Renault Wins Double with ZOE and Clio at Parkers New Car Awards​

Renault is celebrating a double win at the Parkers New Car Awards 2021 after the well-known website crowned the New ZOE the ‘Best Small Electric Car’ and the Clio the ‘Best First Car’.

Recent revisions to the ZOE contributed to it being the very first winner of the ‘Best Small Electric Car’ award, the category being introduced to reflect the changing buying habits of Parkers.co.uk users.

Extensively updated for 2020, the best-selling ZOE offers a driving range of up to 245 miles (WLTP) and the ability to charge to 80% in just one hour and ten minutes via its new 50Kw DC charging option. The third-generation version also introduces such improvements as enhanced equipment, including full LED headlamps and a customisable 10-inch TFT instrument cluster as standard, and a completely redesigned interior. Available from £26,995 on the road after the Plug-in Car Grant, the New ZOE combines an excellent specification, immense usability, and value.

Commenting on the ZOE’s winning performance, Keith Adams, Editor of Parkers.co.uk, said: “The Renault ZOE has been facelifted to incorporate a longer range and some really big improvements to its user-friendly interior. Renault is rightly proud of its stance as an early adopter to the idea of the mainstream electric car, and we wholeheartedly back that – if you want a highly usable and enjoyable electric car that’s perfect for the city as well as the motorways, this makes a strong case for being your next set of wheels.”

Parkers.co.uk was equally complimentary on awarding the Clio. Reflecting on its decision for once again choosing the Clio as its ‘Best First Car’, Keith Adams added: “The latest Renault Clio wins this award for the second year in a row for good reason. It looks good, drives brilliant, and is well priced. It’s impossible not to be impressed by this car’s high-quality, well-designed interior that’s packed with the latest technology. It’s also a very handsome little car, while a big boot and low running costs keep it practical for daily use. It’s comfortable yet composed in the corners, with the option of some excellent new hybrid options. It’s a true winner.”

Introduced in 2019, the fifth-generation Clio ushered in new standards for quality, technology and practicality in the small car sector. The interior is a particular highlight, benefiting from features usually reserved for larger and more expensive cars, while also having a premium feel thanks to the introduction of soft touch plastics, satin finish metal trim and new seating. The Clio is also big on safety and technology, with all versions having such features as Active Emergency Braking System with pedestrian detection, Lane Keep Assist and Lane Departure Warning. This year’s addition of the E-TECH hybrid version has made the supermini even more appealing. The Clio starts from £15,895 on the road.

The Parkers.co.uk New Car Awards are based on readers’ life stages and reflect the findings of the team’s expert reviewers and the views of Britain’s car-buying public. Now in its fourth year, the annual awards encompass 15 different categories, spanning cars, vans, pickups, and services.

Vincent Tourette, Managing Director, Groupe Renault UK, said: “We’re extremely pleased to accept these two prestigious awards. They underline the ongoing success and popularity of the ZOE and the Clio in their respective, highly-competitive sectors, whilst also reaffirming how Renault continues to raise the bar in terms of providing compact car buyers with the very best vehicles, regardless of whether they have a conventional engine, a hybrid drivetrain or are 100% electric.”