The Dacia Spring is set to arrive in the UK in October as the most affordable electric car on the market, with a starting price of £14,995. Despite its low power output of 44bhp and slow acceleration time of 19.1 seconds to reach 62mph, many customers are opting for the basic model. However, the variant that is of greater interest to most customers is the one with a more powerful 64bhp motor, which offers acceleration comparable to a 1992 Renault Clio 1.2. This variant is priced at £15,995 in base Expression form or £16,995 in range-topping Extreme trim.
The Dacia Spring is built in China on a platform originally designed for the Renault Kwid. It has been available in left-hand-drive markets since 2021 but will now be produced in right-hand-drive form for the UK market. The car has undergone a mid-life facelift that gives it a more quadricycle-like appearance, both on the exterior and interior. The interior features some interesting design touches, a 10-inch infotainment touchscreen, and a 7-inch digital instrument cluster. The steering wheel is now height-adjustable.
In terms of technical specifications, the Dacia Spring 65 Extreme model is equipped with a permanent magnet synchronous motor and a lithium-ion drive battery with a usable capacity of 26.8kWh. It has a front-wheel-drive layout and offers 64bhp of power and 83lb ft of torque. The car weighs under a tonne and has an energy efficiency rating of 4.6 miles per kilowatt-hour. It can be charged on three-pin or 7kW AC power and up to 30kW on DC power, providing an official range of 140 miles.
Despite its small size, the Dacia Spring offers decent boot space and reasonable rear accommodation. It has a boot capacity of 380 litres, which can be expanded to 1004 litres with the rear bench folded. The car is a four-seater and has a turning radius of just 4.8m. While the front seats are non-adjustable for height and offer limited headroom, a 5ft 10in rear passenger can fit comfortably behind the same-size driver.
In terms of performance, the 64bhp Dacia Spring offers a smoother driving experience compared to the lower-powered model. The throttle response is gentle, and the brake pedal feel is weighted and responsive. Drivers can choose between a gentle lift-off mode or a harsher regenerative mode.
The ride and handling of the Dacia Spring are acceptable, with the suspension providing a decent amount of compliance. The car has MacPherson struts at the front and a torsion beam at the rear. It offers a comfortable ride, although there is some predictable roll in corners. The steering is light and remote but still offers some fun and agility.
In terms of running costs, the Dacia Spring is unmatched in terms of affordability. Moving up the range from the base model is not significantly more expensive, as customers can opt for finance options instead of writing a larger check upfront. The Spring’s affordability, combined with its three-year warranty, eight-year battery warranty, and zero tailpipe emissions, make it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers.
Overall, the Dacia Spring is a compact and likeable electric vehicle that offers excellent value for money. While it may not have the best quality materials or the highest range, its affordability and practicality make it a compelling choice for urban dwellers or as a second car for families. Despite its low power output and slow acceleration, it provides a smooth driving experience and offers decent boot space and rear accommodation. With its competitive pricing and attractive finance options, the Dacia Spring is poised to make a significant impact in the UK electric car market.
