Dacia has unveiled the second-generation Spring, an all-new version of its smallest electric car that brings more range, additional tech and a more powerful motor.
Unlike the substantial update given to the outgoing Spring in 2024, this new model has been designed from scratch. It moves onto a new Renault Group electric car platform, grows in size and will be built in Slovenia rather than China.
Dacia expects every version to cost less than £18k before any government incentives, which should ensure that the Spring remains one of the cheapest new electric cars on sale in the UK. Final UK prices will be announced at a later date.
More power and a 155-mile range
Every Spring gets the same 80hp electric motor. That’s enough for a 0-62mph time of 12.1 seconds and a top speed of 81mph.
A 28kWh battery provides an official range of up to 155 miles. A 6.6kW AC charger is standard, with a 15% to 80% charge taking just under three hours from a 7kW home charger.
Rapid charging remains optional. A ‘Charge Pack’ upgrades the onboard AC charger to 11kW and adds 50kW DC charging, allowing a 15% to 80% rapid charge in 28 minutes. The same pack adds vehicle-to-load capability, allowing electrical equipment to be powered from the car’s battery.
Larger than its predecessor
The new Spring is 15 centimetres longer and 18 centimetres wider than its predecessor. Dacia says the additional width has freed up more passenger space, although the car remains firmly within the smallest end of the new-car market.
Boot capacity has increased to 337 litres, or 1,283 litres with the rear seats folded. An optional 18-litre storage compartment beneath the bonnet provides somewhere to keep charging cables.
The interior has also been redesigned. A seven-inch digital instrument display is standard, while higher-specification ‘Journey’ models get a ten-inch touchscreen with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, connected navigation and remote functions including charging scheduling and cabin pre-conditioning.
Rear parking sensors and an electronic parking brake are standard, with ‘Journey’ models adding a reversing camera.
Two trim levels
The UK range will consist of ‘Expression’ and ‘Journey’ versions, both using the same battery, motor and standard 6.6kW charger.
‘Expression’ comes with 15-inch wheels, air conditioning, electric front windows, rear parking sensors and a smartphone-based Media Control infotainment system.
‘Journey’ adds 16-inch wheels, keyless entry, the reversing camera and ten-inch touchscreen, along with upgraded upholstery and additional connected services.
Full UK pricing and launch timings have yet to be confirmed, but Dacia expects the entire new Spring range to cost less than £18k before any government grant scheme.
