Dacia Spring Review 2024
Dacia Spring At A Glance
Promises to be the cheapest electric car on sale. Dacia quality has fast improved over recent years.
Begs the question as to why there aren't more cheap electric cars yet.
The highly anticipated Dacia Spring, set to be the UK's most affordable new electric car, is slated for release in 2024.
Already a familiar sight in Europe, where over 120,000 units have been sold in just three years, the Dacia Spring will also receive a comprehensive mid-life facelift for its UK launch. The facelift promises significant improvements in both design and equipment, elevating the already popular model to new heights.
The Dacia Spring is set to be a formidable competitor to other affordable city cars, with the Fiat 500 Electric being its main rival.
The once-budget-friendly Fiat 500 Electric has seen its prices soar to a steep £28,000, making the Dacia Spring's arrival in the UK even more eagerly anticipated. Additional competitors include the Vauxhall Corsa Electric, the Peugeot e-208, and the Renault Zoe.
While the Citroen Ami is an even more affordable option, it is classified as a quadricycle rather than a car, with its top speed limited to 31mph. In contrast, the Dacia Spring can reach speeds more than twice as fast, offering a more versatile driving experience with a range that is more than three times greater.
The new Dacia Spring is a five-door car with an SUV-inspired design. Boasting a raised ride height, bulging wheel arches, stylish roof rails, and tough, scrape-resistant black plastic lower body cladding, it exudes a rugged yet modern look. The facelift will introduce further updates, including the new distinctive Dacia logo.
Inside the Dacia Spring, simplicity and robustness are key elements of the design. An electronic driver display provides essential information such as range and speed, while the gear selector remains a rotary control in the center console.
Expect the UK-spec Dacia Spring to feature a more stylish interior with updated design touches, incorporating gloss black plastic accents for an elevated appearance. Air conditioning is likely to be standard across the range, with higher trims equipped with a touchscreen infotainment system featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The Dacia Spring will be powered by a single 65PS electric motor, offering reasonable performance with a 0-62mph time of 13.7 seconds and a top speed limited to 77mph. Its 26.8kWh battery provides an official WLTP electric range of 143 miles, extending to 189 miles for city driving.
Charging is made convenient with a DC rapid charge rate of 34kW, capable of adding 80 miles of range in just 34 minutes. The battery's right-sized capacity keeps the Dacia Spring's curb weight at a lightweight 1035kg, contributing to nimble handling and stability with a low center of gravity.
Pricing for the Dacia Spring in the UK is yet to be confirmed, but its current price in France, around £18,000 (excluding a French grant), suggests that it may start at under £20,000.
Reviews for Dacia Spring's top 3 rivals
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Model History
July 2024
Dacia Spring most affordable new electric car in the UK, priced from £14,995
The all-electric Dacia Spring is now available to order in the UK, priced from £14,995, making it the country’s most affordable new electric car.
The Spring features a new exterior and interior design familiar from Dacia's latest models, and is offered with either a 45PS or 65PS electric powertrain. Both power outputs offer a claimed range of 140 miles from the 26.8kWh battery.
Despite its affordability, the Spring features two multimedia and infotainment systems. Media Control, standard on Expression trim, is a steering wheel-controlled multimedia system with media information and phone calls displayed on the digital instrument panel.
The Media Nav Live system, standard on the Extreme trim, has a 10-inch central touchscreen that incorporates smart navigation, with real-time traffic conditions and up-to-date European maps for up to eight years. It also enables wireless use of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Media Nav Live system also includes two USB ports.
Expression trim, available with the Electric 45 or 65 powertrain, includes a seven-inch digital instrument cluster, height-adjustable steering wheel, Media Control system with USB port, speed limiter, cruise control, steering wheel mounted controls, central locking with remote control, electric front windows, rear parking sensors, 12V socket, manual air conditioning and 15-inch wheels (only on Electric 65).
The Extreme trim can only be had with the Electric 65 powertrain, and adds copper interior and exterior finishes, electric mirrors and rear windows, the Media Nav Live multimedia system with 10-inch centre screen, two USB ports and wireless connectivity with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus a bi-directional charger allowing you to use the Dacia Spring as a power source for external appliances.
Dacia Spring prices
Expression Electric 45 £14,995
Expression Electric 65 £15,995
Extreme Electric 65 £16,995
