Best car

Renault Zoe: zero emissions city car

Andrew Frankel reviews the Renault Zoe – one of a new breed of all electric cars that can truly claim to be a practical alternative to traditional fuel cars

Renault Zoe Expression

This model from £18,443

Until the issue of range is resolved, all electric cars can only form part of the future of motoring. But if you live, work and spend almost all your time in town and have reliable access to an electrical supply, they really are worth a look, and at the more affordable end of the scale, none more so than the Renault Zoe.

It’s small yet reasonably spacious, will travel up to 130 miles on a single charge and is one of the best-looking compact cars on the market regardless of how it’s powered. Performance looks poor on paper but because all of its power is available all of the time, in reality it’s actually born for diving in and out of gaps in slow-moving urban traffic.

Performance

  • Engine: 86bhp
  • Transmission: 1-speed automatic
  • Top speed: 84mph
  • 0-60mph acceleration: 13.5sec

Costs

  • Claimed economy: 0mpg
  • VED: Group A
  • Insurance Group: 15 (1=low, 50=high)

RAC Drive Verdict

Practicality
3 / 5
Affordability
3 / 5
Safety
4 / 5
Fun
2 / 5