Renault ZOE boot space & seating
The ZOE's rear seats aren't the most comfortable in the class, but they're good enough for shorter journeys, while the boot is usefully deep
The ZOE is fit for purpose when it comes to space and practicality in the small-car class. It can seat three (at a squeeze) on the rear bench, although the seat is flat and high-set, so adults might feel sorry for themselves on longer journeys, although kids will be fine. Split-folding rear seatbacks are standard and the 338-litre boot is a decent size, although it's fairly short and deep, so chunky items may be tricky to fit in. The cable storage area under the floor is welcome.
Renault ZOE interior space, storage & comfort
There’s enough room in the ZOE that most adults will be comfortable for shorter trips, but taller people might feel a little hemmed-in. The lack of a central armrest in the back and a fairly flat rear bench also leaves you in no doubt this is still a city car at heart. For all that, the standard five-door body gives reasonable access to those rear seats, and two kids or two chunky car seats will fit comfortably in the back.
You can squeeze a third child in the middle, but they won’t want to be there for too long. Storage up front is fine, with a glovebox, doorbins that’ll take a small bottle easily and a couple of fixed cupholders in the centre console. Door pockets in the back give you somewhere to throw a bottle, but there’s only one map pocket.
Boot space
The 338-litre boot is a good size for a small, Fiesta-sized car like the ZOE. A chunky buggy will take up most of the fairly short, deep boot, and there’s quite a high load lip to lug it over, but you'll get it in there without having to drop the rear seats. Ultimately, the bigger Nissan Leaf is usefully roomier (if also more expensive), while the MG ZS EV SUV is similarly priced, but with a more practical interior. Even comparable small electric cars like the Peugeot e-208 and Vauxhall Corsa-e are a bit more comfortable than the ZOE for rear-seat passengers, but the Renault is more than spacious and practical enough by small-car standards.