Renault Zoe (2013 – 2019) | Expert Rating [hide]
Summary
The first-generation Renault Zoe was a small supermini-class five-door hatchback. Unlike every other car in its class, the Zoe is only available as an electric vehicle. This original version was launched in the UK in early 2013, and was replaced by a new model in late 2019.
The original Zoe received consistently positive reviews from the UK motoring media throughout its production life. It was considered a breakthrough for affordable electric cars, being well suited for urban use and having a good range – one of the key issues for potential electric car buyers.
It will never be ideal for trying to drive from London to Edinburgh or similar, but as a second car or for purely urban driving, the Renault Zoe was considered the best electric car available right up until it was replaced by a largely new model in late 2019.
Key specifications
Body style: Small five-door hatchbackPower: electricPrice: From £17,720 on-road*
*price includes £3,500 government plug-in car grant
Launched: Spring 2013Last update: Spring 2017
Replaced: Autumn 2019
Image gallery
Media reviews
Reviews, road test and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.
The Car Expert
Model reviewed: (range review)Score: 7.8 / 10“The Renault Zoe is a definite contender amongst its electric rivals, particularly considering its versatile purchase options and now its range.”
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Auto Express
Model reviewed: (range review)Score: 8 / 10“The Zoe suits shorter commutes and daily errands perfectly. It’s more practical than a Volkswagen e-up! and cheaper to buy or lease than a BMW i3. Not to mention the fact it’ll cost you mere pennies to run.”
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Autocar
Model reviewed: (range review)Score: 7 / 10“If you think that you can find room in your life for an EV, with all of the associated limitations and freedoms, you’ll find none better – or better priced – than the Renault Zoe.”
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Car
Model reviewed: Signature Nav R90 ZE 40Score: 8 / 10“The Zoe is the best electric car on the market and the option of the longer range models enhances its appeal even more, but you do need to take your time to work out which suits what you need most.”
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Carbuyer
Model reviewed: (range review)Score: 8 / 10“The Renault Zoe is a stylish electric supermini that’s affordable and has a decent range, making it very convincing.”
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Honest John
Model reviewed: (range review)Score: 8 / 10“If you like the idea of an electric vehicle and it fits in with your lifestyle – you live in a house with an available area for charging, your commute isn’t that long, and you have a petrol car at your disposal for longer trips at the weekend – then the Zoe is pretty much the best game in town at the moment.”
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Parkers
Model reviewed: Range reviewScore: 8 / 10“A viable and low-compromise alternative to fossil fuel”
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The Sun
Model reviewed: (range review)“Why wait until 2040? Renault is making electric cars affordable today.”
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The Sunday Times
Model reviewed: Dynamique Nav R90 Z.E.40“There’s no denying the Renault Zoe is a great-looking machine that’s plenty fast enough, rides comfortably, handles well and has a surprisingly decent amount of interior space and, in the R90 Z.E.40 model, you have a really very usable amount of range in the battery.”
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The Telegraph
Model reviewed: (range review)Score: 8 / 10“The Renault Zoe’s headline act is a theoretical 250-mile range offered by the ZE40 model. However, if your driving consists primarily of short journeys, the entry-level model with its shorter range is a significantly cheaper option. Either way, the Zoe marks a great entry point into the world of electric motoring.”
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Top Gear
Model reviewed: (range review)Score: 7 / 10“Mature styling, ample space and that all-important battery range set it apart as a practical city EV, and all for £5,000 less than the market leader.”
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What Car?
Model reviewed: (range review)Score: 8 / 10“Lease the battery and the Renault Zoe is one of the most recommendable electric cars, thanks to its low price, healthy real-world range and fairly big boot. We’d go for the more powerful R110 version in Dynamique trim.”
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Which?
Model reviewed: (range review)“If you do most of your driving around town and don’t need to do long journeys on a regular basis, then the Renault Zoe could prove an economical and easy-to-live-with choice.”
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Safety rating
Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
Expired safety rating
The Renault Zoe was crash tested by Euro NCAP in 2013 and achieved a five-star rating. However, this rating expired in January 2020 and is no longer valid.
Eco rating
Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP
No eco rating
The Renault Zoe was not lab tested by Green NCAP. This is a new initiative, launched in 2018 as a sister organisation to Euro NCAP.
Awards
Trophies, prizes and awards that the Renault Zoe has received
2021
- What Car? EV Awards – Best Used Small Electric Car
2020
- Diesel Car and Eco Car Used Car Awards – Best Used Electric Car
2019
- FirstCar Awards – Best Green Car
- What Car? Awards – Best Electric Car under £30K
- Diesel Car and Eco Car Used Car Awards – Best Used Electric Car
2018
- FirstCar Awards – Best Green Car
- Carwow Car of the Year Awards – Eco Award
- What Car? Awards – Best Electric Car under £20K
- Fleet World Honours – Best Ultra-Low Emission Car
- Business Car Manager Awards – Best SME Green Company Car
- Company Car Today Awards – Electric Car of the Year
- Diesel Car and Eco Car Used Car Top 50 – Best Used Electric Car
2017
- Carbuyer New Car Awards – Best Small Company Car
- Parkers New Car Awards – Best Eco Car
- Autocar Awards – Game-Changer Award
- What Car? Awards – Best Electric Car
- Green Apple Awards – Pure Electric and Hybrid Cars Green Apple Champion
- WhatCar? Used Car Awards – Best Used Green Car
2016
- Carbuyer Best Cars Awards – Best Electric Car
- What Car? Awards – Best Electric Car under £20K
- Green Apple Awards – Overall Green Apple Champion
- Next Green Car Awards – Best Supermini
- Auto Express Driver Power – Best Supermini
2015
- What Car? Awards – Best Electric Car under £20K
- Auto Express Driver Power – Best EV
2014
- WhatCar? Awards – Best Electric Car under £20K
Similar cars
If you’re looking at the Renault Zoe, you might also be interested in these alternatives
BMW i3 | SEAT Mii Electric | Skoda Citigo e iV | Smart EQ Fortwo | Toyota Yaris Hybrid | Volkswagen e-Up!
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Keyword: Renault Zoe (2013 – 2019)