially urban routes.
A good little road
But the “big” engine gives the Zoe a very significant tone, even above 100 km / h and, on the road, it is a pledge of safety appreciable. All Zoe is now equipped with 4 disc brakes. The steering is fairly straightforward with 2.2 / 3 turns of the thrust steering wheel to stop, but it lacks a bit of precision. The handling is not affected, although a little roll is felt in a bend despite a very low centre of gravity but the weight of a ton and a half is felt.
Overall, the comfort is very adequate with a nice silence. At the foot of the lever, a button allows you to choose a normal or economical ride mode. By using the latter, slight braking is exerted on the lift of the accelerator foot, providing energy recovery.
Read also: Renault Clio 5: even more beautiful!
