The new Renault Zoe fully electric vehicle (EV) has been launched in Malaysia for sale as well as long-term subscription. There are 2 variants on offer i.e. Zoe R110 and Zoe R135, priced at RM165,000 and RM179,000 respectively (on the road without insurance), which is within the ballpark of what’s previously estimated though slightly higher. The subscription plans available range from 12 to 36 months.
“Over the years, Renault Zoe has established itself as one of the pioneering urban electric cars in the world. It has raised the bar, thanks to its increased power and range. With its distinctive fresh design, modernised interior and technologies, the new Zoe takes the pleasure of 100% electric city driving to a new dimension,” said Wong Hoe Mun, CEO of TC Euro Cars (TCEC), the sole franchise holder of Renault vehicles in Malaysia.
The new Zoe comes with Renault’s latest Z.E 50 battery which has the physical dimensions as its predecessor but with a higher energy capacity of 52 kWh. The higher energy density means more power in addition to an in driving range. Its travel range sees an increase of over 20% (WLTP-rated) i.e. up to 395 km for the Zoe R110 and 386 km for the Zoe R135.
Both variants feature a single-speed gearbox driving the front wheels but with different motor configurations. The Zoe R110 uses an 80 kW motor that delivers 110 PS and 225 Nm of torque. It has a top speed of 135 km/h and can get from 0 to 100 km/h in 11.4 seconds. Meanwhile, the Zoe R135 has the latest 100 kW motor that produces 135 PS and 245 Nm of torque to achieve 0 to 100 km/h in 9.5 seconds. It has a top speed of 140 km/h. The new Zoe is also built to support up to 50 kW of DC (direct current) fast charging using a CCS2 connection. This allows the battery to be charged from 10% to 80% SoC (state of charge) in 70 minutes. Meanwhile, AC (alternating current) charging via the Type 2 connector charges from 0% to 100% in a class-leading time of 3 hours (at 22 kW).
Furthermore, the ‘B’ mode enhances the new Zoe’s regenerative braking efficiency by converting as much kinetic energy into electricity as possible to help enhance driving range. ‘B’ mode also makes driving easier, especially in cities and congested roads. This mode intensifies deceleration as soon as the accelerator pedal is released thus significantly reducing the need to use the brake pedal.
Looks-wise, it stays quite similar to its predecessor with styling updates to give it a more assertive appearance. It gets a completely new hood and headlights for a more sculpted appearance. The new contours converge towards the centre of the front face into the “holographic” Renault diamond, which houses the new charging hatch. Further, the new bumper widens the overall look and incorporates chrome inserts in the grille, Pure Vision LED headlights and around the LED fog lights. Side vents were also specifically designed to improve air flow to reduce aerodynamic drag for better efficiency.
Both variants also feature new 5-spoke 16-inch diamond-cut alloy wheel design and come with front and rear disc brakes. The car’s dimensions remain the same i.e. 4,087 mm long, 1,562 mm tall, and 1,945 mm wide.
The interior is designed to be contemporary, connected and eco-friendly. The Zoe’s cabin now has a redesigned 10″ digital driver’s instrument panel. The customisable display contains the main driving aids and all settings specific to electric driving such as the eco-meter. The panel also displays GPS indications on the Zoe R135, which comes standard with offline navigation. Additionally, the display’s horizon and varying perspective effects create a sense of depth to help the driver focus.
Further, the Renault Easy Link infotainment system features a 9.3″ touchscreen with support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. It also includes Bluetooth connectivity, 2 USB ports and an auxiliary audio port. Standard audio equipment comes with a 6-speaker setup. Both variants also come with electrically adjustable mirrors (with power folding on the Zoe R135), rear parking sensors, an electronic e-shifter, an automatic parking brake, full-LED interior lighting, automatic climate control and a new ergonomic control panel.
