2024 Dacia Spring EV Revealed | Price, Specs & Release Date

Dacia company is gearing up to revolutionise the UK electric-car market with an updated version of its budget-friendly, emission-free urban vehicle: the Dacia Spring.

Dacia is experiencing a surge in momentum, boasting record sales and eagerly expecting the imminent debut of the latest iteration of its iconic vehicle, the Duster. Adding to its repertoire, the Dacia Spring is anticipated to be priced from under £16,000.

Originally introduced in continental Europe back in 2021, the Dacia Spring achieved its highest sales figures last year, surpassing 140,000 units sold since its launch.

However, UK consumers have been unable to access this ultra-affordable option until now, as Dacia opted to wait until a significant mid-life update was implemented.

2024 Dacia Spring exterior design changes

The changes to the Spring are far from superficial, with only the roof panel retaining its original form. Sporting a robust new appearance, complete with a redesigned front fascia reminiscent of the latest Duster, the Spring undergoes a notable transformation.

Additionally, it now features added plastic body cladding that can be easily adorned with replaceable stickers, offering protection against parking scrapes and scratches while maintaining a fresh aesthetic.

Dacia has also introduced new paint options, such as the Beige Safari khaki shade from the revised Sandero and the Brick Red hue showcased in these images.

Despite these enhancements, the fundamental structure remains unchanged, positioning the Spring as a compact urban vehicle with a length just shy of 3.72 metres – barely longer than a Hyundai i10.

Dacia asserts that its modest dimensions allow for a relatively small battery (26.8kWh) while still delivering a range of over 130 miles, thanks to its lightweight construction of less than one tonne.

Simple and efficient powertrains and charging for the 2024 Dacia Spring

The powertrains see minimal changes, with the Spring maintaining the same options of 44bhp and 64bhp motors as before. These configurations are available in the Expression trim, the base model, while the range-topping Extreme exclusively features the more powerful setup.

Regarding charging, the Spring can be recharged from 20% in 11 hours when connected to a standard domestic three-pin plug, while a 7kW wallbox will reduce the charging time to around four hours.

DC charging will be available as an optional feature, operating at up to 30 kW and allowing the car to reach from 20% to 80% charge in just 45 minutes.

Additionally, the car supports vehicle-to-load technology; an included adaptor (exclusive to Extreme versions) enables users to connect a standard three-pin plug and power devices such as an electric grill, kettle, or lamp.

A new interior refresh for the 2024 Dacia Spring

Significant updates extend to the interior of the Spring, mirroring the extensive revisions seen on the exterior. A completely redesigned dashboard architecture is introduced, featuring a seven-inch digital instrument panel across all variants.

Expression models are equipped with a smartphone holder in lieu of a central infotainment display, a characteristic Dacia trait.

On the other hand, the Extreme trim (expected to make up more than 60% of Spring sales in the UK) boasts a 10-inch touchscreen offering over-the-air updates, live navigation, and compatibility with Android and Apple phones.

Material quality receives a boost as well, with higher-grade fabrics adorning the seats, textured plastics enhancing the door inlays, and accents of white plastic to elevate the area surrounding the rocker gear selector.

Having had the opportunity to inspect a vehicle at a Paris studio, it's apparent that the new Spring exudes a greater sense of refinement in line with the finishes and materials found in the Sandero, departing from the unabashedly inexpensive feel of the original model.

Even the steering wheel, now adjustable for height (albeit not reach), is borrowed from the new Duster. However, there remains no provision for height adjustment on the driver's seat.

The new Spring also introduces 'YouClip', Dacia’s funky accessory system. This feature allows customers to purchase items such as cup holders, a torch, and a small rucksack, which can then be securely attached to any of the three points located on the dashboard and lower centre console.

Remaining on the same platform means that rear space will remain limited, but the boot space is more reminiscent of a supermini than a city car, offering 308 litres of capacity with the rear seats in place and expanding to 1,004 litres when folded down.

However, it's worth noting the absence of side hooks and the presence of a substantial lip, which may require some effort to lift items over during loading.

As an additional accessory, Dacia will provide a user-fixable ‘frunk,’ potentially adding an extra 30 litres of space suitable for cable storage, a useful feature considering the charging port is located in the centre of the car's nose.

The Expression trim brings along with it air conditioning, either 14 or 15-inch wheels (depending on motor spec), electric front windows, rear parking sensors, a speed limiter, and cruise control.

Meanwhile, the Extreme variant boasts those 15-inch wheels while incorporating powered mirror adjustment, electric rear windows, a pair of USB-C ports situated at the base of the centre console, and elegant copper accents within the cabin.

Dacia has also unveiled plans for a two-seat cargo version of the Spring, complete with a spacious 1,085-litre load bay. However, the UK division is currently deliberating whether to introduce it to the market.

2024 Dacia Spring pricing

As for pricing details for the passenger version, there's still no definitive word from Dacia.

Initial estimations suggested a starting figure around the £18,000 mark, but recent indications hint that this may have been overly conservative.

It's now speculated that the Spring could even be priced below £16,000, a considerable markdown compared to competitors like the Vauxhall Corsa Electric and Citroen’s upcoming e-C3, which start at £5k higher.

According to Dacia's website, full UK pricing is due to be announced on the 12th of March 2024.

2024 Dacia Spring release date

The Spring is slated to arrive in UK dealerships come May, with Dacia planning to unveil prices and commence pre-orders on 12 March. Customers can anticipate the first deliveries to reach them by autumn 2024.