2005 Renault Zoe Concept (Z17)

The 2005 Renault Zoe Concept, also known internally as the Z17, was Renault’s creative take on what a modern city car could be. Debuting at the Geneva Motor Show, it carried the tagline: “Little in size, big in driving pleasure.” While it was never intended for production, the concept was packed with innovative ideas that challenged conventional city car design.

The most radical feature of the Zoe was its three-seat layout. Inspired by market research showing that European drivers rarely carry more than 1.4 passengers on average, Renault decided to ditch the traditional four-seat setup. Instead, the Zoe had one driver seat up front and two passenger seats slightly behind, creating a more spacious and practical layout for a small car. The space where the fourth seat would normally go was used for a large luggage area. At 297 liters, it actually held more cargo than the larger Renault Clio, proving that smart design could trump size.

In addition to clever packaging, the Zoe also featured a highly flexible interior. The front passenger seat could fold flat to create a shelf for long or bulky items. To make loading easier, the right-side door was a sliding panel rather than a conventional hinged door—an uncommon feature in cars of this size.

Tech-wise, the Zoe included a next-gen version of Renault’s keyless entry and start system, called Pass. This system didn’t just unlock and start the car—it also adjusted the seat, mirrors, and steering column to match the driver’s saved preferences. That was a level of personalization usually reserved for luxury cars at the time.

Powering the Zoe was a 1.2-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine producing 100 horsepower, paired with a 5-speed automated manual transmission controlled via paddle shifters. While Renault didn't share performance figures, they claimed the car delivered strong city driving performance thanks to its light weight and responsive powertrain.

Despite its positive reception and clever innovations, Renault made it clear that the Zoe Concept would not go into production. However, its ideas didn’t die out. Elements like the compact footprint, smart interior use, and advanced tech would influence future Renault models, including the next-generation Twingo. The Zoe name itself would later be revived for Renault’s popular all-electric hatchback, launched in 2012.

In the end, the 2005 Zoe Concept served more as a design and technology showcase than a production preview—but it left a clear mark on Renault’s approach to small urban cars.