Renault ZOE EV 2021 Car Review

The third generation ZOE boasts increased power, range and a compelling list of improvements to make the latest model more desirable and capable than ever before. All whilst not losing the traits that have historically made it a popular choice - its simplistic operation, conventional styling, and compact footprint.

Cutesy looks

The ZOE features bold curves which have been treated to a few cool accents, such as the Renault diamond badge with a ‘holographic’ effect.

Interestingly, the badge also doubles as a charging port. When you need to charge the car you simply lift the charging port to be greeted to both a Type 2 AC (2-22kW) plug, along with a connector for the new 50kW DC (CCS) fast charger.

The headlights are also a new modern full LED with chrome accents, the new lights are said to improve vision significantly as they deliver about 75% more light than equivalent halogen units. These lights are cocooned within Renault’s signature C-shaped daytime running lights. Small well thought out touches give the new ZOE a modern look but one that isn’t overly edgy.

The style is familiar to the Renault family and doesn't portray a new fashion statement but rather a modern and dynamic design that is pleasing to the eye.

The ZOE comes with two different 16-inch alloy wheel options depending on the trim option selected. In addition, there are brand new colour options to brighten your day with three new metallic paint finishes – Celadon Blue, Flame Red and Quartz White, which means there are now a total of nine vibrant, contemporary colours to choose from.

Simplistic intuitive interior

The new dashboard design features upgraded, soft-touch materials and metallic accents, which add to the styling. Standard LED interior lighting along with an intricately patterned hood lining give the interior a more modern vibe.

Both model variants receive a cute seven-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The ZOE Intens variant also features satellite navigation.

Both get a new 10-inch TFT instrument cluster display, which includes an eco-meter to help achieve maximum range. The clear and crisp display makes the interior feel modern. One of the down sides of the interior was we found that the glove box was on the smaller size, perhaps suitable for stowing smaller items, like sunglasses. 

Big things come in small packages

The new ZOE EV features a more powerful 52kWh battery than the previous model, which delivers a range of up to 385 (WLTP) kilometres. Surprisingly the battery stores 25% more energy than its predecessor, despite having the same dimensions.

There are now more charging options available than previously, including the introduction of a new direct current (DC) charger.

The latest ZOE EV offers a very fun drive thanks to its more perky new 100kW motor, making acceleration from a standstill brisk but controllable making it the quickest ZOE EV yet.

Renault ZOE EV vitals

• Increased driving range from the new 52kWh battery.
• New powerful 100kW R135 electric motor delivers stronger acceleration.
• New regenerative braking B Mode allows one-pedal driving.
• Faster charging with 50kW DC capability and 22kW AC charging as standard across the range.
• Restyled exterior with a more dynamic design and new colours.
• LED headlamps standard across the range.
• Redesigned interior with premium materials and 10-inch TFT instrument cluster.
• EasyLink multimedia system with Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay™ integration.
• Parts of the interior are made from 100%recycled plastics.
• Eight-year/160,000km battery warranty.
• Three-year/unlimited vehicle warranty.
• Attracts the Government’s Clean Car rebate of $8,625.
• Renault ZOE EV is Europe’s number one selling EV.
• One in every five EV’s in Europe is a ZOE.

Verdict

The ZOE EV is one of the more conventional EVs we have been in, its compact size and decent range makes it great for around town. The ZOE also has the flexibility, thanks to its upgraded charging abilities, to stretch that journey just a bit further with its DC rapid charger (50kW), which is capable of up to 120km of driving range in just 30 minutes.

Safety systems

• Lane Departure Warning system
• Lane Keeping Assistance system
• High Beam Assistance system
• Blind-Spot Monitoring systems
• Front and rear parking sensors
• Rear parking camera
• 2 Driver airbags + 2 Passenger airbags (single-volume front and side thorax)
• Hill Start Assist
• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Emergency Brake Assist (EBA) 

• Electronic Stability Control (ESC), with Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR) and Understeer Control Logic (CSV)

Find out more on how the AA can help you when buying a new car:

• AA Money - aa.co.nz/money
• AA Insurance - aa.co.nz/insurance
• AA Car Reviews - aa.co.nz/car-reviews
• AA Running Cost Reports - aa.co.nz/runningcosts

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