Renault ZOE Intens 2019 Review

The 2018 Renault ZOE delivers zero emissions motoring in a two grade line-up. The 2018 Renault ZOE may be Europe’s top-selling electric vehicle, but this pint-sized hatch has a growing number of rivals Down Under.

Initially launched in Australia in 2017, solely with fleet buyers in mind, the ZOE is now available to private buyers through just four dealerships nationwide (Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth), with the promise of more to come.

The zero emissions ZOE has a real-world range of around 300km and is Renault’s first pure electric vehicle in Australia, powered by a 41kWh lithium-ion battery pack that delivers output of 68kW and 220Nm through ZOE’s electric motor.

The 2018 Renault ZOE is priced from $47,490 for the entry-level Life and $49,490 for the top spec Intens, plus on road costs. For a very brief moment in time, the ZOE was the most affordable pure electric vehicle in Australia. But then the Hyundai IONIQ arrived, under cutting the cheapest ZOE by around $3k.

The ZOE does not get a five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty like most Renault vehicles, but a reduced three-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty and a five-year warranty on the lithium-ion battery. Of the four paint finishes on offer, three are metallic and will set you back $550.

If you’re after zero emissions motoring in a pint-sized footprint, the 2018 Renault ZOE fits the bill. If you’re after leading edge interior design or good ergonomics, look elsewhere.

Inside the ZOE’s cabin there’s a hint of French flair that will bring familiarity to fans of the brand, but it feels like Renault missed a chance to do something more significant with its first EV down under. The interior fit and finish is a little underwhelming (cloth seats and plastics abound) and feels at odds with its price point.

A very high driving position (limited seat adjustability) creates an awkward perch for most drivers and the cleverly concealed rear door handles create nice exterior lines but are awkward to open.

The ZOE is keenly priced compared to other EV offerings in Australia, but that doesn’t make it cheap. It’s likely to remain a hard sell to anyone other than an EV enthusiast on a sub-Tesla budget.

The 2018 Renault ZOE is available in Australia now: finding one is the hard part. On sale through four dealerships only nationwide (Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth) the ZOE is not likely to endear many with its zero emission proposition just yet.

If a Renault ZOE is your other car, it makes a lot of sense. Ideal for zipping to and from the shops (prob not IKEA) and your daily school run, the ZOE is the easy, zero-emissions A-to-B car. It was very easy to live with, albeit a little small for my typical family needs.

Where it’s not ideal is for the inner-city owner without a garage or off-street parking. The joy of the convenient overnight charge is gone, requiring a trip to a charge station to address your plug-in needs. The City of Port Philip confirms it is in fact illegal to run a power cord across a footpath for any length of time, let alone overnight.

The ZOE is built for five, but that second row really is best suited to two occupants only and its previously mentioned ergonomic challenges make it a tricky proposition for tall drivers in particular (despite tile and reach steering adjustments).

Super compact and easy to manouvre, it makes light work of city driving but its small boot and tight cabin counts most families out for anything beyond a short trip shuttle.

The Renault ZOE slots in to the light car segment (over $25k) along with six other vehicles. It is unique, however, currently the only pure electric vehicle in the entire light car segment (around 23 vehicles).

For a variety of reasons (cost, range anxiety, infrastructure) Australians are slow on the EV uptake and at this price point the ZOE’s rivals have been all but non-existent, until the Hyundai IONIQ hits Australia roads with its three model offering.

The EV product offering is widening in Australia, while buyer interest lags.

With up to 300km range and diminutive proportions, the Renault ZOE is made for city life commutes and suburban shuttle-runs. On the flipside, it’s lifeless handling and budget interior leave you wanting.

With rivals offering cheaper, more dynamic alternatives, the ZOE starts on the back foot.

How much does the 2019 Renault ZOE Intens cost?
Price: $49,490 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: Single electric motor
Output: 68kW/220Nm
Transmission: Reduction gear
Battery: 41kWh
Range: 300km (real-world) 400km (NEDC)
Safety rating: Five-star EuroNCAP (2013)