There are various ongoing discussions on whether Malta should take the road to mobility using alternative fuels. But beyond the talk, are we ready for it?
We recently drove the new Renault Zoe Dynamique for a weekend, and although the car itself was a zippy set of wheels, the current local electric car infrastructure lets it down – especially regarding the number of charging points available – and a lot of work still needs to be done.
Fabulously whizzy off the lights
Upon collecting the car, the battery on the car was at 85 per cent. We had doubts whether this would last all weekend – but the representatives at Kind’s – Auto Sales Ltd., told us to give it our all. We did – and were pleasantly surprised.
The Zoe Dynamique R110 Z.E. 40 on test had an updated 110hp engine and sported a white paint job. We took it for a quick spin to St Paul’s Bay and first impressions were good.
Looks-wise, thanks to its built-in rear door handles, it has a streamlined appearance. On the inside, there is plenty of head- and leg-room for the driver and passengers, even those sitting in the back. Boot space is also generous. And the creature comforts – including reverse parking sensors – ease the chore of driving.
On Saturday morning, we took the Zoe on a longer drive to Buskett and Dingli. Driving along country roads, the Zoe felt nippy – even with a load of shopping bags – and its non-polluting credentials complemented the country air. From there, we decided to cross over to the other side of the island – and the car had enough charge to take us there and back.
On the road, the Zoe was great fun, with a light steering and tight turning circle. It’s fabulously whizzy off the lights, thanks to the electric battery that gives instant power, taking it from 0-30mph in just four seconds.
Everything is automatic, from the gears to the hill-start assist, lights and windscreen wipers – moreover, it come with cruise control and speed limiter. And whatever the Zoe does, it does so quietly.
While wriggling through the busy local roads, we kept the car on eco-mode to help maximise its range, which Renault puts at 299km – great by electric standards. However, the eco-mode means the car cannot go over 90km/h, and that’s good enough for the local roads.
The Zoe is a great little car and is one of the cheaper electric cars out there. It’s pretty stylish, fun to drive and suits any driving occasion, from zipping around on weekends to commuting.
The Renault Zoe starts from €26,200 at Kind’s Auto Sales Ltd.
