In a similar instance, the car was once again spotted recently without any disguise. It should be noted that this one is the pre-facelift version which could mean that the French manufacturer is only testing a new powertrain that will most likely debut on a different car. This also gives way to a plethora of speculations with the most plausible one being for the Renault Kwid. The electric version of the car, which went on sale in China last year, could very well be pondered for the Indian market. However, there has been no input from the company’s side so far.

Also Read: All-new Renault Kiger will make its global debut in India early next year

The Zoe accounts to be among the most popular passenger EVs in Europe with a sales remark of over 84,000 units since January 2020, and more than 2,68,000 units have been sold since the car’s launch in Europe. Popular markets for the Zoe include France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and Portugal.

The car spotted measures 4.08m in length, which is longer than the majority of the hatchbacks that are sold in India. However, it must be noted that the vehicle showcased at the Auto Expo was more advanced than the one which was spotted on the road. At the Auto Expo, the Zoe had a huge 9.3-inch tablet-like touchscreen infotainment system, while the one which was spied had a rather smaller R-Link unit flanked by control knobs and switches and a smaller digital drivers display.

The pre-facelift model which was spotted comes equipped with an electric motor with 41 kWh battery capacity. The electric powertrain can churn out 108 PS and 225 Nm and is also capable of delivering WLTP-claimed range of around 300 km on a single charge. As far as the charging capabilities are concerned, the Renault Zoe EV can get up to 80 percent charge from a 43 kW charger in 1 hour and 40 minutes.

Stay tuned to IndianAutosBlog.com for more Renault updates and other four-wheeler news.

[Source: rushlane.com]

The Renault Zoe is one of the best-selling EVs in Europe. In terms of dimensions, it's a B-segment, sub-compact hatchback like the Hyundai i20 and the Maruti Baleno. It measures 4,087 mm in length, 1,787 mm in width and 1,652 mm in height. It has a 2,588 mm wheelbase. As it’s an EV, the GST levied on it won’t take into account its length, and so, the Indian-spec car won’t need to have a reduced length.

The Renault Zoe is made in two variants, namely R110 and R135. The. Common to both is a 400V, 52 kWh Lithium-ion battery pack that weighs 326 kg.

The R110 variant mounts an electric motor rated to deliver 80 kW (108 PS) at 3,395-10,886 rpm and 225 Nm of torque at 500-3,395 rpm. It can accelerate from 0-50 km/h in 3.9 seconds and from 0-100 km/h in 11.4 seconds. Its top speed is 135 km/h.

The R135 variant’s electric motor generates 100 kW (135 PS) at 4,200-11,163 rpm and 245 Nm of torque at 2,500-3,600 rpm. Its 0-50 km/h and 0-100 km/h acceleration times are 3.6 seconds and 9.5 seconds respectively.

The 52 kWh battery pack offers a range of 395 km* in the R110 variant and 386 km* in the R120 variant. Below are the charging times using different chargers:

The Renault Zoe will most likely be imported to India via the CBU route and cost upwards of INR 20 lakh (ex-showroom). Renault will use it to understand the market for EVs here and experiment with its EV technologies. The company will launch a pure electric Renault Kwid as its first locally manufactured EV, probably in the second generation.

8 January 2020 -

Apart from the upcoming sub-4 metre SUV HBC (in concept version), Renault's show-stopper at Auto Expo 2020 will be the Zoe EV. A new report says that it will have its Indian debut at this biennial event. Moreover, it claims that it is planned to be launched in India, by 2021.

Like Hyundai and MG, Renault has decided to understand experiment with an imported EV first and then move to locally manufactured EVs in India. It will use Auto Expo 2020 to gauge the market interest for the Zoe. The report says that the company is already testing the it the country to adapt it to the local weather and road conditions and get an understanding of the range.

For the uninitiated, the Renault Zoe is quite an old but a very successful model. It was first revealed at the Geneva Motor Show in 2012 and was launched at the Paris Motor Show in the very same year. It has been given several visual refreshes and mechanical updates since, and the most recent one of them was in October 2019.

