Renault Zoe ZOE vs Volkswagen Polo 6R
Renault Zoe
ZOE · 2012 – 2026
The Zoe (ZOE), a compact electric hatchback.
Volkswagen Polo
6R · 2009 – 2017
The fifth-generation Polo (6R), on the PQ25 platform.
Renault Zoe
Pick the Zoe for an affordable, efficient electric city car with a long range (ZE50).
Volkswagen Polo
Pick the Polo for a mature, thrifty supermini with low running costs and solid build quality.
Performance
ZE50 R135 · Electric vs 1.2 TSI 90 · Petrol
| Renault Zoe | Volkswagen Polo | |
|---|---|---|
| Power |
135 hp
Winner
|
90 hp
|
| Torque |
245 Nm
Winner
|
160 Nm
|
| 0–100 km/h |
9,5 s
Winner
|
10,5 s
|
| Top speed |
140 km/h
|
182 km/h
Winner
|
| Power-to-weight |
89,9 hp/t
Winner
|
84,9 hp/t
|
| CO₂ emissions (WLTP) |
0 g/km
Winner
|
110 g/km
|
| Consumption (WLTP) |
—
|
4,8 L/100km
|
Dimensions & space
| Renault Zoe | Volkswagen Polo | |
|---|---|---|
| Boot |
338 L
Winner
|
280 L
|
| Boot (seats folded) |
1.225 L
Winner
|
950 L
|
| Wheelbase |
2,59 m
Winner
|
2,47 m
|
| Length |
4,09 m
|
3,97 m
|
| Ground clearance |
—
|
14,5 cm
|
| Turning circle |
10,5 m
Winner
|
10,6 m
|
| Towing capacity (braked) |
—
|
1.000 kg
|
Powertrain & tech
| Renault Zoe | Volkswagen Polo | |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | Zoe (EV) | PQ25 (transverse) |
| Drive | Front-wheel drive | Front-wheel drive |
| Engine family | Q210/R240 (22 kWh) · ZE40/R90/R110 (41 kWh) · ZE50/R135 (52 kWh) | EA111 1.2/1.4 TSI (pre-facelift) · EA211 1.0/1.2 TSI (facelift) · EA189/EA288 TDI · EA888 1.8 (GTI) |
| Transmission | Single-speed automatic | 5-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
- Timing chain on EA111 TSI (pre-2014)
- Water pump/thermostat module
- EGR/DPF on diesels (short trips)
Pros
- Low electricity consumption
- ZE50 with ~390 km range
- Affordable used
- Affordable and cheap to maintain
- Facelift (2014+) brought better EA211 engines
- Compact and easy to park
Cons
- Limited range on early versions
- Battery rental on early cars
- EA111 chain (early 1.2/1.4 TSI) can cause trouble
- Pre-facelift interior and infotainment dated
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.
Volkswagen Polo
Light, nimble and easy to thread through town. The 6R steers quickly and accurately, rides acceptably for its size, and feels genuinely small and manageable in tight streets. The 1.0 and 1.2 TSI engines are adequate rather than exciting; the 1.4 TSI and GTI add real pace; the 1.6 TDI is the economical choice for distance. The 7-speed DSG is smooth once moving, though it can hesitate from a standstill. It is a competent, economical supermini, though it trails the AW for refinement and cabin quality.
Belgian taxes & LEZ
For sale at dealers
Renault Zoe
0 for saleNo listings at the moment
Volkswagen Polo
45 for sale · from € 1.150
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