Dacia spring

Electric cars are called to dominate the European and world automotive scene in the coming years. Electrics are currently synonymous with expensive prices, although not all of them are like that. The Dacia spring It arrives to democratize electric mobility. A small SUV designed for mostly urban use, and with features that make it highly desirable.

We have tested this car:

Test Dacia Spring Extreme 65, a sensible electric like few others (with video)

The average price of an electric car in our country is around 40.000 euros. Many drivers want to switch to the cleanest technology of all, but are limited by certain conditions such as price, range or recharging. Urban electrics are the most logical of all, as they are presented as the definitive solution to reduce polluting emissions from large cities.

In 2021 Dacia presents the Spring to the world, receiving a notable update in 2024 on the occasion of the new brand image. An urban SUV that breaks the mold of an industry. Cheap electric cars become a reality, and in one fell swoop it becomes the company's smallest model, below units as famous as the Dacia Sandero or Dacia Duster. Technical characteristics of the Dacia Spring

Technical characteristics of the Dacia Spring

Dacia Spring front

When developing Spring, Dacia I was very clear that it should be as economical as possible. For this I only had to reuse components already developed, such as the Renault Group's CMF-A platform. In reality, it is a modification of the same architecture used by other company models such as the Renault Twingo, the Kwind or the Renault City K-ZE, which is actually the Spring under the emblem of Renault that is sold in other markets.

In this case, the architecture is adapted to very, very small measurements, ideal for the A-SUV segment, the smallest of all. The Spring reaches external heights of 3,73 meters long, 1,58 meters wide and 1,52 meters high. To these measures must be added a wheelbase of 2,42 meters and a reduced weight of 1.045 kilograms.

The short wheelbase implies a small-sized passenger compartment approved for a maximum of four passengers in the 2+2 position. Regarding load capacity, the Dacia Spring offers a boot volume of 288 liters minimum capacity, a figure that can be increased by folding down the second row of seats. That load capacity comes entirely from the rear trunk because, unlike other electric ones, it does not have a front trunk.

Mechanical range and gearboxes of the Dacia Spring

The Spring has been conceived to be a 100% electric vehicle. Under its hood are not going to install combustion engines of any kind. The range is limited to two versions. Of course, it is certified with the DGT's ZERO environmental mark, which offers interesting advantages for urban use. It always diverts power to the front axle via an automatic transmission.

In its access version, the Dacia Spring has an electric motor with 45 horsepower and 125 Nm of torque. which is associated with a lithium-ion battery with a net capacity of 24,7 kWh. This version approves 230 kilometers of autonomy in the WLTP cycle with an average consumption of 13,9 kWh per 100 kilometers. The top version offers a motor of up to 65 horsepower with a lithium-ion battery with a net capacity of 27,4 kWh that allows it to have a range of 220 kilometers approved.

The benefits of this small electric SUV are mainly intended for urban use. Top speed of 125 km/h and acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 19,1 seconds. For recharging, a maximum power of 30 kW in alternating current and 6,6 kW in direct current is offered. That leaves us with times ranging from 56 minutes (0-80% at 30 kW) to 13,5 hours (2,3 kW tap).

Equipment of the Dacia Spring

If we want a cheap electric, we have to get rid of something. The cost of the technology represents a large outlay, and to lower the cost of the final product, Dacia has reduced the quality of the finishes. The entire cabin is made of hard plastic. Hard surfaces that reduce the sense of quality perceived by customers. Despite this, everything is accompanied by the classic feeling of durability of the Romanian brand's products.

When determining a range of equipment, The Dacia Spring shows off the finish levels: Expression and Extreme, the latter always associated with the most powerful mechanical version. The differences between them are mainly focused on systems, and minimally on appearance and qualities. Customization is limited, though the top tier offers special treatment for some details.

Thanks to the renovation applied In 2024, the Spring takes a notable leap forward in terms of equipment and technologies. As standard it offers a digital instrument panel with a seven-inch screen that can be completed with a multimedia system with a 10,1-inch touch panel. In addition, it also includes wireless connectivity for mobile devices, navigation, air conditioning and a discreet but complete team of driving assistants.

Test Dacia Spring on video

The Dacia Spring according to Euro NCAP

By the end of 2021, with the new safety approval system, Euro NCAP subjected the Dacia Spring to its usual tests, giving it the low score of one star. The lack of driving assistants is the main cause of the score. By sections, the results are as follows: 49% protection for adult passengers, 56% protection for child passengers, 39% vulnerability for pedestrians and 32% for driving assistants. These assessments remain valid after the 2024 update as there are no changes to the structure of the vehicle.

Rivals of the Dacia Spring

The easiest way to say it is that the Dacia Spring has no direct rivals, or not at least for the moment. Its concept is practically unique: SUV, electric, urban and cheap. Although it is hard to believe there are no options close to this little one. The closest options are electric units of an urban nature, but without SUV bodywork. Some as: SEAT Mii Electric, Smart ForFour, Skoda Citigoe IV, Renault Twingo ZE FIAT 500e, Citroen C-Zero, Peugeot iOn y Volkswagen e-up!

Highlight

Affordable price
urban size
Design

To improve

Benefits
Quality of finishes
habitability

Dacia Spring prices

Dacia wants to democratize the purchase of an electric car. Until now, battery-powered SUVs were expensive and inaccessible to a majority audience. The Dacia Spring has a starting price of 17.890 euros, without offers, promotions or state plans. That value refers to a basic unit with Expression finish. The most expensive is the 65 horsepower Dacia Spring Extreme. Its price is announced from a minimum of 19.890 euros, without offers, discounts or state or regional aid plans.