Efficiency & Charging
7/10
Performance & Driving Dynamics
7.5/10
Interior & Technology
8/10
Practicality & Usability
6.5/10
Value & Running Costs
9.5/10
Overall
7.5/10
Overview
The updated Dacia Spring is an accessible entry point into the European EV market, offering budget-conscious urban drivers a lightweight, no-frills city car. Underpinned by the Renault Group's smallest platform shared with the Renault Twingo E-Tech, this generation represents a significant leap forward over its predecessor while preserving the fundamental core of low-cost motoring. Now manufactured in Slovenia, the new Spring enhances its build quality, refines chassis dynamics, and improves efficiency. It retains a distinctive, crossover-inspired stance while scaling up its footprint to offer better space, updated tech, and better everyday usability without any unnecessary complexity or inflating its price tag.
Design
Adopting a bolder and more rugged aesthetic, the design brings the Spring inline with modern designs from Dacia while establishing a clearer visual distinction from its platform siblings. The front is defined by a high, flat bonnet line, offset by slim LEDs integrated into a continuous black grille that spans the width of the nose. Key changes make it 150 mm longer and 180 mm wider than the previous generation to provide a far more grounded stance. Chunky wheel arches, skid-plate-style bumpers, and dark side-mouldings give the vehicle a mini-SUV personality. At the rear, horizontal lighting links the tailgate by a dark trim panel completing the clean, functional look.
Interior
Inside the cabin, it is full of practical minimalism, using durable materials designed to withstand heavy daily use. Higher specification versions feature a 10.1-inch central touchscreen display, complete with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto alongside integrated navigation. Driver information is shows on a clear digital instrument cluster behind a redesigned steering wheel that offers better height adjustment over the previous generation. Interior ergonomics are noticeably improved, benefiting from comfier seats, elevated positioning, and intuitive physical climate controls. Innovative YouClip mounting points are placed across the dashboard and centre console, allowing modular accessories such as cup holders, smartphone mounts, or portable LED lamps to clip directly onto the framework.
Performance & Powertrains
Power is delivered by a single front-mounted electric motor producing 80 hp and 175 Nm of torque, pushing the vehicle from 0-62 mph in 12.1 seconds toward a top speed of 81 mph. Power is supplied by a 27kWh battery pack that yields a range of up to 155 miles, making it ideally suited for typical urban driving. 6.6 kW AC charging charges the battery from 15% to 80% in approximately 9 hours. Upgrading to the optional Charge Pack equips the vehicle with 11 kW AC alongside 50 kW DC rapid charging, which slashes the 15% to 80% charge time down to 28 minutes at a public fast charger while adding Vehicle-to-Load to power external devices. Driving benefits from an overhauled suspension system that delivers better urban damping and reduced body roll during cornering.
Practicality
Despite its ultra-compact exterior dimensions suitable for tight city parking, the expanded footprint gives notable cabin volume improvements for four occupants. The boot capacity stands at 337 litres with the rear seats in place, offering class-leading storage that easily swallows weekly shopping or luggage. Folding down the rear seat bench opens up maximum cargo volume for larger loads. Up front, cabin storage solutions include a deep glovebox, wide door bins, and storage trays integrated within the centre console. Rear passenger legroom is adequate for shorter journeys, while pop-out rear windows optimize weight savings and simplicity.
Buying
The Spring maintains a straightforward pricing structure split across Expression and Journey trim levels, keeping starting prices firmly below £18,000. Entry-level Expression trims include essential equipment such as cruise control, rear parking sensors, remote locking, manual air conditioning, and basic media connectivity. Upgrading to the Journey trim adds the 10.1-inch infotainment screen, upgraded upholstery, and enhanced smartphone integration features. The EV Hub recommended configuration is the Journey trim paired with the optional Charge Pack. Selecting this combination ensures access to the crucial 50 kW DC rapid charging functionality, maximizing value and flexibility without compromising the vehicle's core value proposition.