New Dacia Spring EV launched with ultra-low pricing

The new 2024 Dacia Spring has been unwrapped ahead of its right-hand drive debut in the UK, where the small electric hatchback is tipped to be priced from less than £16,000 ($A30,300).

Claimed to have benefitted from a substantial overhaul both inside and out, the new Dacia Spring replaces a model that has already carved out a reputation for itself as one of Europe’s cheapest EV, with its original 2021 launch pricing pegged at just €16,800 ($A27,700) in markets like France.

To keep it relevant for 2024 buyers, the Renault group’s Romanian car-maker says it’s upped quality and improved tech, while the overall design theme echoes that of the new Dacia Duster compact SUV.

Inside, premium versions ditch the old Spring’s 7.0-inch infotainment unit in favour of the larger 10.1-inch touch-screen that was introduced with the new Duster and can be kept relevant thanks to over-the-air software updates.

Lower grades rely on a smartphone holder (and app) that allows drivers to connect to Waze and Spotify.

New driver-assistance aids include a more advanced autonomous emergency braking (AEB) system, plus driver attention monitoring.

Boosting practicality, the Spring now comes with Dacia’s Youclip dash-mounting system that allows drivers to safely mount a smartphone holder, cup holder and even a proper glovebox, which is missing on entry-level variants.

Lowering the cost of repairs from life in the city, the Spring’s wheel-arches and lower sections of the front and rear bumpers are now unpainted to better cope with low-impact brushes with other cars and obstacles.

Beneath the skin, the Spring still comes with a single electric motor that produces either 33kW or 48kW. The more powerful version is claimed to hit 100km/h in a leisurely 13.7 seconds.

Providing a range of 220km is a small 26.8kWh battery that keeps total kerb weight down to just 984kg – just 6kg more than before.

While the 33kW version of the Spring can only be topped up using an 11kW AC charger, the most powerful 48kW Dacia EV can be topped up with a fast fast-charger at rate of up to 30kW.

Available in right-hand drive for the first time, the Dacia Spring could feasibly be rebadged as the Renault Spring in this market if there’s appetite within Renault Australia to challenge the likes of the new breed of budget EVs like the BYD Dolphin.

Sadly, for those in the market for a cheap and cheerful EV, Renault Australia is likely to forego the Spring and focus on more profitable models like the new Duster and its larger sibling, the Bigster mid-size SUV – and eventually a new compact dual-cab 4x4 ute previewed by the Dacia Niagara concept.

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