New Dacia Spring EV is Compact & Spacious.

New Dacia Spring EV is Compact & Spacious.

The new Dacia Spring is the very first fully-electric offering from the Renault-owned car manufacturer, and it offers an unprecedented entry point for budget-conscious drivers looking to make the transition to electric motoring. The Spring is equipped with a choice of two electric motors, two trim levels, 5 doors and a 308 litre boot to cope with the demands of daily life.

Four Full-Size Seats.

Measuring just over 3.7 metres in length, 1.52 metres in height, and 1.77 metres in width, the Spring slots into the small SUV category, making it the ideal companion for navigating congested city streets, and tight carpark spaces, as opposed to prolonged motorway journeys. Available with four seats only, the new Spring defies the laws which govern interior space, as its thoughtfully-designed interior offers numerous storage areas, with up to 32.7 litres of easy-to-reach capacity. The Spring also offers the best storage volume in its class, with 308 litres of boot space behind the rear seats, increasing to 1,004 litres with the seats folded.

Unique Exterior Design.

Unique exterior design features include urban-inspired front and rear bumpers, LED lights with a distinctive ‘Y’ signature, 15-inch wheels, and side protection on all four doors. The Spring is built around one core philosophy: keep things simple, smart and useful in order to avoid over-complication, and to focus on what really matters to drivers. The upright stance of the Spring contributes to the car’s commanding driving position, with excellent outward visibility available to all occupants. With generous ground clearance of approximately 150mm, the Spring sits higher than most city cars, offering tangible benefits for negotiating speed bumps, roadside kerbs and potholes. This elevated stance provides the car with a subtle crossover look, and this has been enhanced by the addition of contrasting trim elements and rugged-looking plastic body cladding.

Ergonomic Cabin.

With everything close to hand, the interior focuses on ergonomics, aesthetics and perceived quality, while the coloured elements and backlit controls add to the personality of the cabin. The functional design of the dashboard is structured around the 10.1-inch multimedia display and the 7-inch digital on-board computer on which all vehicle information is displayed. The e-shifter gear selector, height-adjustable steering wheel and range of upholstery options create a distinctive style. New assistance systems are featured in the new Spring to make driving even easier, with the likes of Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian/Cyclist Detection, Lane Keeping Assist, Driver Fatigue Detection System, and Traffic Sign Recognition with Speeding Alert on offer.

Urban Efficiency & Agility.

The Spring is the only fully-electric car in Europe weighing under one tonne, which means greater efficiency and agility, particularly in urban settings. With a WLTP range of 225km, flexible charging options, including DC fast charging from 20% to 80% in just 45 minutes, and impressively low energy consumption at 13.5kWh/100km, the Spring delivers on everyday driving needs without the premium price tag.

Two Trim Levels.

The Spring is available in two trim levels: Expression and Extreme. Key standard features in Expression trim include a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, a Media Control system with USB connectivity, cruise control with speed limiter, rear parking sensors, electric front windows, manual air-conditioning, and Dacia’s clever YouClip accessory-mounting system. Upgrading to Extreme trim also adds a 10.1-inch MediaNav system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a parking camera, and a vehicle-to-load (V2L) adaptor. The Spring in Expression trim is available with a choice of 45hp or 65hp electric motors, with the Extreme trim version available only with the 65hp motor. The My Dacia app lets you remotely check the charge status or remaining range of your battery, plan your recharge, or start the heating or air-conditioning a few minutes before getting in.  

Test Car Details.

My test car was a new Dacia Spring Extreme, which was finished in distinctive Brick Red solid paintwork. The permanent magnet synchronous motor produces 65hp and 113Nm of torque, and this results in relatively silent and responsive driving characteristics. The Spring’s performance credentials are firmly aligned with its urban-centric mission statement, prioritising efficiency and manoeuvrability over outright speed. As a result, a 0-100km/h sprint can be completed in 13.7-seconds, but the instant torque delivery ensures the Spring feels surprisingly nippy at urban speeds. The combination of light steering, minimal overhangs, and a remarkably tight 9.63 metre turning circle makes the car particularly enjoyable on city commutes and shopping centre visits. The presence of a physical key to ‘start’ the car, combined with a manual handbrake instead of an electronic parking brake, creates a driving experience that feels reassuringly familiar to drivers transitioning from older petrol or diesel-powered vehicles.

Verdict & Price.

The new Dacia Spring is the perfect car for city dwellers who prioritise ease of parking and low running costs over performance or luxury. It is also ideal as an additional vehicle for families who already have a larger car for longer journeys and need an economical runabout for local trips. The Dacia Spring Expression 45hp is priced from just €14,490 (ex-delivery), with my test car specification priced from €17,990 (ex-delivery). Prices quoted include VRT relief/ SEAI Grant for private buyers, and are valid only while stocks last. Term’s & Condition’s apply.

Contact your local Dacia dealer, or visit www.dacia.ie for further information.