Introduction
The electric car industry has been striving to bring down costs and make EVs more affordable for the masses. Dacia, a carmaker known for its budget-friendly vehicles, has made a significant impact with its Spring EV. After enjoying immense success in Continental Europe, Dacia has now announced the launch of the Spring EV in the UK. We had the opportunity to take this car for a spin and explore what it has to offer.
The Dacia Spring is a budget-friendly electric vehicle (EV) that is set to hit the UK market soon. With its affordable price tag and practical features, it aims to rewrite the EV rule book and make electric mobility more accessible to a wider audience. In this review, we will delve into the specifications and key features of the Dacia Spring, showcasing its potential as a city runabout and short commuter.
Dacia Spring (2023) Review: Rewriting the EV Rule Book
Launch Date and Updates
The Dacia Spring EV will be launched in the UK in 2024, following a facelift. This facelift will introduce a right-hand drive model, catering to the UK market. Dacia plans to reveal the facelift in the first half of 2024, with sales commencing in the autumn of the same year. While the facelift will mainly focus on cosmetic changes, some engineering tweaks will also be made to ensure compliance with new safety regulations. However, the powertrain and platform will remain the same.
Driving Experience
As we took the pre-facelift Dacia Spring EV for a drive, we were impressed by its performance. Despite being one of the cheapest electric cars on the market, the Spring EV delivers a smooth and quiet ride. The instant torque provided by the electric motor ensures quick acceleration, making it suitable for urban driving. The car felt nimble and easy to maneuver, thanks to its compact size.
Range and Charging
The Dacia Spring EV offers a respectable range, making it a practical choice for everyday commuting. With a range of approximately 230 kilometers (142 miles), it can easily handle daily trips and short journeys. As for charging, the Spring EV supports both home charging and public charging infrastructure. It can be charged using a standard domestic socket or a dedicated wallbox, with the latter option providing faster charging times.
Interior and Features
Inside, the Dacia Spring EV provides a comfortable and straightforward cabin. The use of durable materials is evident, maintaining Dacia’s reputation for practicality. While it may not offer luxurious features, the Spring EV comes with essential amenities and modern technology. The infotainment system provides access to navigation, music, and connectivity options, ensuring a convenient driving experience.
Pricing and Affordability
Although the official pricing for the Dacia Spring EV in the UK has not been confirmed yet, it is expected to be one of the most affordable electric cars on the market. Dacia’s focus on cost-effectiveness has made the Spring EV an appealing option for those looking to switch to electric vehicles without breaking the bank. With the potential for government grants and incentives, the Spring EV could become an even more affordable choice.
Dacia Spring (2023) Review: Rewriting the EV Rule Book
Specifications
The Dacia Spring comes in two variants – the electric 65 and the electric 45. The electric 65, which will be available in the UK, features a 26.8 kilowatt hour battery pack and a 64 brake horsepower electric motor. This allows for a 0 to 62 miles per hour sprint in 13.7 seconds and a top speed of 78 miles per hour. The vehicle boasts an acclaimed range of 137 miles on a WLTP mix cycle, making it suitable for daily commutes and shorter journeys.
Charging Capabilities
When it comes to charging, the Dacia Spring offers flexibility and convenience. It takes approximately 13 hours to charge on a 3 pin socket, making it convenient for overnight charging at home. Alternatively, a seven kilowatts wall box can charge the vehicle in around 5 hours. For those in a hurry, DC fast charging is also available, allowing the Spring to reach zero to eighty percent charge in under an hour.
The Extreme Trim
Tied to the electric 65 powertrain is the Extreme Trim, a visually striking variant of the Dacia Spring. Inspired by nature, this trim features nature-inspired paint colors, black wheels, copper detailing, and neat topographical motifs. In addition to the aesthetics, the Extreme Trim also offers additional technology compared to lower trims. It includes a touch screen infotainment system, similar to the one used in The Jogger, as well as a rear parking camera and other useful features.
Why Choose the Dacia Spring
The Dacia Spring makes sense for those seeking an affordable and practical electric vehicle. Its low price point and efficient specifications make it perfect for city driving and short commutes. According to Dacia, the average user of a car in the A-segment, similar to the Spring, drives around 20 miles per day at an average speed of 16 miles per hour. Additionally, 75 percent of these users have the convenience of charging at home, further demonstrating the Spring’s suitability for day-to-day use.
