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Renault Zoe

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Expert Rating

Renault Zoe

(2019 – present)

    Summary


    The Renault Zoe is a small supermini-class five-door hatchback. Unlike other cars of similar size, the Zoe is only available as an electric vehicle. The current model was launched in late 2019, and is a major update on the pioneering original Zoe rather than an all-new model.

    Although similar in design to the original model, the latest Zoe represents a sizeable evolution in abilities and goes a long way to addressing some of the critical shortcomings of electric vehicles – the most important of which is battery range.

    Like the first-generation Zoe, the new model has received considerable praise from the UK motoring media for matching the convenience of a petrol car for city driving, while also providing the smooth and powerful drive of an electric car. However, the latest Zoe now has some serious rivals that were not around when the original was launched – namely the Peugeot e-208 and Vauxhall Corsa-e, as well as alternative choices like the Kia Soul or Mini Electric.

    In December 2021, independent safety test body Euro NCAP issued the Renault Zoe with a worst-possible score of zero stars. It summarised the result by saying that the Zoe “… offers poor protection in crashes overall, poor vulnerable road user protection and lacks meaningful crash avoidance technology, disqualifying it for any stars.”

    As of June 2023, the Renault Zoe has an Expert Rating of 62% from 29 UK reviews on our unique Expert Rating index. This score dropped nine points from its 2021 score as a result of the Zoe’s abysmal zero-star Euro NCAP test results.

    Key specifications


    Body style: Small five-door hatchback
    Power: electric, battery-powered
    Price: From £29,995 on-road

    Launched: Autumn 2019
    Last updated: N/A
    Replacement due: TBA


    Media reviews


    Reviews, road test and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

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    Driving Electric

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    Electrifying.com

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    Eurekar

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    Green Car Guide

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    Heycar

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    Move Electric

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    Parkers

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    The Sun

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    What Car?

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    Which?

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    Safety rating


    Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

    Overall score: 0 stars
    Date tested: December 2021
    Read the full Euro NCAP review

    Adult protection: 43%
    Child protection: 52%
    Vulnerable road users: 41%
    Safety assist: 14%

    Notes on safety rating

    In December 2021, Euro NCAP assessed the Renault Zoe and awarded it the lowest-possible score of zero stars – only the third car in Euro NCAP’s history to ever receive such a poor score.

    The safety organisation slammed the Zoe, stating: “The Renault Zoe offers poor protection in crashes overall, poor vulnerable road user protection and lacks meaningful crash avoidance technology, disqualifying it for any stars.”

    Matthew Avery, the chief research strategy office at UK’s Thatcham Research, said: “It is a serious concern to see results like this in 2021, especially from a carmaker who has previously performed well in Euro NCAP testing. The adult occupant score of 43% for the Renault Zoe is the lowest we have seen in 11 years.

    “Drivers should not have to trade off safety for zero emissions. Motorists can still save the planet and enjoy a car that could play a vital role in saving their family in the event of a crash. There are many other options of a similar price and size that have achieved solid ratings and feature a host of active safety systems as standard too.”

    Eco rating


    Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

    Model tested: R110 ZE50

    Overall score: 5 stars
    Date tested: November 2020
    Read the full Green NCAP review

    Clean Air Index: 10 / 10
    Energy Efficiency Index: 10 / 10

    Reliability rating

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    Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

    All data based on MotorEasy average workshop costs for extended car warranty claims

    As of June 2023, the Renault Zoe has an excellent reliability score of 79%, according to warranty data provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our partner MotorEasy. The only caveat to this score is that it comes from a relatively small number of data points, so it could change significantly as more repair bills are added to the database.

    This data covers both the existing (2019 onwards) Renault Zoe and the original model (prior to 2019).

    In addition to being seemingly very reliable, the repair bills to date have been very low – an average of only £200. All in all, a used Renault Zoe looks like being a safe bet for reliability.

    Awards


    Trophies, prizes and awards that the Renault Zoe has received

    2023

    • Auto Trader Awards – Best Car for New Drivers

    2022

    • What Car? Electric Awards – Best Used Small Car

    2021

    • Auto Express Awards – Best Affordable Electric Car
    • What Car? Awards – Best Small Electric Car
    • Auto Trader New Car Awards – Best Car for New Drivers
    • Carbuyer Awards – Best Small Electric Car

    2020

    • What Car? Awards – Best Small Electric Car
    • Carbuyer Awards – Best Small Electric Car
    • Top Gear Electric Awards – Best Supermini
    • Top Gear Awards – Best City Car
    • Fleet World Awards – Best Green Fleet Car

    2019

    • DrivingElectric Awards – Car of the Year + Best Small Electric Car
    • Top Gear Awards – Best City Car

    Similar cars


    If you’re looking at the Renault Zoe, you might also be interested in these alternatives

    BMW i3 | Fiat 500 Electric | Honda e | Kia Soul EV | Mini Electric | Peugeot e-208 | SEAT Mii Electric | Smart EQ Forfour | Toyota Yaris Hybrid | Vauxhall Corsa-e | Volkswagen e-Up

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    The Renault Zoe was considerd a leading small electric car, but an abysmal zero-star safety rating means it's now impossible to recommend.Renault Zoe