Featuring a chic design, the French pure electric car measures 4,087 mm in length, 1,787 mm in width and 1,562 mm in height. It has a 2,588 mm wheelbase. In other words, it's a B-segment, sub-compact hatchback like the Tata Altroz and Hyundai i20. It packs a 52 kWh Lithium-ion battery pack that is used to power an electric motor mounted at the front. Customers can select from two electric motors, namely R110 and R135. The R110 unit generates 108 PS and 225 Nm of torque, while the R135 unit develops 135 PS and 245 Nm of torque.

The Renault Zoe's range under the WLTP cycle is 395 km (with R110 motor)/386 km (with R135 motor). Its 0-100 km/h acceleration time and top speed is 3.9 seconds (with R110 motor)/3.6 seconds (with R135 motor) and 135 km/h (with R110 motor)/140 km/h (with R135 motor). Charging the battery pack can take anywhere from 3 hours to 34 and a half hours depending on the type of charger and the charging source. A 50 kW DC charger can be used to quickly charge it from 0-80% in 1 hour 10 minutes, though.

Full LED headlights with C-shaped DRL, 17-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, LED tail lights and LED dynamic turn signals (rear) are some of the exterior highlights of the Renault Zoe. Salient interior features include 10-inch fully digital instrument cluster, 9.3-inch portrait-style touchscreen infotainment system, electric parking brake, wireless smartphone charger and leather upholstery.

Also Read: Renault Triber AMT road testing commences, caught on cam

Expect the Renault Zoe to be priced somewhere around INR 14-16 lakh* price bracket.

*Ex-showroom

[Source: Autocar India]

2020 Maruti Vitara Brezza (facelift)

The game-changer of the sub-four metre SUV segment, Maruti Vitara Brezza, is all set to receive its first proper facelift. The visual changes will be mild in the form of revised front and rear bumpers, new, LED headlamps, tweaked tail lamps and machined alloy wheels and a couple of additional interior features.

However, the big changes will be under the bonnet, as unlike the currently available Vitara Brezza, the new model will be sold with a petrol engine only. In this case, it will be the same 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol with (optional) 12V mild-hybrid tech and the choices of 5-speed manual and 4-speed automatic gearboxes.

2020 Hyundai Creta

The biggest stalwart for Hyundai, the Creta, will enter into the second generation with comprehensive updates to each and every aspect. The Indian-spec 2020 Hyundai Creta will be based on the 2020 Hyundai iX25. However, it will come with few visual tweaks to front and rear, with different alloy wheels as well.

Along with an offbeat exterior and a revamped, futuristic interior, the next-gen Hyundai Creta will boast a new set of engines – 115 PS 1.5L naturally aspirated petrol, 115 PS 1.5L turbocharged diesel engine and 120 PS 1.0L turbocharged petrol.

2020 Mahindra Thar

After a long, long time, the Mahindra Thar is also going to get its second generation model, which will see it making a shift towards a more modern and practical vehicle.

While the exterior will only minor visual changes, the interior will be revamped altogether with a more contemporary layout with new additions like multifunction steering wheel, touchscreen infotainment system, cruise control and more. Unlike in the previous generation model, front-facing rear seat will be available.

Under the hood, 2020 Mahindra Thar will have an all-new, BS-VI compliant 2.0-litre diesel engine, which will be offered with a 6-speed manual gearbox as standard and a four-wheel drive system as an optional fitment.

MG Hector Plus

After taking the 5-seat C-SUV segment by a storm with the Hector, MG will soon be upping its game by launching a 6-seat version of the same. Set to be named Hector Plus, it will feature a more stylish exterior and two captain seats in the middle and a third row behind them.

The interior cabin of the MG Hector Plus might be completely similar to that of the Hector, however, the exterior will see some visual changes in the form of a tweaked grille and a new set of LED headlamps and tail lamps. Powertrain options will be carried forward from the Hector – 1.5-litre turbo petrol and 2.0-litre diesel engines.

[Image Source: Autocar India]

Tata Gravitas

To take on the fight with the MG Hector Plus, Tata Motors has readied its warrior in the form of the seven-seat version of the Harrier - the Gravitas. Previewed as the Buzzard Geneva Edition showcased at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show, the Tata Gravitas will see much more comprehensive changes on the outside, with a completely new design post the C-pillar and the obvious inclusion of third-row of seats on the inside.

While the interior design will be shared with the Harrier, it will likely feature some additional features like a tyre pressure monitoring system for instance. Powering this SUV will be a 170 PS 2.0L diesel engine. A 6-speed automatic transmission will be available.

