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 to mark 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 such famous units as the Dacia Sandero or Dacia Duster. In mid-2025, and subsequently in early 2026, Dacia will launch a major update that, while not affecting the design or the interior, does add significant mechanical improvements..

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 entry-level version, the Dacia Spring has a 70-horsepower electric motor. which is paired with an LFP battery with a net capacity of 24,3 kWh. Despite the loss in capacity, the WLTP-approved range is practically the same: 225 km. Above it, in terms of performance, we find the Spring 100, the most powerful ever known to date. It incorporates the same mechanical layout, but with more power, making it more comfortable to go out on fast roads.

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 6,9 seconds in the best case. For charging, the car offers a maximum power of 40 kW for alternating current and 7 kW for direct current. This leaves charging times ranging from 50 minutes (0%-80% at 30 kW) to 13,5 hours (2,3 kW socket).

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 is available in the following trim levels: Cargo, Business, 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 technologiesStandard features include a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, which can be upgraded to a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system. It also includes wireless connectivity for mobile devices, a navigation system, air conditioning, and a discreet yet comprehensive suite of driver assistance systems.

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 2025 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
Designer

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 17.225 eurosThis price refers to a base 71-horsepower Expression model. The most expensive is the 102-horsepower Dacia Spring Extreme. Its price starts at €19.725, without any offers, discounts, or government incentives.