Renault has been a trailblazer for affordable electric cars. And although many other manufacturers have now caught up – and even overtaken – the French brand, the Renault Zoe E-Tech hatchback is still a convincing alternative to a petrol or diesel small car.

With an impressive 239-mile claimed driving range in its latest configuration following a comprehensive facelift in 2020, we even voted the Renault Zoe Best Small Electric Car in the Parkers New Car Awards 2021.

However, there’s more to being a good EV than a decent range, and age is starting to drag the Zoe down. For while the upgrades have been significant, the underlying design dates back to 2012, and can no longer match the demands of the latest Euro NCAP safety standards.

As such, when the updated Zoe was re-tested in 2021, it was awarded an unusual – and very poor – zero stars. Much of this reflects the increasing emphasis Euro NCAP now places on active driver aids, but it’s impossible to ignore this fall from grace when comparing the Zoe to newer, seemingly safer, rivals.

Those rivals include cars such as the Mini Electric Hatch and Honda e – which favour style over driving range, and will be left languishing at the charging station while the Zoe travels on. But also the Fiat 500 Electric, which manages to be both attractive and efficient, not to mention good to drive, as well as electric versions of conventional hatchbacks such as the Peugeot e-208 and Vauxhall Corsa Electric.

All tempting in different ways, and all with better than zero-star Euro NCAP ratings. So the question becomes whether the Renault Zoe is worth buying new at all at this point.

If you are prepared to look beyond the safety rating, the facelifted Zoe does now have a better quality interior with improved infotainment, and a pleasantly engaging driving experience. Prices have climbed in recent years, but in the UK this reflects a well-equipped set of trim levels, all now fitted with sat-nav as standard and the R135 electric motor package – previously, a less-powerful R110 model was also offered.

Combined with a 52kWh battery pack to give that 239-mile WLTP claim, the Zoe R135 still offers a longer driving range than any direct rival. Though potential buyers should note that impressive MG4 EV from the class above costs less and goes further with more space – and a five-star Euro NCAP rating.

Keep reading for our detailed impressions of what the Renault Zoe electric car is like inside and how it drives before checking out our verdict to see whether we do still think it’s worth considering.