2020 Tata Nexon (facelift)

In the wake of new competitors, Tata Motors too will be giving a fresh lease of life to the Nexon, with fee visual tweaks and feature additions. Taking heavy inspiration from the Nexon EV revealed few days ago, the 2020 Nexon will have a new bolder front appearance with new radiator grille, headlamps, fog lamps, bumpers, alloy wheels and more.

The interior cabin might see the inclusion of new features, including the much needed sunroof. The new Tata Nexon will continue to soldier on with the current 1.2-litre turbo petrol and 1.5-litre diesel engines, with both 5-speed manual and 5-speed AMT gearboxes.

[Image Source: Autocar India]

Kia Carnival

The Kia Carnival is a globally successful mid-size MPV in a segment above the Toyota Innova Crysta.

The Kia Carnival will be available in 7-, 8- and 7-seat configurations. It will be targeted at customers seeking extraordinary rear-seat comfort, especially during long-haul journeys.

Skoda Karoq

Set to be launched as a challenger to Jeep Compass, the Skoda Karoq has an appeal of a scaled-down Skoda Kodiaq, both in terms of size as well as features.

The 5-seat C-SUV will be launched as a petrol-only model and will pack Volkswagen Group's ubiquitous 1.5L TSI Evo turbocharged petrol engine (150 PS/250 Nm), along with will be offered with 6-speed manual and 7-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission choices. Imported via the CBU route, it will be launched in April.

VW T-Roc

The VW T-Roc, also a CBU import, will go against the Skoda Karoq. It will be launched in the next financial year (April 2020-March 2021).

The VW T-Roc will also share the 1.5L turbo petrol engine with the Skoda Karoq as the only engine option, and in the same state of tune – 150 PS of power and 250 Nm of torque.

Renault Zoe

After playing it safe with low-cost, locally manufactured models for years now, Renault will finally take bold move with niche import - the Zoe. The Zoe is a sub-compact all-electric hatchback with a 41 kWh battery. It will likely be assembled here and launched by next fiscal.

The Renault Zoe offers a range of up to 395 km under the WLTP cycle. It will face competition from the Tata Altroz EV, which will be cheaper as it will be manufactured in India.

Mahindra XUV300 Electric

Mahindra will be previewing the all-electric version of its popular compact SUV, the XUV300, at the Auto Expo. While there will be very few visual differences between the XUV300 Electric and its conventional fuel-driven counterpart, the obvious major difference will be under the hood, with the former carrying an all-electric powertrain.

The Mahindra XUV300 Electric will be launched in FY2020-2021. It will be available with two battery pack options, one with ~200 km range and one with ~350-400 km range. It will be pitched as a direct competitor to the Tata Nexon EV, which will be launched in India towards the end of this month.

The Renault Zoe measures 4,084 mm in length, 1,730 mm in width, excluding external mirrors, 1,562 mm in height. The Renault logo housed on the nose doubles up as a charging port. The hatchback’s wheelbase stands at 2,588 mm. The boot space is 338 litres and is expandable up to 1,225 litres with the rear bench seat folded flat.

The electric drivetrain consists of a motor capable of producing 92 PS and 225 Nm in the R90 guise and 88 PS and 220 Nm in the Q90 variant. The car comes with either a Z.E. 40 battery with 41 kWh capacity or a 22 kWh battery. The NEDC driving range for the R90 and Q90 with Z.E. 40 battery are 403 km and 370 km respectively. The R90 with the 22kWh battery can travel up to 240 km on a single charge.

Also Read - Renault Could display sub-4 m SUV concept at Auto Expo

In India, Renault plans to introduce its first EV by 2022. However, the Renault Zoe is unlikely to lead the company's EV charge. A CMF-A platform based EV is what India will get owing to the price-sensitive nature of our market.

The Renault ZOE measures 4,084 mm in length, 1,730 mm in width, excluding external mirrors, 1,562 mm in height. A unique design element of this car is the front Renault logo, which doubles up as a charging port. The hatchback’s wheelbase stands at 2,588 mm. The boot space is 338 litres and is expandable up to 1,225 litres with the rear bench seat folded flat.

