Marko Hanželic
Dacia has introduced a significantly updated version of the Spring model, modernizing the affordable urban electric vehicle for the masses. Renovated Dacia spring uses the automaker's latest design language, borrowing design cues from the popular Duster model, while maintaining generous ground clearance and crossover properties. It also has a redesigned interior with more equipment, bringing it on par with newer rivals.
Starting with the exterior, the Spring looks more modern than before, thanks in large part to the grille inspired by the Dusters, and LED headlights and SUV-style protective panels and intake openings on the bumper. The rear also received a similarly adventurous makeover with a black border that connects the modern LED lights and a large plastic coverings on the bumper.
Profile 3.701 mm long electric vehicle is familiar, as the passenger cabin and large door handles are carried over from its predecessor. Nevertheless, they are Dacia designers tweaked the fenders, simplified the surfaces and added a strip to the C-pillar to emphasize the crossover stance. In the same context, there are new options for rims up to 16 inches in diameter and a changed color palette with added shades Brick Red in Safari Beige.
Moving to the interior, the old dashboard that looked like it came from the 90s has been replaced by a modern design. Digital cockpit leading equipment Extreme they consist of a 7-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10-inch freestanding infotainment screen, although entry-level models will be limited to a smartphone holder. The air vents, center console, gear selector and dashboard tray have been redesigned to look more in line with the rest of the Dacia family.
The company has also added an accessory attachment system YouClip, which allows owners to customize the interior. The equipment includes the basic ADAS package, as dictated by regulations in the European Union, and a button "My Safety" to turn them on or off. Finally, in addition to the slightly increased luggage space of 308 l, there is an additional 35 l of space under the hood.
Dacia did not feel the need to update the Spring's performance, stating that the average daily journey of existing owners is 37km at 37km/h. This means that the 33 kW (45 hp) or 48 kW (65 hp) carried over electric motor is good enough in terms of performance, despite the proverbially sluggish acceleration figures. The same applies to 26,8 kWh battery pack, which enables a WLTP range of more than 220 km, also due to its low weight of 984 kg. Charging is surprisingly slow, given that it is available on weaker models 11 kW alternating current, and for the more powerful 30 kW of direct current. The novelty of the updated model is the possibility of two-way charging, which means that the small battery can be used to power electrical devices.
The price of the model Dacia spring it hasn't been announced yet, but the company says it remains "the most affordable all-electric model on the market." According to Autocar, UK deliveries will begin in October 2024 and will be priced below £18.000 ($22.732). Like its predecessor, the new Spring will be manufactured in China.
The main competitors of the Dacia Spring model are the new ones Citroen e-C3 and upcoming Fiat Panda and future urban electric vehicles such as Renault Twingo in VW ID.1.
