Renault City K-ZE: the electric mini SUV from Renault, ready to conquer China

The Renault City K-ZE is a 100% electric mini SUV that will go on sale in the Chinese market at the end of this year.

Neither sports cars, nor large luxury saloons, nor full-size SUVs. One of the highlights of the Shanghai Motor Show is the new Renault City K-ZE. The sixth 100% electric vehicle from Renault is presented in its final production version, six months after the debut of the Renault K-ZE concept at the Paris Motor Show.

The French brand had announced some details before its presentation in Shanghai. Among them, the definitive confirmation of the name: Renault City K-ZE. We can now see that, as expected, the production version does not differ much from the prototype. And also what the City K-ZE looks like inside.

Design of the Renault City K-ZE: compact on the outside…

With a body featuring the characteristic design that identifies SUVs, the City K-ZE has compact dimensions without sacrificing good interior space. For now, Renault is keeping the final technical specifications under wraps. But a wheelbase of 2.43 metres is announced, and a boot capacity of 300 litres, which is not bad at all.

The ground clearance is 150 mm, and the body is well equipped for urban adventure. It features generous protection on the wheel arches and sides, as well as on the underbody, and at the rear a contrasting-colour panel simulating a diffuser.

Overall, the design is pleasant and even cheerful. No customisation options have been announced so far that would allow, for example, combining different colours for the body and the roof.

…and simple inside

The interior design does not draw as much attention as the exterior. Here one could indeed get the impression of a “low-cost” car. Although, in reality, functionality and simplicity take priority. The “control centre” is the 8-inch LCD screen, and voice control system, 4G WiFi, navigation and remote control of various car functions and charging via the corresponding app are announced.

Renault also states that the City K-ZE uses an air quality control system that compares the air quality inside and outside the vehicle, to always offer a fresh and at the same time “healthy” feeling in the cabin.

The sixth electric vehicle from Renault

The launch of the Renault City K-ZE marks the sixth 100% electric model added to the French manufacturer’s range. Manufactured in China as part of the joint venture between the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance and the local manufacturer Dongfeng, it is a “global” car, so it is to be expected that it may also reach the European market.

Indeed, at its presentation in Shanghai, Renault insists that the City K-ZE has been designed and will be manufactured following European quality standards. It will come as standard with features such as a tyre pressure monitoring system, as well as other safety elements.

As for the powertrain, the Z-ZE adopts a 33 kW (44 CV) motor that develops a maximum torque of 120 Nm, which makes its predominantly urban focus clear.

For now there is no confirmed data on homologated range or performance. What Renault does say is that the charging system will be compatible with both 220-volt domestic plugs and public infrastructure. Using a fast-charging point, it will be possible to reach up to 80% of battery capacity in 50 minutes. With conventional charging, about 4 hours will be needed to recharge to 100%.