Renault Zoe tackles Scalextric track through London

On Christmas day, many young girls and boys would have been eagerly unwrapping their presents, hoping to find their favourite toys.

For some, a Scalextric would have been on the list for Santa, with the electric toy racing cars still proving popular some 56 years after they were first released.

However, before Christmas day arrived, a couple of big kids got the opportunity to test out a unique Scalextric track.

Teams worked through the night to install the circuit, which passed by a couple of familiar UK landmarks.

It wasn’t just your average Scalextric track. It was a life-sized version, which wrapped around the streets of London, taking in sights like the like the London Eye, Westminster Bridge and the Houses of Parliament.

So what kind of cars could possibly take to this impressive track? They would have to be electric, of course, as well as nimble, agile and stylish.

The obvious choice then was the all new Renault Zoe.

Modified models of the cars, featuring a reworked undercarriage, braids to keep it on the track and an aerial for remote operation, were put upon the familiar Scalextric track.

Two lucky online competition winners were each given a “trigger” and they were flown up into the sky by a helicopter, which then took on the London skyline.

Appropriately, the duel began at dawn, with both racers putting their finger to the plastic to send their Zoes off on a unique race.

Phil York, Renault UK marketing director, said the manufacturer wanted to create something really attention grabbing to laud the benefits of its new electric range.

“Given our passion for motorsport, particularly in Formula 1, and the benefits of electric models in urban areas, racing our flagship model around the streets of the English capital was a perfect scenario. ZOE is eye-catching, cheap to charge, London Congestion Charge exempt, as well as free from emissions and pollutants in use,” he said.

When not on the Scalextric track and tackling the country’s roads, the compact car is able to accelerate from 0-31mph in just four seconds, providing the driver with instant torque.

While the Zoe tackled the London streets with ease on the giant toy track, it will do so even when there is someone behind the wheel. It’s economic benefits will also ensure it misses any emissions charges, while providing the driver with a cheap and efficient way of tackling the capital.

The car is also eligible for the government’s Plug-In Car Grant, which can see it made available for customers at around £13,995 on the road, plus battery hire.

While few of us will ever be likely to use the Zoe on a Scalextric track, life behind the wheel of the stylish supermini is still bound to be bags of fun. In the ultra-serious world of business London, what harm can a little bit of enjoyment do on a daily commute through the iconic city?