Renault Zoe Review

Gumtree Rating

4.5 rating

Looking to go fully electric? If you live in the urban jungle or just need a small hatchback, the Renault Zoe is a competitively-priced choice. It was launched in 2013, so there are plenty of inexpensive used buys on the market. While not as well-specced or modern, earlier models are well worth considering. From 2020, Renault significantly improved the range of the Zoe to class-leading levels, so keep that in mind if buying used and you’re planning on traveling long distances.

Visit the Renault Zoe model page to explore available vehicles and learn more.

What we think about the Renault Zoe

A fully-electric, small hatchback with this range is something of a game-changer – and it’s cheap to run, too.

Pros

+

No emissions

+

Low running costs

+

Long range on newer cars

Cons

Not cheap to buy

Earlier cars had shorter range

Looks may be too understated for some

The Zoe comes in three trim levels: Play, Iconic and GT Line. Whichever trim level you choose, you’ll get a sleek, stylish car with an ultra-modern, swish interior that feels futuristic, even in earlier cars. The feature set is good but slightly better in some rivals.

Driving performance of the Renault Zoe

Our Driving Rating7 / 10

The steering feels responsive and the handling is fairly tight. The Zoe is an easy car to drive, and if you’re throwing it around city streets and nipping in and out of parking spaces, you won’t be disappointed. Ease of parking isn’t just down to its size either, but good visibility and the option of a reversing camera are really helpful too. Quick, linear acceleration comes from a choice of two electric motors – a 107 bhp (R110) or 134 bhp (R135) version. Out of town, the more powerful motor gives a two-second boost on the 0-62 mph time.

Safety and reliability of the Renault Zoe

Our Safety Rating9 / 10

At its launch in 2013, the Zoe was awarded a full five-star rating by Euro NCAP. That was maintained at subsequent annual reviews, so there shouldn’t be anything to worry about on the safety front. Reliability wise, limited recalls suggest major issues are unlikely, and Renault backs its new cars with a five-year warranty which should inspire some confidence. The warranty is eight years for the battery but, as with all electric cars, depleting battery life (and range) is a fact of ownership.

Under the bonnet of the Renault Zoe

Our Engine Rating8 / 10

The R110 and R135 motors offer 107 bhp and 134 bhp respectively, but either will give sprightly acceleration and feel perfectly at home buzzing around town or city streets. The R110 will do 0-62 mph in 11.4 seconds and the R135 shaves nearly two seconds off that with 9.5 seconds. Take the Zoe on the motorway and either performs perfectly well, offering a suggested range in excess of 240 miles. Models from before 2020 were slower and had less range, so keep that in mind when buying used.

What you'll find in the Renault Zoe

Our Design Rating9 / 10

The Zoe doesn’t stand out like a Toyota Prius or Nissan Leaf, but for many that won’t be a bad thing. That’s not to say it isn’t stylish, it’s just very subtle. In fact, it’s only flashes of blue detailing that hint at the eco-credentials and help to elevate the car’s simple elegance. Rakish straight-line edging combines perfectly with smooth, bulbous curves. What all that means is that it looks good in whichever level of trim you choose.

Comfort and interiors in the Renault Zoe

Our Comfort Rating8 / 10

The Zoe is fairly true-to-type for a small hatch, so rear passengers won’t be swimming in space, but headroom and legroom is more than adequate for most. The size of its boot is more than satisfactory, with a very reasonable 338 litres to work with or 1225 litres with the seats down. The interior feels modern and of good quality for a car in this class, though close inspection does reveal some flimsier plastics in places. With GT-Line spec, there’s the option of a large, Tesla-like portrait screen that’s worthy of consideration.

Blue Renault Zoe interior dashboard

What features you'll find in the Renault Zoe

Our Features Rating8 / 10

The ultra-modern interior of the Zoe is complemented by a digital instrument panel and Bluetooth infotainment with touchscreen as standard. Cruise control and electric/heated door mirrors are standard across the range too. Step up to Iconic for rear parking sensors or GT-Line for front and rear sensors and a reversing camera. If you want Autonomous Emergency Braking, which can automatically apply the brakes in an emergency, you’d have to go for an Autumn-2020 model onwards.

What fuel efficiency to expect from the Renault Zoe

Our Fuel Consumption Rating10 / 10

The Zoe has excellent fuel efficiency because it doesn’t consume any! It will need charging, but if you’re doing that overnight it will cost just a few pounds. The quoted range is over 240 miles for the latest cars, but this will depend on a host of factors such as the speeds you’re driving. The real-world figure will be less, and as temperature affects EV batteries, winter driving will nearly cut this in half.

Running costs of the Renault Zoe

Our Cost Rating8 / 10

One of the benefits of fully electric vehicles is government incentives that reduce the purchase price and even fund charging-point installation. A downside is that they’re more expensive to buy than fossil-fuel equivalents and can have higher insurance costs – the little Renault is no exception to this. That said, charging it won’t be expensive, and its impressive range in comparison to rivals means you’ll have to do this less often. Used buyers should check battery health of prospective cars and factor replacement into the cost.

Our verdict of the Renault Zoe

4.5 rating

4.5 / 5 Gumtree rating

The Renault Zoe will appeal to a market as far-reaching as its excellent range. If you want a small EV, it should definitely be on your shortlist.