GEARHEAD
Zoe Good
There is so much to like about the Renault Zoe electric car
It is near impossible to fault the Renault Zoe.
This pure electric car is a mini hatch with cool styling and excellent green credentials. It also has zippy performance and low running costs. Even its name is cute, so what’s there not to like?
Well, there’s just one small detail but about that later.
The Renault Zoe is a small and stylish five-door hatchback that the French carmaker claims will travel up to 367 km on a single charge.
In the real world, or more accurately, hot and humid Singapore with heavy air-con use and peak-hour congestion, the actual range of this diminutive EV or electric vehicle is about 312 km.
That is still more than acceptable since most daily commutes aren’t likely to exceed 100 km. So unless you’re a private-hire driver or bus captain, no range anxiety is involved.
But perhaps the most attractive aspect of this EV is how cheap it is to run.
Cost
At 16.1 kWh of electricity consumed per 100 km, it costs less than S$11 for a full charge versus a full tank of petrol at about 10 times that.
Say the Zoe’s range is about a third of a petrol-engined alternative; the latter still costs more than three times to cover the same distance.
So based on the average annual mileage of 20,000 km, authorised Renault distributor Wearnes Automotive estimates that the Zoe represents a savings of over S$2,000 yearly. That includes its lower servicing costs and after accounting for the EV’s roughly 15 per cent higher road tax.
Drive
But what’s it to like to drive?
As with any other EV, the Renault Zoe has near-instantaneous response. Because the maximum torque of 225 Nm is available from just 200 rpm, the Zoe blasts off from stationary when the accelerator is floored.
But because of its lithium-ion battery pack, this dinky car is surprisingly heavy at 1,480 kg. With its supermini proportions of just 4,085 mm in length and 1,730 mm width however, it is eminently manoeuvrable, with a well-weighted steering that is helpful at high speeds.
Boosting driver confidence further is how robust it feels. Only the high driver’s seat lacks a height adjustment feature for those who are taller.
While the Zoe is great for quick starts off the line, with excellent elasticity for overtaking in town traffic, it quickly runs out of breath above 100 kmh.
Also because the Zoe looks small, other road users think it’s also slow and will cut into your lane unceremoniously. This lack of respect for the Renault’s superb torque is perhaps the only bugbear. But hey, you can’t have everything, right?
Ride
The Zoe’s good handling is due to its firm suspension. But that can translate into a bouncier ride when going fast.
Running on 16-inch alloy wheels, its front suspension is a pseudo MacPherson, which is a simpler version of the MacPherson strut, while the rear semi-rigid axle is also a less expensive beam design.
But they still work well to control the ride and handling, as do the rear drum brakes, which are unusual in this day and age.
Together with the front disc brakes, they don’t feel inadequate and provide the nippy Renault with good braking response and feel.
Features
The Renault Zoe’s wheelbase of 2,588 mm allows for decent rear legroom. The rear bench seats three passengers but only if they are not sumo wrestlers or NBA players.
For the driver, there is an LED instrument cluster with a customisable display that has the digital speedo, driving range and energy flow.
The seven-inch colour touchscreen in the centre is for the multimedia and navigation system. It also has a bigger energy flow graphic and other trip computer information such as eco and efficiency data.
This is where you see how much regenerative braking has been achieved or how little anticipation you’ve shown while driving.
The Renault Zoe takes two hours and 40 minutes for a full charge with a 22 kWh charger using the Type 2 inlet behind the Renault badge on the grille.
An interesting piece of equipment is the ZE Voice audible safety warning for pedestrians. Because EVs are quieter than conventional cars, this Renault will emit a low drone to warn them.
But of course, if you prefer to creep up on them for your own perverse entertainment, it can be switched off if desired.
Price
Because it has zero tailpipe emissions, the Zoe nets the maximum VES rebate of S$20,000 for a list price of S$122,999.
Few others can match this Renault’s ability to make motoring as chic and cheap.
Renault Zoe
Motor – Synchronous with wound-rotor
Gearbox – Single-speed transmission
Max power – 91 hp @ 2,886-5,000 rpm
Max torque – 225 Nm @ 200-3,000 rpm
0-100 kmh – 13.2 secs
Top speed – 135 kmh
Max range – 367 km
VES band – A1 (-S$20,000)
Distributor – Wearnes Automotive, tel 6471-3313
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