Renault has refined the ZOE supermini EV range down to one 52kWh battery, one R135 electric motor and one 'GT Line+' trim level, costing around £30,500, after subtraction of the government's £1,500 Plug-in Car Grant.
As standard, you get Renault's R-Link multimedia system, with a 9.3-inch centre screen which features 'Apple CarPlay'/'Android Auto' smartphone-mirroring and 'always-on' 4G connectivity as part of a data pack included for the first three years of ownership. R-Link features steering wheel-mounted controls and voice recognition. It also delivers integrated connectivity with motoring services and applications available from the R-Link Store. Other standard ZOE features include Bluetooth, climate control, cruise control, Bluetooth, a Renault keycard and a speed limiter function.
Through the three-spoke wheel, the instruments are covered off by a 10-inch TFT monitor big enough to display 3D mapping. Here, a central circular driving gauge is flanked by customisable sections you alter via steering wheel buttons, with trip computer, audio and nav functions selectable on the left and either an Energy Monitor or an eco-driving 'leaf' graphic available on the right.
Programmable pre-conditioning heats or cools ZOE's cabin when the vehicle is charging, so when the driver gets into the car, the cabin is just the right temperature and battery charge is saved in use. As a further neat touch, this can be activated remotely via the owner's smartphone.