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Renault Zoe (2013 to 2019)

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Expert Rating

Renault Zoe (2013 to 2019)

Not a current model

    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 hatchback
    Power: electric
    Price when new: From £17,720 on-road*
    *price included £3,500 government plug-in car grant

    Launched: Spring 2013
    Last update: Spring 2017
    Replaced: Autumn 2019


    Media reviews


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

    The Car Expert

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    Auto Express

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    Autocar

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    Car

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    Carbuyer

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    Honest John

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    Parkers

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    The Sun

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    The Sunday Times

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    The Telegraph

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    Top Gear

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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

    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.

    Reliability rating

    MotorEasy logo 600x167

    As of January 2023, we don’t have enough reliability data on the Renault Zoe to generate a reliability rating.

    The Car Expert’s reliability information is provided exclusively for us using warranty data from our partner, MotorEasy. As soon as MotorEasy has sufficient data on the Zoe, we’ll publish the score here.

    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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    The Renault Zoe has received consistently positive reviews from the UK motoring media, and is considered a breakthrough for affordable electric cars.Renault Zoe (2013 to 2019)