The updated Renault Zoé has been highly anticipated by the EV community and it will arrive very soon in Ireland. Not only this is (still) the most affordable EV on the market, but it also (still) is the only one that can charge at 22kw at one of the hundreds AC chargers spread out all around the country, making it the most versatile EV available.
We know the Renault Zoé, it has been around since 2013 and is so far in 2019 the 2nd best selling BEV in the European market, behind the Tesla Model 3. Renault’s goal is to bring affordable electric cars for the masses and it naturally improved its Zoé.
You’ve probably read about the new Zoé before, with its impressive range of 395km WLTP, massive bootspace and available CCS connector, but we now have more details on the range available for the Irish market, and the good new is that it is (still) great value for money.
This new range starts at €26,990 with the Play R110 model. Compared to the outgoing Zoé Expression, it costs €1,400 extra but adds the 52kWh battery (instead of 41kWh), a more powerful 110hp motor (vs 90hp previously), and a number of new standard equipment such as Full LED headlights (previous Zoé owners will appreciate that), a full 10-inch digital instrument cluster, hands-free key card, automatic wipers and headlights. The infotainment is powered by the new Easy Link system, that comes standard with Apple Carplay and Android Auto. Of course ou still have Air conditioning or cruise control and speed limiter. This comes with the more efficient 15 inch wheels.
At €28,990, the Zoé Iconic R110 will be the popular option. It is just €1,000 over the outgoing Dynamique Nav R110 and adds to the Play version 16 inch alloys, built-in satellite navigation, climate control, inductive smart phone charging, electric rear windows, a number of ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) such as lane departure warning, lane keep assist and traffic sign recognition, the 100% recycled seat upholstery and dashboard trim, and rear parking sensors. 50kw CCS connector is a €750 option.
For €30,990, you can afford yourself the Iconic R135. This version will be aimed for EV drivers who do more regular long distances trips. For €2,000 over the Iconic R110, this version adds the more powerful 135hp motor, allowing faster acceleration and top speed, but also the desirable DC CCS 50kW connector, a must when going for a long trip across the country.
Finally at €31,990 the GT Line R135 is topping the new Zoé range, with diamond cut 16 inch alloy wheels, the very sexy 9.3 inch portrait Easy Link central screen, front parking sensors, rear-view camera, semi synthetic-leather and recycled cloth upholstery and Blind sport warning.
All Zoé come with a 5-year 200.000 km warranty (8-year 160.000 km for the battery).
The Iconic R110 will probably be the most popular choice. The price is reasonable, performance is adequate and it’s really well equipped. For a car that is meant to stay around town or be used as a second car, the lack of standard DC charger might not be an issue but it would be wiser get the option, as it will be an feature people will look for in a few years when you’ll resell the car. If you really want to go for the more powerful motor, go directly to the GT Line R135, as it offers many more features than the Iconic, such as the larger screen or the reverse camera, for just €1,000 extra.
The new Zoé will be available for deliveries from January, so you might want to visit your dealer quite soon.
Zoé Play R110 Z.E.50 – €26,990
Zoé Iconic R110 Z.E.50 – €28,990
Zoé Iconic R135 Z.E.50 – €30,990
Zoé GT Line R135 Z.E.50 – €31,990
Prices include the battery, VRT relief, SEAI grant and exclude metallic paint and delivery charges
Main options:
50 kw DC (CCS) connector – €750 (Iconic R110)
17-inch diamond cut alloy wheels – €400 (GT Line R135)
Winter pack (heated front seats and steering wheel) – €500 (Iconic and GT Line)
Technology pack (front sensors, rear-view camera, 9,3 inch portrait Easy Link screen) – €800 (Iconic)
Hands Free Parking – €350 (GT Line)