Geneva motor show 2012: Top 10 cars - Renault Zoe

The Renault Zoe was probably one of the Geneva show’s finest achievements. Renault first displayed its trendy all-electric supermini as a concept model at the Paris motor show in 2010. At Geneva it delivered it in production form; looking impressively similar to the curvy, cute show car.

The technical ingredients sound appealing, too. The Zoe will have a range of around 130 miles, or as low as 60 in the worst-case scenario of cold urban conditions. It’ll take a respectable eight hours to charge, but is compatible with fast-charge systems that can cut that figure down to less than an hour.

The cabin is surprisingly conventional, but pleasant and airy, and the new touch-screen infotainment system will be standard across the range. Renault sources say the low-down battery location gives the Zoe kart-like handling, which is ideal for scooting through city streets, where its instant low-down torque will also come in handy.

The best bit? With the UK Government grant – and not forgetting that its battery pack is subject to a £70-per-month lease fee – the Zoe will cost just £13,650 when it arrives in the autumn. That's a full £10k cheaper than a Nissan Leaf – and it’s likely to make the Zoe either a breakthrough vehicle for electric technology, or a definitive sign that buyers aren’t prepared to commit to it yet. The sales figures will tell all.

Bentley EXP 9 F
Audi A3
Seat Toledo
Nissan Invitation
Mercedes A-Class
Ford Kuga
Fiat 500L
Jaguar XF Sportbrake
Volvo V40

John McIlroy

See also: All Geneva motor show 2012 news