The Dacia Spring is a compact electric city car aimed at debunking the notion that electric vehicles are costly. After introducing mainland Europe's most affordable electric car in 2021, Dacia has announced plans to continue this trend by launching the face-lifted version of the Dacia Spring as Ireland's most affordable EV in 2024, now available in right-hand-drive format.

Performance

While we haven't had the opportunity to test drive the new Spring yet, its features suggest it will excel in urban environments. Its tight turning circle and compact size make manoeuvring through city streets a breeze. Adding to this, the high ground clearance proves beneficial for navigating rough terrain outside the city and tackling obstacles like potholes and speed bumps.

Offering two electric motor options, both powering the front wheels, the Spring provides a choice between a 65-horsepower motor and a more modest 45-horsepower variant. The higher-powered version achieves a 0-100km/h time in less than 14 seconds—although not particularly fast by modern electric car standards, it offers a sprightly performance for a vehicle of its size. Opting for the less powerful motor extends the acceleration time to the 100km/h mark to a lengthy 19 seconds.

Range and Charging

Dacia claims that the Spring will achieve over 300km of range on a full charge. Combining this with its modest power output, the Spring emerges as a more suitable choice for urban dwellers. And with the implementation of regenerative braking for the first time, the Spring maximises its range by recapturing energy typically lost during braking and transferring it back into the car's battery.

The Spring features a modest 7kW on-board charger, requiring approximately four hours for a full charge from a home charger Wallbox. Whereas a fast charger can take you from 20% to 80% in about 45 minutes. Additionally, we anticipate the availability of a socket booster option, employing a sturdier three-pin socket capable of charging at 3.2kW instead of the typical 2.3kW, reducing the charging time to approximately 7 hours.

Design and Interior

The only element retained from the previous Spring model is the roof; Dacia has revamped all other body panels, resulting in a design reminiscent of a miniature Duster. Size-wise, it's compact, occupying a similar amount of road space as a VW e-Up.

It incorporates all the stylish elements of Dacia's updated design language, including the new logo, sleek headlights, and distinctive Y-shaped rear lights. With a selection of six body colours, including two new options—Brick Red and Beige Safari—and easily replaceable trim on the lower door sections, the Spring offers both versatility and practicality, ideal for navigating crowded supermarket car parks.

Inside, the Spring presents a selection of three trim and equipment levels: Essential, Expression, and Extreme. Featuring a new dashboard design, all models come equipped with a seven-inch digital driver's display, while the higher trim levels boast a 10-inch infotainment system compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The interior exudes a playful charm, complimented by practical elements like the white highlights surrounding the driver's display, door bins, and gear selector.

Cost Considerations

Challenging the notion that electric vehicles are still too expensive, prices are expected to start below €20,000, making it exceptionally affordable for an EV, with only the anticipated BYD Seagull poised to rival it. As for the warranty, Dacia offers an industry-standard 3-year/100,000 km guarantee from the showroom.

Conclusion

It's an enjoyable and budget-friendly offering, making it an excellent option for those seeking a small electric car. We'll need to spend more time behind the wheel before delivering our final verdict. However, based on the evidence so far, the Dacia Spring appears to offer exceptional value for money, particularly if speed isn't your top priority when traveling from point A to point B.