Punchy Zoe packing fun, more range

IT feels like we’re getting new electric vehicles hitting the market every day but with the updated Renault Zoe, this is no latecomer jumping on the bandwagon.

While it might look like not much has changed, that’s because Renault says the styling is one of the aspects of the car that buyers love.

However, step inside and you can see that the interior has had a much more impressive update – and it doesn’t stop there.

Under the skin, there’s a choice of new motors to power the Zoe, and the updated battery pack brings much more range.

There’s also the option of fast charging, while on-board connectivity has also been stepped up.

There are two motors to choose from, badged R110 and R135, which provide 109 and 133bhp respectively.

The more powerful motor has slightly less range at 239 miles, compared with 245 miles for the less powerful motor.

Our test car was the R135, and for those who come from a lowpowered petrol supermini, its sure to thrill.

It’s at its best in town, where the punchy performance makes it ideal for nipping in and out of traffic.

While it’s far from a motorway cruiser or B road fun car, it handles both admirably. On longer journeys there’s some road noise intrusion, and it can be a little unsettled by a big side wind, but it’s not a common occurrence.

Meanwhile, on a country road, all that torque from the electric motors make it great fun.

Prices for the Renault Zoe start at £26,495, which gets the less powerful motor, 15-inch wheels, fabric upholstery and manual air conditioning.

The Iconic trim starts at £27,995 with upgrades including 16-inch alloys, rear parking sensors and a seven-inch screen with satnav. Upgrade to the

R135 motor in this trim and prices start at £28,495.