Renault Zoe Z.E. 40 Q90

Overview

The 2019 Renault Zoe Z.E. 40 Q90 was a popular compact electric hatchback, especially savvy for nipping around European cityscapes. This particular trim stands out thanks to its then-generous 41 kWh battery pack offering decent real-world range. Its ace up the sleeve was the Q90 motor's ability to guzzle AC power at a stonking 43 kW! Now discontinued, it’s a smart used buy, with this version typically priced around €6,250 on the pre-owned market. It really democratised EV motoring in its day.

What's New for 2019?

By 2019, the Zoe Z.E. 40, introduced a couple of years prior, had solidified its place with its upgraded battery. For this model year, changes were mostly subtle refinements rather than a massive overhaul. The Q90 variant continued to be a unique proposition, offering its super-quick 43 kW AC charging capability – a feature not matched by its "R" motor siblings which prioritised DC charging. Android Auto integration in the R-Link system was a welcome tech boost for 2019 models, enhancing connectivity for many users.

Design & Exterior

The 2019 Zoe Z.E. 40 Q90 keeps Renault's distinctively cute and compact electric supermini charm. It’s got those signature blue-tinged Renault diamond badges and sleek, droplet-shaped headlights. Measuring 4084 mm in length, 1730 mm wide (sans mirrors), and 1562 mm tall, it's perfectly proportioned for urban adventures and tight parking spots. The Q90 trim didn’t shout with wildly different styling, maintaining the Zoe's approachable and friendly face. The charging port is cleverly hidden behind the front Renault logo.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Step inside the Zoe Q90, and you'll find a cabin that's functional and surprisingly airy for a supermini. Materials are generally robust, fitting its price point. Passenger space is decent for four adults on shorter trips, with five seats in total. Boot space is a practical 338 litres, expanding to a useful 1225 litres with the rear seats tumbled. Alas, no frunk here! Tech-wise, Renault’s R-Link infotainment system with a 7-inch touchscreen, often including TomTom navigation and crucially, Android Auto (Apple CarPlay was generally absent), handles media and connectivity.

Performance & Driving Experience

Don't let the 0-100 km/h sprint of 13.2 seconds fool you; the Zoe Q90 feels delightfully zippy in town! Its 65 kW PMSM motor delivers an instant 220 Nm of torque to the front wheels, making it great for darting through traffic. It’s an easy car to drive with light steering and a comfortable ride, soaking up urban bumps well. The single-motor, front-wheel-drive setup is perfectly suited for its city-slicker intentions. Regenerative braking helps claw back some energy, often with a more aggressive 'B' mode to enhance one-pedal driving feel.

Range, Battery & Charging

The Zoe Z.E. 40 Q90 packs a 41 kWh usable battery, offering a Green Cars Compare estimated real-world range of around 278 km – pretty solid for its era. Efficiency is rated at a decent 6.78 km/kWh. The Q90’s party trick is its standard 43 kW AC on-board charger via a Type 2 (Mennekes) port, meaning a full top-up could be done in just over an hour at a compatible public AC station! However, this specific Q90 trim does not support DC fast charging, focusing instead on rapid AC replenishment.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

Safety-wise, this generation of Zoe (2016-2019) proudly wears a 5-star Euro NCAP rating, reflecting strong performance in crash tests for its time. Standard kit included essential safety nets like multiple airbags, ABS, and Electronic Stability Control. While not brimming with the latest advanced ADAS found on newer models, features like cruise control with speed limiter and rear parking sensors were typically available, sometimes as standard on the Q90, to make urban driving a bit less stressful.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

When new, Renault typically offered a basic vehicle warranty of 2-3 years (or up to 5 years/100,000 km in some EU markets), so most 2019 models will be outside this now. The crucial battery warranty was generally more extensive, often 8 years or 160,000 km, guaranteeing a minimum percentage of original capacity (e.g., 70% SOH). Powertrain coverage usually aligned with the vehicle or battery warranty. As an EV, maintenance is generally lower than petrol cars, focusing on tyres, brakes, and cabin filters, contributing to its fuss-free ownership appeal.