New Dacia Spring: What does the base version under 12,000 € look like?
Produced in Europe, the Spring benefits from enhanced purchase incentives. This allows the entry price to drop below 15,000 euros for everyone, and even below 12,000 euros for those on a tighter budget. But what does it offer at such a low price?
Spring, Act 2. Everything changes except the name... and the commitment to remain the cheapest electric car on the market, even though the price increases from 16,900 euros to 17,900 euros. However, production shifts from China to Europe, enabling the car to meet eco-score requirements and once again qualify for enhanced purchase incentives.
Thus, the minimum bonus for everyone is 3,620 €, resulting in an entry price in France of 14,280 € for the Expression trim! Even better, the lowest-income households will receive a subsidy of 6,180 €, allowing them to own a new Spring for 11,720 €! But what does this car offer at this price that even conventional models no longer advertise (not even the Sandero)?
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Dacia Spring 2: price, range... everything you need to know about the new generation and our first impressions inside
Technical specifications
The first advantage is the unique technical setup that allows for a level driving position. It features a 60 kW, or 82 hp, power unit that ensures decent performance. The 0 to 100 km/h acceleration time is 12.1 seconds, and the electric drive provides strong acceleration in urban areas... with the added benefit over smaller internal combustion engines of eliminating the need to use a gear shift lever.
In terms of battery, it features a 27.5 kWh LFP battery, providing 250 km of range in mixed WLTP cycles—more than sufficient to meet daily driving needs. However, the charging capabilities are modest, as it relies on a built-in 6.6 kW AC charger. While there is an option for a 50 kW DC fast charger, it is available only on the higher-end Journey model. Nevertheless, with the AC charger, a standard reinforced outlet can charge the battery from 15% to 80% in 5 hours and 40 minutes, which is adequate for short daily trips.
Standard Equipment
And what about the equipment? Is it basic? That’s another advantage. The Spring 2 comes equipped with the essentials, including electric mirrors, rearview cameras, a 50/50 foldable seat, and manual climate control. It also has the driving aids required by Europe: lane keeping assist, automatic emergency braking, and speed sign recognition. What’s missing is a touchscreen; instead, there’s the Media Control system that allows you to mount your smartphone and control it using the buttons on the steering wheel.
The Look
What about the design? There’s nothing shocking here. The free color is a somewhat dull white, but the 15-inch wheels come with neatly styled rims. Compared to the higher-end version, it features black mirrors and door handles. Otherwise, everything remains unchanged, so this Spring Expression isn’t particularly basic in terms of style. Inside, it lacks a screen, but otherwise it’s almost identical to the higher-end model, with the blue dashboard trim. The interior upholstery is black.
In conclusion
We’re looking at a convincing entry-level model that offers the essentials in terms of range and equipment. For those seeking a practical vehicle for everyday use, this basic version is sufficient.
We must acknowledge the progress thanks to the subsidy. For everyone, the Spring now starts at 14,280 €, compared to 16,520 € for the previous model (with a CEE subsidy of 380 €). It can even reach 18,520 € with equivalent equipment! Moreover, the new model is slightly more spacious, has a longer range (+25 km), and more power (+10 hp).
What does the higher-end version offer for an extra 1,500 €?
The appearance is more refined, with 16-inch wheels, painted mirrors, and handles. The equipment is upgraded with a 10.1-inch touchscreen, navigation system, rear camera, and hands-free access.