In , the Dacia Spring is rewriting the EV rule book with its affordable pricing, practical features, and impressive specifications. It offers a viable option for those looking to embrace electric mobility without breaking the bank. With its range, charging capabilities, and distinctive trims, the Dacia Spring is set to make a mark in the EV market and provide an accessible and efficient solution for urban driving.
Dacia Spring (2023) review: rewriting the EV rule book
Dacious also learned from the more than 120,000 people who bought one that 93 percent of them are first-time EV buyers and 72 percent of those buying a Spring have never bought a Dacia before. This convincing figure shows that the Spring has already attracted a significant number of new customers.
Affordable but Basic Interior
For its price, the Dacia Spring may feel cheap inside, but that shouldn’t come as a surprise. Dacia is not known for its luxurious cockpits; instead, they focus on equipping you with the essentials. The interior has a simple design, reminiscent of a Tonka truck, with oversized buttons, dials, and switches. While the overall aesthetic may not be sophisticated, it is functional.
The drive shifter, for instance, has a chunky grip that adds to the tactile experience. The buttons for the windows, switches, and Eco Mode are placed prominently in the center of the dashboard, making them easily accessible. In the Extreme trim, the Spring features copper accents that add a pop of color to the cabin, including the instrument cluster. The dials are clear and easy to read, and the infotainment system is user-friendly, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The Extreme trim also offers rubberized floor mats and comfortable neoprene upholstery for a pleasant driving experience.
Comfortable, but Lacking Perfect Driving Position
As a person who is six feet two inches tall, I have never found the perfect driving position in any Dacia model, and the Spring is no different. Despite the spacious interior, it can be challenging to find a comfortable position, especially for taller individuals. However, considering the Spring’s affordability, a compromise on the driving position can be expected.
The Design and Interior
The Dacia Spring (2023) is a small car with a chunky appearance. However, despite its robust looks, it is slimmer in width compared to a VW Up, albeit slightly longer and taller. One downside of the Spring is its seating position, which is a little too high. Additionally, the steering wheel does not have any adjustment features. These factors may not be the most comfortable for taller drivers.
The rear seats are another area where the Dacia Spring falls short. Legroom is severely compromised for taller drivers, making it difficult for anyone in the backseat to be comfortable. However, Dacia makes up for this by providing a relatively spacious boot with a capacity of 290 liters. This square-shaped boot is larger than both the Fiat 500e and VW Up, offering practicality for everyday use.
Driving Experience
Getting behind the wheel of the Dacia Spring, you’ll quickly notice its tight turning circle and diminutive size. These characteristics make it incredibly agile for city driving and navigating narrow streets. Being an electric vehicle, it offers perky performance off the line, delivering an enjoyable driving experience in urban environments.
However, the performance of the Spring is limited to low speeds. Once it accelerates to get out of its own way, it doesn’t offer much more in terms of power. This is not necessarily a drawback, as the 13.7-second 0 to 62 miles per hour time is comparable to combustion engine city cars.
The Dacia Spring (2023): Rewriting the EV Rule Book
Efficient and Surprisingly Potent
The Dacia Spring, despite its small size and lightweight, proves to be a surprisingly potent electric vehicle. Its acceleration from 0 to 30 miles per hour is impressive, allowing it to navigate city streets with ease. Even on the motorway, it holds its own, though pushing it past 70 miles per hour and onto its top speed can be a challenge. The ECO mode button can dull the throttle response, but other than that, the Spring operates smoothly and effortlessly.
Responsive Steering and Ride Quality
One of the standout features of the Dacia Spring is its super light and responsive steering. It is so easy to maneuver that you could drive the car with just a single finger. Despite its lightweight construction, the Spring handles well and feels natural on the road, making it an enjoyable driving experience. The small wheels of the Spring also contribute to its favorable ride quality, effortlessly gliding over smaller ruts and minimizing the impact of larger bumps.
A Fun and Engaging Drive
While the Dacia Spring may not be a high-performance hot hatch like the Civic Type R, it still provides a fun and engaging drive. Its lightweight construction allows for nimble handling, making it a joy to navigate through city streets or zip around on the open road. In fact, the Spring’s entertaining driving dynamics may even make you question the need for a larger car on most journeys. Dacia has successfully created a vehicle that puts a smile on your face and delivers a sense of enjoyment behind the wheel.
