The Dacia Spring is a compact electric city car designed to debunk the myth that electric vehicles are expensive. Having previously reviewed the exterior and interior, we've been looking forward to taking it out on the road for a full review.

Performance

Despite the updates inside and out, the new Spring remains almost mechanically identical to its predecessor. It comes with two power output options: 44bhp or 64bhp, both offering a top speed of 125km/h and front-wheel drive. Performance is modest; the 0-100km/h sprint takes 19.1 seconds for the 44bhp version and 14.0 seconds for the 64bhp version. For context, the least powerful version of the MG4 covers the same sprint in just 7.7 seconds.

If you’re seeking a speedy electric car, the Spring isn’t designed for that. It excels at low-speed manoeuvrability, being particularly sprightly in the 0-50km/h range. However, reaching its top speed can be challenging due to the modest power output. That’s not necessarily a drawback, though – the Spring demonstrates that 65hp is perfectly adequate for most driving needs.

Range and Charging

On the plus side, the Spring weighs in at just 984kg, making it very light for an electric car. This contributes to its energy efficiency, although the small 26.8kWh battery (25kWh usable) means it has an official range of only 225km between charges.

To maximise its real-world range, you can select the 'B' drive mode on the gear lever. This mode enhances regenerative braking, allowing the car to recover more energy while slowing down. The charging port, cleverly hidden behind the front badge, supports a 7kW Wallbox home charger, enabling a 20-80% top-up in about 4 hours. Upper trim models also come with 30kW charging capability as standard, reducing the 20-80% charging time to just 45 minutes with a suitably powerful public charger.

Design and Interior

The only part that remains from the outgoing Spring is the roof; Dacia has updated all the other body panels, giving it the look of a baby Duster. Despite these changes, it remains small and compact, taking up the same road space as a VW e-Up.

Inside, the new Spring features a more ergonomic dashboard design, including a new 7.0-inch digital driver's display, Y-shaped air vents, and updated climate controls. Entry-level models come with a dashboard clip for mounting your smartphone, while upper trims boast a crisp new 10.0-inch infotainment screen compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

Rear seat space is tight on the knees, but head room is good, though taller passengers will feel less cramped than they would in a Fiat 500e or Mini Electric. The 308-litre boot should be sufficient for a large weekly shop, and there is an optional 35-litre frunk available for storing charging cables.

Cost Considerations

We’re still awaiting the Irish pricing for the Dacia Spring because of those extra tariffs on Chinese-built cars, but it’s expected to arrive in Ireland priced under €20,000 for the most basic model. Even the well-equipped Extreme range-topper, with its 65hp motor, should be around €20,000, making it the most affordable EV to date.

The standard specification will include new safety features like emergency autonomous braking and driver attention monitoring. While final specs for Ireland are not yet confirmed, it appears that basic Expression models will come with manual air conditioning and a 'Media Control' system that allows you to connect your phone and use it as a touchscreen. And if you opt for the Extreme model, you’ll find upgraded tech with a 10-inch touchscreen, reversing camera, electrically adjustable door mirrors, and some nice copper finishes on the exterior and interior accents.

Conclusion

This might be the car, or one of the cars, that finally debunks the notion that electric vehicles are always expensive. If it’s priced right in Ireland, the Spring could be the perfect runaround for short to medium journeys. While it may not be ideal for longer trips, it excels at low-speed, in-town driving. The joy of driving the Spring comes not only from its performance but also from knowing it offers everything you need in a compact and efficient package.