The Renault City K-ZE is here to take over China

Renault has some bold ambitions for its growth in China over the next few years. In fact, CEO Thierry Bolloré has confirmed that the target is to sell 550,000 new cars per year by 2022. This will, apparently, be achieved by making nine different models in the country.

And so, we bring you the very first. The rather angry little thing above is the Renault City K-ZE. It’s an all-electric city car that sits on a raised, baby SUV-like platform – as every new car seems to be these days.

Hmm, is this a completely new car designed specifically for China as Renault says it is, though? It looks suspiciously like the Kwid (a baby-SUV sold in India and Brazil) has been given a new face and a battery pack. 

Still, who are we to question progress? The concept for this car was only shown at the Paris motor show six months ago, and the final production model will go on sale before the end of 2019. 

The K-ZE will be Renault’s smallest electric vehicle when it launches, sitting beneath the Zoe and being similar in size to the combustion-engined Twingo. There’s no word on range as of yet, but somewhere around the 150-mile region is to be expected.

Rapid charging will also be available, so you’ll be able to get 80% from flat in just 50 minutes. Forget 0-62mph, these are the figures that matter for real-world EVs.

On the inside it’s all very simple – presumably to keep buying costs down – but at least you get an 8-inch touchscreen with nav and media options. Perhaps the most important feature is the air quality control system that’ll filter out any smog you may happen upon.

So, what do you reckon? Is this the car that’ll help Renault take over China? And would you buy one if it was offered all over the world?