2022 Renault Zoe EV: All you need to know

While there is still some time for Chinese EVs like the Ora Good Cat and Smart #1 to hit our shores, the French automaker Renault has quietly come up with its cute Zoe electric car to woo the Malaysians. 

TC Euro Cars Sdn Bhd, the official distributor of the brand, has officially revealed the price and specifications for the 2022 Renault Zoe EV for the local market. It is also available for viewing at Renault’s Petaling Jaya showroom.

So, what does this electric hatchback bring to the table, let's discuss it in detail.

Variants and prices

Renault Malaysia offers the new Zoe EV in two variants - Zen R110 and Intens R135. Their prices are as follows -

Renault Zoe variants	Price (on-the-road without insurance)
Zen R110	RM 163,000
Intens R135	RM 175,000 (estimated)

Powertrain and charging

The all-new third-gen Zoe comes equipped with a new  Z.E. 50 battery pack with a capacity of 52 kWh compared to the first-gen model introduced in Malaysia in 2016, which was fitted with a 22 kWh unit. The bigger battery offers 386 - 395 km of range (WLTP) i.e. 185 km more than its predecessor.

Speaking about the power figures, the Zen R110's front-wheel-drive electric motor generates a maximum power of 110 PS and a peak torque of 225 Nm, while the top-spec Intense R135 gets the new R135 motor with 135 PS and 245 Nm of torque on tap.

As for charging, the new Renault Zoe comes with DC rapid charging capability via the new Combo CCS2 plug along with a Type 2 AC charging option. With the 50 kW DC charger, the battery takes 70 mins for a 0-80% state of charge. However, the AC charging provides a full charge in three hours when plugged into a 22 kW charger, or nine and half hours with a 7.4 kW unit. 

The latest Zoe version also has a B-mode for greater energy recuperation and a one-pedal driving feature, which helps in achieving the maximum range. Also part of the kit is an eco-meter that shows energy consumption/recovery information to the driver. Not to forget an Eco mode which contributes to energy saving by controlling the high energy consuming features.

Another system for boosting the driving range is the climate control pre-conditioning, which presets the temperature of the cabin before the occupant gets on board. 

Exterior

The trendy design of the electric hatch has a wow factor thanks to its compact, sculpted shapes. Up front lies the sleek lines and Pure Vision full-LED headlights with C-shaped daytime running lights and dynamic turn signals at the rear. The all-round sharp styling also continues on the sides with 16-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 195/55 tyres. On the Zen R110, the rims feature a single-tone finish, whereas the Intens R135 benefits from a diamond-cut finish.

The exterior colour options for the Renault Zoe Zen R110 include Black and Solid White, while the Zoe Intens R135 is offered in four vibrant hues viz.  Black, Purple, Blue, and Red.

Interior

Hop inside the new Renault Zoe and you will be greeted by a completely refreshed cabin, which is dubbed as the “Bubble of Well being” by the automaker. The key highlights are -

• 10-inch customisable full TFT instrument panel
• 7.0-inch central touchscreen paired with Renault EASY LINK multimedia system and six speaker 
• Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity 
• Black leather-cloth combination upholstery (Black Fabric as standard)
• Automatic climate control (Manual as standard)
• Electrochromic rear view mirror (Intens R135 only)
• Electronic adjustable and foldable door mirrors
• Ethical and sustainable materials, including tactile textiles on key touch points
• Reverse camera (Intens R135 only)
• Front and rear parking sensors (only rear as standard)
• Rear USB charging ports (Intens R135 only)
• Offline navigation (Intens R135 only)

Safety

Adding to the new Renault Zoe safety quotient are the following active and passive gears - 

• Four airbags (dual front and dual side)
• ABS with Emergency Brake Assist
• Lane Departure Warning 
• Lane Keep Assist 
• Adaptive High Beam
• Electronic Stability Control 
• Traction Control Anti-Slip Regulation 
• Hill Start Assist 
• Blind Spot Warning (Intens R135 only)

What do you think about the new Renault Zoe, will it be a game changer for the Malaysian electric vehicles market? Tell us in the comments.

Also read: Renault unveils a new electrified SUV, the Austral