Also Read: Renault Twingo La Parisienne showcased at IAA 2017 – Live

On the inside, the hatchback features automatic climate control and Renault R-LINK multimedia system with TomTom navigation as standard. The company also provides a 7kW Z.E. ready domestic wall box with Chameleon charger allowing recharge between 1 hour and 13.5 hours. Higher end versions get a hands-free key card, premium 3D surround sound system with 7-inch touchscreen, rear parking sensors, reverse camera and part leather upholstery.

Also Read: Renault SYMBIOZ concept – IAA 2017 Live

The Renault ZOE employs an electric motor which is capable of producing 92 PS and 225 Nm in the R90 guise; 88 PS and 220 Nm in the Q90 variant. The car comes with either a Z.E. 40 battery with 41 kWh capacity or a 22 kWh battery. Both are lithium ion 400 volt batteries. The NEDC driving range for the R90 and Q90 with Z.E. 40 battery are 403 km and 370 km respectively. The R90 with the 22kWh battery can travel up to 240 km on a single charge.

The ZOE is available from GBP 14,245 for the basic Expression variant with a mandatory battery hire of GBP 59 per month. One can also own the battery in the same variant for GBP 5,600 extra. The car comes with a four-year warranty and Renault Assistance as standard.

Renault is showcasing the new Renault Zoe at the 2016 Bologna Motor Show in Italy. The new Zoe went on sale in France just two months back.

Introduced at the 2016 Paris Motor Show, the new Renault Zoe now features a 41 kWh battery developed in collaboration with LG Chem. The capacity has been nearly doubled from the previous 22 kWh battery pack. The storage capacity has been increased without making the battery bigger or a lot heavier. Instead of stacking additional battery modules, the energy density has been increased.

The new battery is offered in the Renault Zoe Z.E. 40 battery model which has a record driving range of 400 km in NEDC. In real-world traffic conditions, the Zoe Z.E. 40 should offer a driving range of 300 km. Renault says that the time required to charge the Z.E. 40 battery is similar to that of the standard battery. On an average 30 minutes are required to charge the battery for an extra 80 km of driving range when using standard charging socket.

The new Renault Zoe is available in two new colours: Red and Titanium Grey. The INTENS trim now comes with electric fold-away door mirrors and new 16-inch two-tone aluminium wheel rims. Its interior has been refreshed with a black colour scheme for upholstery and various cabin components. Lastly, a new blue interior colour pack is available in this trim.

The Renault Zoe, the 5-door supermini making electric vehicles more reachable in Europe, has been spotted in Bangalore by IAB reader Santosh Kinagi. The Zoe seen in these images is not a test mule and Renault does not plan to launch the Zoe in India, at least in the immediate future.

The Zoe seen in these images is actually from the fleet of Lithium Urban Technologies, an EV cab startup that launched operations last year. Lithium's initial fleet included 100 Mahindra Revas late last year. The company may be planning to add a few units of the Renault Zoe as its flagship cab.

The Renault Zoe is based on the Renault Clio's platform and powered by a synchronous electric motor that generates 65 kW (88 hp) from 3,000 rpm to 11,300 rpm and 220 Nm of torque from just 250 rpm to 2,500 rpm. The motor draws power from a 400-volt Lithium-Ion battery which weighs 290 kg. Charging the battery can take as long as 8-9 hours. However, using a 43 kW (3 phase 63A charge point), 80% charging is completed in just 30 minutes (rapid charge model)/60 minutes (standard model).

Also See: Renault Kwid spied in base trim level in France

The Renault Zoe can reach 0-100 km/h in 13.5 seconds and has a top speed of 84 mph (135.19 km/h). The NEDC-rated driving range of the rapid charge Zoe and standard Zoe is 130 miles (209.21 km) and 149 miles (239.79 km) respectively.

At the ongoing 2015 Geneva Motor Show, Renault has showcased the 2015 Renault Zoe. The electric car benefits from an increased range of 240 km (149 miles) from an earlier 209 km (130 miles).

The Zoe now comes with a new R240 synchronous electric motor, which is lighter and smaller in physical size than the outgoing unit. There's also a new Chameleon charging system, which brings down the charging time by 10 percent.

The update gives the Zoe an increased range, but the output remains same as before - 87 hp and 220 Nm of torque.

Further information can be found in the press release below.

2015 Renault Zoe at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show - Press Release

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