It’s been explained to the news desk up on the top floor of MotorMartin Towers that the game-changing range of the all-electric Renault ZOE has contributed to the stylish city car being voted the ‘Best Small Company Car’ at the Carbuyer Awards 2018, which were held recently at a ceremony in London.
The award recognises that the Renault ZOE, with its ultra-low running costs, impressive range of up to 250 miles (NEDC), represents an unbeatable proposition for business users searching for a compact car that will be both exceptionally efficient and usable.
After judging the ZOE on a whole host of criteria — ranging from practicality to running costs and safety to driving dynamics — the Carbuyer judges praised the five-door supermini for its refinement and how its class-leading range opens up the financial and environmental benefits of an electric vehicle to a wider spectrum of business users.
On the decision to award the highly-coveted ‘Best Small Company Car’ award to the Renault ZOE, Stuart Milne, Editor, Carbuyer, shared with MotorMartin that: “The Renault ZOE packs plenty into a very small package. It’s good to drive, comfortable and more spacious than you’d ever think possible. Thanks to its electric power, it sits in the lowest nine per cent BIK band, but what really seals the deal is its range. The standard car can travel up to 149 miles on a charge, but ZOE Z.E.40 versions are capable of an impressive 250 miles.”
Vincent Tourette, Managing Director, Groupe Renault UK, commented to MotorMartin that: “We’re delighted to see the Renault ZOE win yet another award, especially as it highlights how able the car is at satisfying the requirements of business customers. The high standard specification, ease-of-use and frugal running costs already make it a sound choice for corporate customers, but add in its recently enhanced range and the ZOE is a more attractive option than any other small car available, whether they are powered by an electric motor or a conventional combustion engine.”
The ZOE was one of two Renault models to win acclaim at this year’s Carbuyer Awards – the stylish Kadjar crossover also winning the ‘Best Road Tax-Free Car’ category.
The Carbuyer Best Cars Awards differ from others in that the categories are based around the questions car buyers are most likely to ask. The awards are driven by Carbuyer.co.uk’s popular ‘Best Cars’ section and are underpinned by comprehensive analysis of every new car on sale. In the course of finding their winners and providing motorists with the best information, the team tests over 500 cars a year.
The Renault ZOE is an all-electric, five-door supermini available in a choice of three trim levels and with two battery options. Despite its affordability, the entry level Expression Nav comes with a high level of standard specification, including items such as climate control and the 7-inch touch screen R-Link 2 infotainment system with sat nav. In Dynamique Nav, features include hands free keycard, automatic lights and wipers and rear parking sensors. The new top-of-the-range Signature Nav trim provides buyers with features including supple leather upholstery, a seven speaker BOSE® audio system, heated front seats and a rear parking camera.
Since launch in the UK in 2013, Renault has almost doubled the ZOE’s range from 130 miles (NEDC) to 250 miles (NEDC) thanks to technological advancements such as an increased battery capacity and an uprated motor.
With the new R90 motor and Z.E.40 battery, ZOE’s range is 250 miles (NEDC) – Renault estimates that in real-world driving conditions that this equates to around 186 miles in summer and 124 miles in cold winter conditions. ZOE can charge from zero to 80 per cent full in as little as 60 minutes thanks to its patented Chameleon Charger™ that allows it to make the most of the widest range of power supplies and also keep charging times to a minimum. Renault’s Range OptimiZer technology ensures ZOE is highly efficient with its heat pump, a bi-modal braking system and Michelin ENERGY E-V tyres.
ZOE is available to purchase in two ways. Firstly, under a battery hire scheme, where ZOE pricing starts at £14,245 (OTR) after the Government Plug-in Car Grant with battery leasing from £49 per month. New for 2017 is the ‘Unlimited’ option with no mileage cap, priced at £110 per month. It is easy to purchase a used ZOE with a battery lease – the new owner simply chooses which leasing option suits their needs the best and starts monthly payments based on their lease plan. You can also buy the ZOE outright. ZOE i ‘full purchase’ models start from £18,995 (OTR) after the Government Plug-in Car Grant, giving the buyer full ownership of the car and battery and no monthly battery lease payment.
ZOE is the best-selling electric vehicle in Europe and more than 4,500 ZOE have been sold since launching in the UK in 2013. ZOE is one of three models in Renault’s diverse electric vehicle range which also includes the Twizy quadricycle, the Kangoo Van Z.E. and the forthcoming Master Z.E. large panel van.
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