The Dacia Spring is taking aim at the urban jungle. This new electric car from the budget-friendly Romanian brand promises accessible and fuss-free electric mobility for city dwellers. We recently got behind the wheel to see if the Spring lives up to its claims.
First Impressions: Compact and Practical
Dacia isn’t known for flashy exteriors, and the Spring follows suit. It’s a compact five-door crossover with a slightly rugged aesthetic. High ground clearance makes it suitable for navigating light off-road trails or uneven city streets. The standout visual element is the split grille design, incorporating Dacia’s signature Y-shaped lights. While some might find the design utilitarian, it certainly boasts a practical charm.
Stepping Inside: A Budget-Friendly Interior
The interior reflects Dacia’s focus on affordability. Hard plastics dominate the cabin, but the overall layout is functional and user-friendly. The seats are comfortable enough for short commutes, and the driving position offers good visibility thanks to the large windows. Taller drivers might find headroom a bit restricted in the front seats.
Technology on a Budget
The infotainment system is a basic touchscreen unit with essential features like DAB radio, Bluetooth connectivity, and USB ports. While it lacks the bells and whistles of some rivals, it gets the job done for budget-conscious buyers who prioritize functionality over flashy displays. The instrument cluster is a simple analog setup with a digital trip computer display.
Punching Above its Weight: The Electric Drive
Despite its unassuming exterior, the Spring offers a surprisingly sprightly driving experience. There are two electric motor options: a 44 horsepower version and a more powerful 65 horsepower unit. We tested the latter, and it provided sufficient pep for city commutes. Acceleration is brisk enough for navigating city traffic lights, and the electric motor delivers a smooth and silent ride.
Range and Charging: City Slicking Only
The Spring boasts a maximum electric range of around 140 miles (WLTP) depending on the variant. This makes it ideal for urban commutes and short trips around town. However, if you regularly venture on longer highway journeys, the Spring’s range might feel limiting.
The Spring utilizes a CCS charging port, allowing for DC fast charging at compatible stations. This can top up the battery from 0 to 80% in around half an hour, which is convenient for quick city center charging. A full charge from a home wallbox takes around seven hours.
Safety First
Despite its budget-friendly price tag, Dacia hasn’t compromised on safety. The Spring comes equipped with essential safety features like ABS, emergency brake assist, lane departure warning, and hill start assist. While more advanced driver-assistance systems are not standard, they can be added as options.
Living with the Spring: Rivals and Considerations
The Dacia Spring positions itself squarely against other affordable electric city cars like the Fiat 500e and the upcoming Renault Twingo Electric. Here’s a quick comparison:
- Fiat 500e: The iconic Fiat offers a more stylish and playful design, but with a smaller cabin and a shorter electric range compared to the Spring. Pricing is also slightly higher.
- Renault Twingo Electric (expected launch in 2024): Sharing the same platform as the Spring, the Twingo Electric is expected to offer similar performance and range. However, Renault might command a slight price premium over its Dacia cousin.
The Verdict: City Slicker on a Budget
The Dacia Spring is a no-nonsense electric car that prioritizes practicality and affordability over bells and whistles. It offers a comfortable and competent driving experience for city commutes, with enough pep and a surprising amount of space for a budget-friendly car. The limitations lie in its range, which might not suit those who frequently take longer trips.
Here’s who the Spring might be perfect for:
- City dwellers with short commutes and occasional weekend trips around town.
- Budget-conscious buyers looking for a fuss-free and reliable electric car.
- Environmentally conscious individuals seeking an affordable entry point into electric mobility.
Overall, the Dacia Spring is a compelling proposition for urban electric car buyers on a budget. It offers a practical and comfortable city driving experience, with an emphasis on affordability and ease of use. While its range might limit its appeal for those seeking long-distance capabilities, for zipping around town with minimal fuss, the Spring proves itself a competent and surprisingly fun electric runabout.
