Renault Zoe Z.E. 40 R75/R90 Entry

Overview

The 2018 Renault Zoe Z.E. 40 R75/R90 Entry was a compact electric charmer, a real darling of the European city car scene, though sadly it never officially graced US showrooms. This specific "Entry" trim, marking the end of its early R75/R90 iteration, packed a then-impressive 41 kWh battery. Its main game was offering a zippy, emissions-free urban runabout experience. While US pricing is purely speculative for this discontinued, EU-only model, it was positioned as an accessible EV across the pond, making it a tantalizing "what if" for American EV fans seeking a nimble, budget-friendly electric.

What's New for 2018?

For 2018, this plucky Zoe R75/R90 Entry carried over the groundbreaking 41 kWh (usable) battery upgrade from late 2016, a massive leap for its class. The big news inside for tech-savvy city slickers was the addition of Android Auto compatibility to its R-Link infotainment system, finally letting Android users mirror their apps. While Apple CarPlay was still waiting in the wings for later Zoe updates, this was a welcome step up in connectivity. Otherwise, it retained its proven formula: a perky electric motor and that distinctively chic European design for zipping around town.

Design & Exterior

The Zoe Z.E. 40 R75/R90 Entry flaunts that cheeky French design language – think compact, cute, and undeniably chic. Its smooth lines, distinctive blue-tinted Renault diamond badge, and unique headlight signature gave it a friendly face. Hidden rear door handles keep the profile clean, making it look like a sporty three-door. As an "Entry" model, it likely sported modest steel wheels with covers or small alloys. Dimensions are city-perfect: 160.8 inches long, 68.1 inches wide (mirrors folded!), and 61.5 inches tall, making it a doddle to park.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Step inside the Zoe Entry, and you'll find a surprisingly airy cabin for its size, with a simple, modern dashboard. Materials are budget-conscious but generally well put-together. It seats five, though it's cozier for rear passengers on longer jaunts. Pop the hatch for 11.9 cubic feet of trunk space, expanding to a very usable 43.3 cubic feet with the rear seats tumbled – perfect for city errands or a weekend getaway. No frunk here, though! The standard 7-inch R-Link touchscreen offered navigation and, for 2018, Android Auto for your tunes and maps.

Performance & Driving Experience

Don't expect Tesla-style ludicrous speed, but the Zoe R75 Entry’s front-wheel-drive setup, powered by a 57 kW (around 76 hp) Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor delivering 155 lb-ft of instant torque, is plenty nippy for urban escapades. It’ll scoot from 0-60 mph in a leisurely 15 seconds, but feels quicker off the line thanks to that electric punch. The ride is comfy, soaking up city bumps well, and its compact size makes it super agile for darting through traffic or nabbing tight parking spots. Regenerative braking helps top up the battery while you cruise.

Range, Battery & Charging

This Zoe packs a 41 kWh (usable) battery, giving it a Green Cars Compare estimated real-world range of 188 miles – pretty solid for a 2018 city EV! Efficiency is rated at a commendable 4.59 mi/kWh. Its party trick was the standard 22 kW AC on-board charger; find a beefy Level 2 spot, and you could theoretically go from empty to full in under 2 hours! However, this R75 Entry trim likely missed out on DC fast charging. In Europe, it used a Type 2 port; a US import would need adapting.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

While the NHTSA never got to test this Euro-centric EV, the Renault Zoe consistently scored a top-notch 5 stars in Euro NCAP crash tests, a big reassurance for a small car. For the 2018 R75/R90 Entry trim, expect essential safety kit: multiple airbags, ABS, and stability control. Driver aids were typically basic on entry-level models of this era, likely focusing on essentials like rear parking sensors perhaps as an option, rather than advanced systems like adaptive cruise or lane-keeping assist, which were reserved for higher trims or later model years.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

In its native European market, Renault typically offered a 2 or 3-year general vehicle warranty and a robust 8-year/100,000-mile warranty for the battery, often guaranteeing at least 70% capacity. For a US owner of a grey import, warranty coverage would be complex and likely non-existent from Renault USA. Maintenance, however, is a classic EV strong suit: minimal moving parts mean fewer trips to the shop for routine stuff. Just keep an eye on tires, brakes, and cabin filters. Reliability for Zoes has generally been decent for nipping around.