The Zoe R135 adds 2 rear-seat USB ports, an electrochromic rear-view mirror, a reverse camera and front parking sensors. The new Zoe also showcases the innovative use of sustainable materials such as the new fabric upholstery which is made from 100% recycled carded yarn, a first for the automotive industry. The yarn is made from safety belt scrap and plastic waste (PET) materials. It is sourced and manufactured based on circular economy principles to help reduce related CO2 emissions by over 60%.
The Zoe R110 comes with the new recycled fabric upholstery in black, while the Zoe R135 gets black combination leather-fabric seats. The same recycled fabric upholstery is also featured in a horizontal band across the centre of the dashboard. The entire dashboard has also been revised, including the layout, the use of new, soft and supple high-quality material and the integration of different screens.
Offering better ergonomics, the cruise control buttons are now behind the steering wheel, which also features recycled PET materials. Renault has also fitted the new Zoe with an acoustic windshield that reduces the impact of noise from outside, which along with the electric motor, provides for an even quieter and more enjoyable ride.
Additionally, the centre console allows for twice as much storage as before, including a 2 cup holders and a tray for wireless phone charging. Boot space stays unchanged at 338 litres.
In terms of advanced driving aids, the new Zoe’s redesigned electrical infrastructure allows for the integration of new sensors and automated functions essential for a range of driver assistance systems. Both variants come with 4 airbags (dual front and dual side units) and are equipped with lane departure warning (LDW), electronic stability control (ESC), anti-slip regulation (ASR), ABS, emergency brake assist (EBA) and hill start assist (HSA). The Zoe R135 adds on adaptive high beam (AHB), blind spot warning and hands-free park assist.
“With its best-in-class 22 kW AC charging capability and the availability of over 110 public 22 kW AC chargers across Peninsular Malaysia, one of which is conveniently located at the Renault flagship showroom in Petaling Jaya, new Zoe customers can have peace of mind knowing that they have easy access to AC charging, which is substantially cheaper than DC charging,” added Wong.
TCEC is also making the new Zoe available via subscription for those who want to use an EV but not own one. The Renault Subscription platform offers 3 plans i.e. 1-year, 2-year and 3-year plans, with rates starting from RM2,799 per month for the Zoe R110 and RM2,999 per month for the Zoe R135. The approval process for a Renault Subscription typically takes 3 working days, as long as all requirements and documentation are in order.
“Subscription is a great way for people to experience the EV lifestyle with the new Renault Zoe without having to make a purchase. Not only is it more affordable and accessible, but customers also need not worry about a range of ownership-related concerns. These include the vehicle price, downpayment, loan tenure, interest rates, warranties, servicing and maintenance, insurance and depreciation,” said Wong.
The new Renault Zoe R110 is available in Black and Solid White, while the Zoe R135 comes with Black, Blue, Red and Purple options.
Each new Renault Zoe comes with a 22 kW Type 2 cable but without a portable charger. For ease of charging, customers who purchase or subscribe also have the cost option of a basic installation of a VESTAL 7 kW wall box charger for RM6,250 or a VESTEL 22 kW wall box charger for RM6,950 at their home or office premises. Costs are inclusive of 15 metres of cabling.
According to TCEC, the first shipment of the new Renault Zoe has been fully taken up. Customers who place their bookings to purchase or subscribe for the next shipment can expect to receive their new Zoe in June or July 2023. For convenience, you can purchase or subscribe to the new Zoe via the Renault E-Store, which digitally facilitates the entire process.
Both variants come with a 3-year / 100,000 km warranty for the vehicle and electric powertrain. The EV battery is covered for 8 years / 160,000 km, with a minimum capacity of 70%.
For servicing, there are 6 authorised Renault service centres nationwide, with technicians trained to support Renault E-Tech models such as the Renault Zoe. To find out more about the new Renault Zoe, visit www.renault.com.my or call 1800-18-8663 (Monday-Sunday, 8 AM – 8 PM, excluding public holidays). You can also check out the new Zoe in Renault showrooms in Section 13, Petaling Jaya, Selangor and along Jalan Raja Laut in Kuala Lumpur.
Keyword: New Renault Zoe EV Launched In Malaysia; Also Available On Subscription