Impressive Efficiency
Despite its lively performance, the Dacia Spring remains remarkably efficient. During a 50-mile drive on mixed roads, including city streets, motorway stretches, and twisty country roads, the Spring achieved an impressive efficiency of 5.4 miles per kilowatt-hour. This efficiency suggests that the Spring is likely to meet or even exceed its claimed range of 137 miles on a single charge. It’s a testament to Dacia’s commitment to creating an EV that is not only fun to drive but also practical and cost-effective.
A Bundle of Adorableness
In summary, the Dacia Spring is a little bundle of adorableness. Its no-nonsense design and compact size make it a charming and approachable electric vehicle. While it may not be the fastest or most powerful car on the market, it more than makes up for it with its engaging driving experience, impressive efficiency, and undeniable appeal. The Spring is proof that electric vehicles don’t have to be expensive or extravagant to provide a rewarding and enjoyable driving experience. With the Dacia Spring, simplicity and practicality are key, and it’s hard not to fall in love with this cute and capable EV.
Cost-effective and Earth-friendly: Dacia Spring (2023) Review
The Perfect City Runabout
Dacia’s latest offering in the electric vehicle (EV) market, the Dacia Spring (2023), has revolutionized the way we perceive EVs. Designed as a small city runabout, Dacia has successfully convinced us that this model is not only efficient but also budget-friendly and environmentally conscious. With its impressive features and affordable price, the Dacia Spring has rewritten the EV rule book.
Affordability without Compromise
Dacia acknowledges the limited use case of the Spring, candidly stating that most people use it as a second car. However, what sets this electric vehicle apart from its competitors is its price point. While similar range EVs like the Fiat 500e or Mini Electric come with hefty price tags, Dacia Spring offers the same efficiency at a fraction of the cost. Dacia has proven that an affordable EV is not only attainable but also desirable.
Driving Range and Performance
The Dacia Spring impresses with its practical range, making it an ideal choice for city dwellers or daily commutes. While not designed for long drives, the Spring can easily handle the demands of urban travel. Its electric motor delivers a smooth and quiet driving experience, allowing you to navigate busy streets with ease. Furthermore, the Spring’s compact size allows for effortless maneuverability and parking in tight spaces.
Comfort and Functionality
Despite its compact design, the Dacia Spring offers a surprising amount of comfort and functionality. The interior space is intelligently utilized, providing ample room for passengers and cargo. The seats are supportive, and the materials used are of decent quality, considering its price range. Furthermore, a range of convenient features such as air conditioning, infotainment system, and smartphone integration enhance the overall driving experience.
A Sustainable and Responsible Choice
In addition to being cost-effective, the Dacia Spring is also a responsible choice for the environment. With zero tailpipe emissions, this electric vehicle contributes to improving air quality and reducing carbon footprints. Dacia’s commitment to sustainability is reflected in the Spring’s production process as well, with the use of recycled materials and energy-efficient manufacturing techniques.
The Dacia Spring EV has garnered immense popularity in Continental Europe, and its arrival in the UK is highly anticipated. With its budget-friendly price tag, respectable range, and practical features, the Spring EV has the potential to rewrite the rule book for electric vehicles. As carmakers strive to bridge the gap between EVs and combustion engine cars, Dacia has made significant strides in making electric mobility accessible to a wider audience. The Spring EV is a testament to Dacia’s commitment to affordability and
The Dacia Spring (2023) breaks the rules of traditional electric vehicles by offering an affordable option with practicality and decent performance. While it may have some drawbacks in terms of seating position and rear legroom, it compensates with a spacious boot and agile city driving capabilities. Overall, the Dacia Spring provides a compelling option for those looking for an electric vehicle without breaking the bank. With its competitive pricing and practicality, it has the potential to rewrite the rule book in the EV market.
Dacia Spring (2023) review concludes that this electric vehicle has successfully rewritten the EV rule book. By combining affordability, practicality, and eco-friendliness, Dacia has created a game-changer in the market. The Spring’s impressive features, budget-friendly price, and sustainable qualities make it a compelling choice for those looking to embrace the electric revolution without breaking the bank.
