The What Van? Road Test: Renault Zoe Van (2020)

Date: Monday, March 29, 2021

Cab

Interior and equipment

A dial in the instrument panel tells you how much charge is left in the battery pack and how much further you can travel before it needs replenishing.

Climate control is installed and you can use the MY Renault smartphone app to switch on the air conditioning or heating before your journey so the cab is at a comfortable temperature when you get in. You can check how much charge is left in the battery as well.

Installed too are satnav, cruise control with a speed limiter, front fog lights, a heater and wash/wipe system for the rear screen, electric windows and electrically-adjustable, folding and heated exterior rear-view mirrors.

Like the door handles, their casings are finished in the same colour as the rest of the body. They do not feature a separate wide-angle section.

Two USB points are deployed in the cab, along with an aux-in socket and a 12v power point.

The Zoe Van comes with an electric parking brake controlled by a switch rather than a conventional handbrake lever between the seats.

In-cab storage facilities include a lidded, but not lockable, glove box with a shelf above it, bins in each of the doors that can clasp a 1.5-litre bottle and a tray in front of the transmission lever.

Two cupholders nestle between the seats, as does an induction charging area so you can charge your smartphone wirelessly.

Trimmed in synthetic leather, the steering wheel is height and reach-adjustable. The driver and passenger seats are both trimmed with 100% recycled upholstery.

You push a button to switch the van on so that is ready to go, but your Renault key card has to be present. If you have it about your person then the Zoe Van can be locked and unlocked hands-free. A second option is to press a button on one of the front doors to unlock the vehicle – again, with the card present – while a third is to use the card as a remote in the same way you would use a remote on a conventional key fob.

You can change the three settings using the 7in Easy Link infotainment touchscreen mounted in the centre of the dashboard, which also controls the radio and satnav. The latter can be used to locate public charging points, too. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included in the deal, as is Bluetooth connectivity.

An Eco button can be pressed to restrict the van’s performance and extend its range.

Turning to safety, ABS with emergency brake assist is fitted, as is electronic stability control. Hill start assist is installed as well.

Lane departure warning helps prevent drivers carelessly drifting from one lane into another. Lane keeping assist twitches the wheel in order to propel you back into your own lane should you start to wander while traffic sign recognition reminds you of the speed you should be doing.

Driver and passenger front and side airbags protect the occupants of the cab, while reversing sensors should ensure that the driver doesn’t back into anything or anyone. The headlights dip automatically at night to avoid dazzling other drivers.

Our van boasted 16in alloy wheels shod with Michelin Primacy 4-E 195/55 R16 tyres. Ventilated disc brakes are present all round and electric power steering offers a 10.56m turning circle between kerbs.

Returning to the satnav system, Business+ models come with a three-year connected package that includes live traffic information. Available too is a three-year deal that includes automatic updating of the map and multimedia system.

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