If you had more than ten years’ worth of industry experience, you’d proudly shout about it on your CV.
And the same thing applies to the Renault ZOE E-Tech, an all-electric vehicle (EV) that first launched in the UK back in 2012 and which continues to lead from the front.
A decade ago, the trailblazing ZOE had few real rivals.
But as more and more newcomers arrived on the market, the ZOE has had to adapt and evolve in order to continue to thrive.
Renault says the ZOE will ‘go wherever life takes you’, and it’s an EV that really does excel at a whole lot of things.
Here at Select Car Leasing we’ve currently got a tantalising deal on the range-topping ZOE, which starts from just £185.99 a month*.
Could the ZOE fit into - and enhance - your busy life? Read on to find out:
What’s good about the Renault ZOE?
You’ve probably already got a mental image of what a ZOE is like, and the sort of people who drive them.
What we’d say now is that you should prepare to have your preconceptions challenged.
It’s a bigger car than you think, it’s swift when you want it to be, and it looks the part, thanks to a major facelift in 2022.
Yes, it’s been around a while now - but the ZOE is still as relevant as ever.
What’s the battery like? And is it quick..?
Surprisingly, so, yeah.
Underpinning every ZOE, no matter which trim level you choose, is a 52 kWh battery offering power of 135 hp and 245 Nm of torque.
With the base trim level, you can expect a range of up to 239 miles, but that figure drops to 223 miles the further up the range you travel, thanks to the addition of larger, more eye-catching alloy wheels.
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Either way, the electric range of the ZOE trumps that of cars like the Honda e, MINI Electric, Mazda MX-30, Fiat 500 Electric… and also beats the MG MG4 EV Standard Range.
The battery also means the ZOE is no slouch, getting from 0-62mph in around 9.0 seconds. That’s more than zippy enough to keep up with urban traffic.
And because of the way that EVs are able to harness their battery’s power almost instantaneously, it also means you can get up to motorway speeds with minimal fuss.
Is the ZOE practical?
The five-door ZOE hatchback isn’t nearly as small as you might think.
In fact, the EV is actually slightly bigger than the Renault Clio, which isn’t the smallest supermini on the market by any standard.
There’s enough room in the back to ferry the family where it needs to be.
And the boot weighs-in at 338 litres. That’s larger than the trunk you get with the MINI Electric, Vauxhall Corsa Electric or the Peugeot e-208. Heck, it’s also a bigger boot than you get with the traditionally-fuelled Ford Fiesta.
The other mega-practical thing about the ZOE is that it can park itself. Even entry-level models have sensor-based hands-free parking tech.
In terms of the ZOE’s safety, lease customers also enjoy automatic emergency braking and lane keep assist as standard.
What sort of kit can I expect?
As explained above, you get a full suite of driver assistance and safety tech with the Renault Zoe.
You can also expect, as standard, a 9.3 inch touchscreen with sat nav, front and rear parking sensors, a rear view camera, traffic sign recognition, wireless phone charger, heated seats, heated leather steering wheel, a DAB radio, tinted rear windows, and 16 inch alloys.
That’s LOADS more than you get with a ton of other entry-level vehicles.
Meanwhile range-topping models - like the one we’ve got up for grabs for under £190 per month - feature upgrades to the exterior and interior.
What are the alternatives?
There are a fair few different alternatives to choose from, each with their own unique strengths.
The Fiat 500, for example, wins the prize for retro charm, coming with a 60s-inspired design that never seems to get old.
The Honda e is, like the ZOE, ridiculously well-equipped as standard - including with adaptive cruise control - and also borrows some nostalgic style cues from Hondas of old.
The MINI Electric has a smaller range, and less practicality, than the ZOE, but is more likely to satisfy petrolheads looking for performance.
Meanwhile cars like the Vauxhall Corsa Electric will be quicker to charge than the ZOE. The Corsa Electric, for example, supports rapid charging at a speed of up to 100 kW, whereas the ZOE’s top speed is around 50kW.
Still, with the ZOE you’ll still be able to take the battery from 10-80% full in around 56 minutes - just long enough for you to do the weekly shop.
Verdict?
All in all, the Renault ZOE should be super-simple to live with, and enjoyable for a whole host of different lease customers.
If it’s not already on your leasing options list, then it should be.
And at this price, it’s a tempting EV indeed.
* Prices include VAT. Credit is Subject to Status, Ts and Cs and Arrangement Fees apply. Excess mileage may apply. Stock levels and prices correct as of 12/01/22.
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