THE Renault Zoe was one of the forerunners of the electric car revolution in the European market, having been launched in the “distant” year of 2012. It is true that sales never reached the overly optimistic values of the initial estimates, but Zoe sales grow year by year.
In 2018, approximately 38 thousand Zoe were sold in the European market, its best year, and 2019 is on track to be even better, with sales having risen, for now, every month compared to the same months of the previous year.
The continued sales growth may help justify Renault's decision to restyle the Zoe more deeply — Renault says it is the third generation of the model — instead of replacing it with a 100% new model, considering the seven years it already takes the market.
Let us remember that the Renault Zoe will have to face, especially from next year, new and important rivals. The biggest threat to your kingdom will come from the new Peugeot e-208, but it won't be the only one. We have the “German brother” of the e-208, the Opel Corsa-e, and the Honda E.
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Is this further Zoe makeover enough to keep these new and serious rivals at bay? We'll see…
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Perhaps the strongest argument for the new Renault Zoe to maintain the lead lies in its range, which jumps from 300 km to 390 km (WLTP) supplanting the e-208 by 50 km, and assuming itself as the tram in the segment with more autonomy.
The leap in autonomy is due to the introduction of a new battery pack (326 kg in weight) of 52 kWh , 11 kWh more than the current one. In addition to the battery, the other new feature is charging, with the Zoe allowing charging of up to 50 kW, thanks to the introduction of a CCS (Combo Charging System) socket.
With the larger capacity battery, Renault also introduced a more powerful engine. So, in addition to the 108 hp and 225 Nm engine of the Zoe R110, introduced last year, the range of engines is now topped by the Zoe R135, with an engine of 136 hp and 245 Nm.
The Zoe gains new impetus with this new engine, guaranteeing 10s in the 0 to 100 km/h, and more vigorous acceleration recovery, as attested by the 7.1s in the 80-120 km/h, 2.2s less than the R110. The Zoe's top speed has also risen to 140 km/h — the e-208 is, however, faster for the same power, reaching 100 km/h in 8.1s and the top speed is 150 km/h .
clean-faced
If electrical hardware is all the rage, Renault took the opportunity to redesign the Zoe's face, better aligning it with the rest of the range.
Thus, we find new front bumpers, with a more aggressive design, and also new front optics, which now bear the already typical luminous signature in “C” of the diamond brand — and without “moustaches” as in other Renaults. At the rear, the differences boil down only to the “core” of the rear optics, which is different from the predecessor.
It is the interior that receives the biggest changes, with a new center console incorporating a new infotainment system comprising a curved 9.3″ touchscreen, as in the new Renault Clio. The Easy Link system integrates specific functions for electrics, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are available.
We also see redesigned controls and ventilation outlets, with the latter being repositioned higher up and flanking the infotainment system's screen. New is also the 100% digital 10″ instrument panel, providing more information and being more customizable.
The new Renault Zoe also sees its technological arsenal reinforced when it comes to driving assistants. We have signal recognition, blind spot alert, lane maintenance assistant, and even a parking assistant, with Zoe managing to control the steering while executing the maneuvers.
The new Renault Zoe will hit the market before the end of the year, with prices still to be announced.
