Renault has revealed the facelift for its Zoe small electric car.
In the battle for EV buyers’ affections, the new 242-mile capable Zoe is a riposte to forthcoming electric versions of the Peugeot 208 and Vauxhall Corsa.
2019 Renault Zoe: styling
The latest Zoe is very much a facelift rather than an all-new car, on the outside at least. It’s the biggest visual change the model has undergone, but the new LED lighting and redesigned bumpers are pretty subtle.
It remains a stylish and attractive small car, with the faintest hints of styling from the super-cool Zoe e-Sport concept. A Renault Sport version of the little electric car isn’t off the table, either.
On the inside, the new Zoe is bang-up-to-date. Along with its 100 percent recycled seat trims, it features a new 10-inch TFT instrument cluster, as well as a portrait-oriented in-car entertainment screen in line with Renault’s other models.
2019 Renault Zoe: new R135 motor
Increased power and range comes from a new 52kWh battery and 100kw ‘R135’ electric motor, although as standard it comes with an 80kw motor. A 135hp output keeps the R135 Zoe sharp, with 0-62mph in less than 10 seconds and a top speed of 87mph.
It’ll refuel more quickly too, with optional 50kw DC charging capability.
The Zoe features a new single-pedal regenerative braking system called ‘B Mode’ – a similar system to the latest Nissan Leaf’s e-Pedal. ‘D Mode’, by contrast, is best for constant speed situations like motorway cruising.
Renault Zoe… this is your life
Since launch in 2012, Renault has sold nearly 150,000 Zoes.
It achieved an 18.2 percent share of the European electric car market share in 2018 – and cumulative sales make it the most common electric vehicle on European roads, with 40,000 new registrations last year.
In Germany, Spain and France, it achieved a 54.9 percent EV market share in 2018, making it number one for electric car sales in those countries.
As for the future? Renault plans on doubling Zoe production by 2022 and the marque invested a billion euros in electric vehicle development last year.
