Dacia Spring
Electrical essence
At first glance, so much has been revamped that it looks like an entirely new car! Almost the entire bodywork has been redesigned to match Dacia's new style. Despite its modest dimensions, the Spring therefore looks significantly more modern and confident than before. While the lines have become sharper, there are frivolous colours on the price list. Moreover, the car can be fitted with an original "print" on the front and rear bumper for extra protection and the cheerful look. The colour shown here "Beige Safari" is also new.
Space
Even inside, almost everything is different. Almost the entire cabin has been redesigned, with the main difference being the use of higher-quality materials. The doors therefore do not close with a cheap "bang", the interior does not reverberate as if it were a metal box and driving noises are less audible (at low speed). The Spring therefore feels much less like a budget car than before.
The seats have new upholstery that is vegan and more eco-friendly than before. Space has remained the same. Up front, it is still clearly noticeable that this is a narrow car, as the driver and co-driver sit shoulder to shoulder. Front legroom is adequate, headroom even good. Dacia has economised with the adjustment options: the steering wheel is adjustable in height, but not in depth. The front seats are not height-adjustable.
The space in the rear is sufficient only if the driver and co-driver move foreward. Storage space in the cabin has been improved, though. More storage compartments have been made and an optional "frunk" can be fitted under the bonnet. This has a capacity of 35 litres, which is enough for a small bag or the charging cables, for example.
As with other new models from Dacia, the Spring can be accessorized with a so-called "YouClip". A cup holder, phone holder and multi-holder (hook, tray and torch), for example, can be attached to mounting points in the glove box and on the centre tunnel. Note that the "YouClip" plug does not include an electrical connection. The promised torch and induction phone charger must therefore be connected to one of the two USB-C connectors on the dashboard.
Dacia no longer supplies a paper instruction manual. This saves space in the glovebox and saves paper in production. Instead, Dacia supplies an app for the mobile phone. By simply pointing the camera at a part of the car, an explanation of that subject appears. In short: better for the environment, more convenient to use.
Equipment
The clocks behind the steering wheel have been replaced by a display, allowing the driver to determine how various data (speed, battery charge, etc.) are displayed. This is generally more expensive to produce than analogue clocks, but as the Spring is produced in China, a collaboration with Chinese suppliers allowed a very competitive price to be negotiated.
A central display is used to control the infotainment system. Depending on the chosen version, this requires a smartphone as a brain or the Spring is equipped with its own audio, communication and sat nav system. According to Dacia, the Spring is mainly used for short distances. Therefore, the sat nav system cannot plan charging stops if the remaining range is insufficient to reach the destination. As far as Autozine is concerned, this is a logical saving, entirely in line with Dacia's philosophy. Another saving: the Spring does have air conditioning (supply cold air), but no climate control system (automatically keeping temperature at requested level).
The facelift serves not only to make the Spring more attractive, but also to comply with new European legislation. Therefore, safety features have been greatly expanded. For instance, a camera reads traffic signs and warns the driver immediately when speeding. The Spring also warns when crossing markers on the road without indicating direction. The driver's personal preferences can be stored in a profile and then a tap on the screen is enough to disable safety systems (if that is in the profile).
Electric car
Dacia's philosophy of "getting back to the essence" is reflected not only in its equipment, but also in its driving characteristics. After all, a small and light car needs a less powerful engine, which in turn requires a less powerful battery. For the 2024 model year, there was therefore no need to modify the powertrain. The Spring features a battery with a capacity of 27 kWh and either a 45 hp or 65 hp electric motor. Since an electric motor does not require a gearbox, the Spring can be operated like an automatic. However, to save, "park" is missing. Instead, the driver has to select "neutral" and apply the handbrake when parking. This is a bit cumbersome, but one gets used to it.
With the more powerful engine, the Spring also lends itself to longer motorway journeys. In practice, the Spring is even surprisingly spry for a car with only 65 hp. In town, the Spring is quick and even on the motorway, some sprinting power is still available above 100 km/h. However, driving noises do suddenly increase sharply above 100 km/h, so the Spring does not invite for covering long distances at high speeds.
Although the Spring has only one mode for regeneration (recovering energy by braking on the engine), that mode is extremely effective. In many cases, it is therefore enough to release the throttle to brake, saving a lot of energy. Together with its relatively low weight, the Spring is therefore not only economical to buy, but also to use. According to Dacia, the 65 hp "Extreme" version driven here consumes 13.2 kWh per 100 km. Test consumption with a playful driving style, but under ideal weather conditions, resulted in a consumption of 12.6 kWh per 100 km.
It provided a range of over 200 km, despite the limited battery capacity. The Spring can charge at 3.7 kW at a household socket and at 7 kW at a public charging point. Depending on the chosen version, fast charging is also possible. Then the maximum speed of 30 kW seems small, but compared to the equally small battery capacity, it is more than enough.
New for model year 2024 is "V2L". This stands for "vehicle to load" and allows electric devices to be powered by the Spring (only the "Extreme" version). An accessory plugged into the charging port has a 220-volt outlet to which all kinds of household appliances can be connected.
Driving behaviour
As far as Autozine was concerned, handling was always the Spring's weakest point. The narrow and tall bodywork tilts easily, despite the battery's low centre of gravity. Dacia has taken this complaint seriously and completely revised the steering. Moreover, the versions with 15-inch rims have been fitted with new tyres (same brand, but different compound and profile).
The result of this is immediately noticeable. The Spring still steers very lightly, but previously the steering was also numb. Henceforth, every ripple in the road surface can now be felt trough the steering wheel. Partly for this reason, it is noticeable that straight-line stability is poor. The driver therefore constantly has to make small corrections, although this is hardly noticeable after several hours of driving. Handling has improved marginally, with slightly less leaning. In town, the Spring is very agile and there the long suspension travel provides the necessary comfort.
Conclusion
The Dacia Spring aims to entice the average man into electric driving through its price and qualities. That is why the small Dacia has been revamped for the 2024 model year. The new exterior gives the Spring a less endearing and much more confident look, which also greatly reduces the "budget car" feeling. The same goes for the interior, which has been given a much more mature look thanks to a new layout and new materials.
The equipment has become richer. This is partly because Dacia benefits from new technical developments from parent company Renault and partly because the European Union requires it from 2024. Handling is said to have improved, but in fact mainly communication between driver and mechanics has improved. Roadholding has only marginally improved. The Spring therefore lends itself to longer distances, but still feels most at home in and around town. Quite rightly, the battery and electric motor are unchanged. With the 45 hp engine, the Spring is primarily a city car; with the 65 hp engine, higher speeds are no problem either. The range and charging options are sufficient.
Finally, the question remains: with its more modern looks, richer equipment and more refined handling, is the Spring as economical as before? Yes, without a doubt! After all, the concept has not changed: the Spring reduces the electric car to its essentials and in doing so has moved with the times. That is why the balance between range, performance, looks, equipment and price is still unbeatable.
- Smart ergonomics
- Lots of value for very little money
- Less budget feeling from model year 2024
- Poor space in the rear
- Booming sound from air conditioning
- Poor handling (but better than before)