New Dacia Spring EV launches, gets bigger, bolder and pricier

Key highlights:

• New Spring EV grows significantly, with sharper styling 
• Its 27.5kWh LFP battery delivers a 250km WLTP range
• Australian launch remains unlikely due to regulations, safety and range concerns

The Dacia Spring has entered its second generation with a much tougher look, a larger body and a more modern cabin. The new Spring also moves production from China to Slovenia, where Dacia will build it alongside the closely related and slightly pricier Renault Twingo E-Tech, which has a new, larger architecture.

The budget EV also loses Europe’s cheapest electric car tag. The first-generation Spring used the Renault Kwid as its basis and came from China.

New-gen Spring’s European production also allows it to qualify for EV incentives in several countries, including the UK and France, which helps narrow the price gap with the outgoing model. The Spring could also qualify for the EU’s mooted new e-car category, potentially giving it another advantage over Chinese competitors.

The Spring EV is regarded as an honest, utilitarian city runabout designed to make electric mobility more accessible with its simple hardware.

Spring EV gets a major makeover

The second-generation Spring EV measures 3.85m long, 1.74m wide and 1.49m tall, which makes it 150mm longer and 157mm wider than its predecessor. Its roof also sits 29mm lower, which gives it a more planted stance instead of the first-generation’s raised, almost on-stilts appearance.

Dacia has also ditched the original model’s rounded, organic styling and adopts a much more angular appearance that follows the brand’s latest design language.

Its body panels are unique to the Spring, but the Renault Twingo connection remains visible through the rounded side windows.

Small battery, simple electric drivetrain

The new model moves to the Renault Group’s dedicated RG-EV small platform, upgrading from the old petrol Renault Kwid’s platform. It uses a 27.5kWh net LFP battery and a single electric motor driving the front wheels, and this small battery helps keep its weight and costs down.

The Spring supports 6.6kW AC charging as standard, and buyers must select the fast-charging pack to unlock 11kW AC and 50kW DC charging.

The outgoing model used a smaller 24.3kWh LFP battery with either a 33kW or 48kW motor and offered a WLTP range of up to 225km.

Also read: Geely E2 arrives in Europe ahead of September 11 launch

Updated interior: Twingo connection is clearer

The Spring’s cabin shares more with the Twingo than its exterior does. The upper dashboard gets a unique, chunkier design, while the air vents incorporate half of Dacia’s logo; the steering wheel, lower dashboard and centre console come directly from the Twingo.

A 7.0-inch digital instrument display comes standard on both grades. The top-spec Journey adds a 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, along with built-in satellite navigation.

The base Expression takes a simpler approach. Drivers control the audio system through steering-wheel buttons, while information appears on the instrument display, and passengers can also connect to and control the audio system through Dacia’s Media Control smartphone app.

Standard equipment: Two trim levels at launch

Dacia will launch the new Spring with two grades: Expression and Journey. Here is the standard equipment on both variants.

Expression (base variant):

• 15-inch steel wheels
• Electric front windows
• Pop-out rear windows
• Rear parking sensors
• Climate control
• Split-level boot floor
• 50/50-split/folding rear seats
• Central locking
• Fabric upholstery
• Height-adjustable driver’s seat
• Three YouClip mounting points

Journey adds these:

• 16-inch steel wheels
• Reversing camera
• Hands-free access card
• 10.1-inch touchscreen
• Satellite navigation
• Boot cover
• One YouClip mounting point
• TEP/fabric upgraded upholstery

Not Europe’s cheapest EV anymore

When the Spring first arrived, it earned a reputation as Europe’s cheapest EV and in some markets, it could even cost less than conventional small petrol hatchbacks.

The new second-generation model has now been revealed with a starting price of €17,900 (around A$28,800) and in France, generous government EV grants can reduce the final price to €12,200 (around A$19,600).

UK pricing is expected to start at just under £18,000 (around A$33,800), which represents a major increase over the current model’s £11,990 (around A$22,500) starting price.

What about the Australian launch?

The Dacia Spring is not available in Australia. Renault’s local importer has previously expressed a general interest in bringing the budget-focused Romanian brand to Australia; still, the focus remains on larger petrol or hybrid models such as the Duster and Bigster.

The Spring also faces several major hurdles if it were considered for Australia, such as strict Australian Design Rules (ADRs), safety rating concerns, and Spring’s limited WLTP range of around 250km.