Renault Zoe ZOE vs Volkswagen Polo AW
Renault Zoe
ZOE · 2012 – 2026
The Zoe (ZOE), a compact electric hatchback.
Volkswagen Polo
AW · 2017 – 2026
The sixth-generation Polo (AW), on the MQB A0 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 1.0 TSI 110 · Petrol
| Renault Zoe | Volkswagen Polo | |
|---|---|---|
| Power |
135 hp
Winner
|
110 hp
|
| Torque |
245 Nm
Winner
|
200 Nm
|
| 0–100 km/h |
9,5 s
Winner
|
10,0 s
|
| Top speed |
140 km/h
|
196 km/h
Winner
|
| Power-to-weight |
89,9 hp/t
|
97,3 hp/t
Winner
|
| CO₂ emissions (WLTP) |
0 g/km
Winner
|
113 g/km
|
| Consumption (WLTP) |
—
|
5,0 L/100km
|
Dimensions & space
| Renault Zoe | Volkswagen Polo | |
|---|---|---|
| Boot |
338 L
|
351 L
Winner
|
| Boot (seats folded) |
1.225 L
Winner
|
1.125 L
|
| Wheelbase |
2,59 m
Winner
|
2,56 m
|
| Length |
4,09 m
|
4,05 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) | MQB A0 (transverse) |
| Drive | Front-wheel drive | Front-wheel drive |
| Engine family | Q210/R240 (22 kWh) · ZE40/R90/R110 (41 kWh) · ZE50/R135 (52 kWh) | EA211 1.0/1.5 TSI · EA888 2.0 TSI (GTI) · EA288 1.6 TDI (pre-facelift) |
| Transmission | Single-speed automatic | 6-speed manual · 7-speed DSG |
| Fuel | Electric | Petrol |
| Euro standard | N/A (electric) | Euro 6d |
| 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
- DQ200 DSG shift quality (dry clutch)
- Timing belt + water pump (EA211)
- Infotainment glitches on early cars
Pros
- Low electricity consumption
- ZE50 with ~390 km range
- Affordable used
- Roomier and more mature than the Polo V
- Thrifty 1.0 TSI with low CO2
- Mature road manners and good finish
Cons
- Limited range on early versions
- Battery rental on early cars
- DQ200 DSG service (dry clutch)
- GTI and higher trims get pricey
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
Bigger, more comfortable and closer to a Golf in feel. The AW rides with noticeably better isolation and body control than the 6R, steers accurately with decent weighting, and stays quiet at speed for a supermini. The 1.0 TSI is the sensible pick — smooth and economical — the GTI adds real pace, and the 1.6 TDI is the long-distance choice. The DSG is smooth; the manual is light and precise. It is a more grown-up, more premium-feeling small car than the 6R, with a maturity close to the Golf in a smaller package.
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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