AUTONEWS

Dacia Spring: 18,000 euros 

Made in Europe (Novo Mesto, Slovenia), the second generation of the electric Spring opens a new chapter for the brand, while building on the continuity of the model that has become a reference model.

Launched in 2021, the first Spring has already won over around 210,000 customers across Europe, confirming the relevance of simple, affordable and practical electric mobility.

True to the spirit of Dacia, the new Spring retains its essential elements: a 100% electric powertrain, four real seats and a real trunk.

In line with its strategic roadmap to 2030 unveiled last March, Dacia is making a firm commitment to electric mobility. The brand has confirmed the launch of four all-electric vehicles by 2030 and is now revealing the first in the series: New Dacia Spring.

With this second-generation Spring, Dacia is continuing the success story of a model sold in over 210,000 units in more than forty countries since 2021, giving many customers access to electric mobility for the first time. A success built on a model that is true to Dacia's DNA: New Spring is the smart A-segment EV choice made in Europe, closely reflecting the everyday needs of users.

New Spring keeps the name of the previous generation but changes everything else. Fully redesigned and built on Renault Group's new RG-EV small platform, it now has completely different proportions. In particular, it is 18 cm wider, giving it a stronger, more robust stance, while increasing interior space.

With the RG-EV small platform, New Spring gains the latest e-technologies by Renault Group, a pioneer in this field, continuously seeking to make the best technology accessible to as many people as possible.

New Spring is the first Dacia to benefit from Renault Group's new development programmes, intending to speed up the vehicle design cycle and cut development time to under two years, while also reducing design costs. An approach that is fundamentally Dacia in its ability to cut straight to the essentials.

A universal and instantly recognizable name, Spring evokes the spring season — a symbol of renewal and positive energy. With the new Spring, Dacia continues to pursue a clear ambition: to pave the way for electric vehicles accessible to all.

Dubbed RGEV Small, the new architecture is the same one used by the Renault Twingo E-Tech; it enabled Dacia to develop the Spring in just 16 months by leveraging components and solutions already created by the Renault Group. The project is now essentially European in origin, and production is shifting from China to Novo Mesto, Slovenia—though some development work continues to take place in the Asian country.

The change in platform has also resulted in significant growth for the model. Its length has increased from 3.70 to 3.85 meters, while its width has jumped from 1.56 to 1.74 meters. It stands 1.52 meters tall with a wheelbase of 2.49 meters, giving the body a much less narrow profile than the previous generation.

Visually, the Spring has also shed much of the "mini-SUV" look inherited from the Kwid, adopting a style much closer to that of a conventional hatchback. Its kinship with the Twingo is evident primarily in its proportions and overall architecture, while Dacia has established a unique identity featuring slim headlights connected by a black strip, large areas of unpainted plastic on the bumpers, and 15-inch steel wheels—always fitted with hubcaps.

Inside, the evolution lies mainly in the design, space, and layout of the cabin rather than the materials used. Hard plastics dominate almost the entire interior, though they appear in various colors, textures, and patterns to break up the otherwise overly simple look. There is no sunroof or elaborate ambient lighting, maintaining Dacia's traditional rational, low-cost philosophy. A 10.1-inch central display comes with the second Journey level, which also brings a reversing camera (rear parking sensors are in the basic package), a keyless entry and ignition card, another USB port, "YouClip" gadget holders and larger wheels.

The brand also avoided concentrating every function on screens. There are three rotary dials for the air conditioning, dedicated dashboard buttons, and conventional steering wheel controls; the most significant change is the gear selector, which is now a lever on the right side.

The new Spring embodies the positive energy of renewal and marks the beginning of a new story, continuing on from the previous Spring, with which it shares much more than just its name: the same DNA – the DNA of a small, reliable and practical all-electric car, which continues to pave the way for electric vehicles accessible to all.

The new Spring shares many components with the Renault Twingo E-Tech Electric. This is where the 27.5 kWh LFP battery comes from, which gives it an autonomy of around 260 km according to WLTP. The charging power with the optional package can reach 50 kWh, and charging from 15% to 80% then takes 28 minutes (with 11 kW AC charging in 1 hour and 55 minutes, with 7 kW wallbox in 2 hours and 55 minutes...).

The car is 385 cm long, 15 cm more than the old model and about 6 cm longer than the Twingo, on whose platform it is based. It is 174 cm wide, a full 18 cm more, while the trunk has a volume of 337 liters. An 18-liter front trunk is also available as an option.

The electric motor on the front axle has 60 kW/82 hp and 175 Nm, enough for acceleration from 0 to 100 in 12.1 seconds and a top speed of 130 km/h.

The wheels are 15-inch in Essential and 16-inch in Journey equipment.

According to announcements, the new Spring will start at a price of less than 18,000 euros for the basic Essential level, and the richer package will not exceed 20,000 euros.