A POWER output of 94bhp doesn't sound like much for a medium saloon, but then this is no ordinary saloon.

Meet the Renault Fluence ZE, a pure electric, zero emissions car that can easily cover the average daily commute without recharging.

At best, it will cover 115 miles before it needs a top up, but that reduces by quite a margin in cold weather.

It can be charged from a domestic supply taking 10-12 hours. A fast charge system is available as an extra that will do the job in 6-8 hours and public charging points around the country will take the same time.

Acceleration is instantaneous because electric motors deliver power from very low revs, and no gearbox is needed either.

Top speed is limited to save battery power, the ride is excellent and the roadholding is up to any car of the size.

The only problem is that you'll need another, petrol or diesel car, for longer journeys.

The boot is very small because most of the space is taken up by the car's massive battery but there is room for four in comfort.

There is only one model and it comes with luxury levels of kit including alloys, climate, cruise, sat nav and charging sockets on both front wings.

£17,850 (when £5,000 Government grant is taken into account) +£75 a month battery hire

95bhp, electric motor driving the front wheels via an automatic gearbox.

84mph (limited)

13.7 seconds

115 miles

N/A

0g/km

N/A

4 yrs/100,000 miles

Vauxhall Ampera