Renault Zoe ZOE vs Skoda Fabia MK3
Renault Zoe
ZOE · 2012 – 2026
The Zoe (ZOE), a compact electric hatchback.
Skoda Fabia
MK3 · 2014 – 2021
The third-generation Fabia (MK3), on the PQ26 platform.
Renault Zoe
Pick the Zoe for an affordable, efficient electric city car with a long range (ZE50).
Skoda Fabia
Pick the MK3 for a roomy, affordable supermini with a sweet 1.0 TSI.
Performance
ZE50 R135 · Electric vs 1.0 TSI 110 · Petrol
| Renault Zoe | Skoda Fabia | |
|---|---|---|
| Power |
135 hp
Winner
|
110 hp
|
| Torque |
245 Nm
Winner
|
200 Nm
|
| 0–100 km/h |
9,5 s
Winner
|
9,8 s
|
| Top speed |
140 km/h
|
196 km/h
Winner
|
| Power-to-weight |
89,9 hp/t
|
100,0 hp/t
Winner
|
| CO₂ emissions (WLTP) |
0 g/km
Winner
|
104 g/km
|
| Consumption (WLTP) |
—
|
4,5 L/100km
|
Dimensions & space
| Renault Zoe | Skoda Fabia | |
|---|---|---|
| Boot |
338 L
Winner
|
330 L
|
| Boot (seats folded) |
1.225 L
Winner
|
1.160 L
|
| Wheelbase |
2,59 m
Winner
|
2,47 m
|
| Length |
4,09 m
|
3,99 m
|
| Ground clearance |
—
|
13,5 cm
|
| Turning circle |
10,5 m
Winner
|
10,6 m
|
| Towing capacity (braked) |
—
|
1.100 kg
|
Powertrain & tech
| Renault Zoe | Skoda Fabia | |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | Zoe (EV) | PQ26 |
| Drive | Front-wheel drive | Front-wheel drive |
| Engine family | Q210/R240 (22 kWh) · ZE40/R90/R110 (41 kWh) · ZE50/R135 (52 kWh) | 1.0 MPI/TSI petrol · 1.4 TDI diesel |
| Transmission | Single-speed automatic | 6-speed manual · 7-speed DSG |
| Fuel | Electric | Petrol |
| Euro standard | N/A (electric) | Euro 6 |
| LEZ access | Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation) | Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation) |
Reliability & watch-outs
Known issues
- 12V battery drain
- Charging port and infotainment glitches
- Battery degradation on early cars
- 1.0 TSI: timing belt on interval
- Early MPI: oil consumption
- Electrical gremlins
Pros
- Low electricity consumption
- ZE50 with ~390 km range
- Affordable used
- Roomy boot for its class
- Affordable and economical
- Practical and reliable
Cons
- Limited range on early versions
- Battery rental on early cars
- Sparse base equipment
- Less refined driving feel
- Dated infotainment
Driving experience
Renault Zoe
Quiet and smooth in town with instant torque delivery. Early models feel modest above 80 km/h; the R135 is more usable for faster roads. Steering is light and accurate enough for urban manoeuvres but lacks feel. Ride quality is comfortable on smaller wheels and firmer on larger alloys. Body roll is noticeable in corners due to the battery weight. Regenerative braking (especially "B" mode on later cars) aids one-pedal driving in town. High-speed refinement is limited by wind and road noise. Overall a competent and relaxing city EV rather than a dynamic driver's car.
Skoda Fabia
Composed and secure for a city hatchback of its era, with light steering that suits urban and motorway driving. The ride is comfortable on standard wheels, and body roll is present yet managed. Petrol engines deliver responsive low-end performance for daily use. It prioritises comfort and ease of use over sharp dynamics, with good visibility.
Belgian taxes & LEZ
For sale at dealers
Renault Zoe
0 for saleNo listings at the moment
