Dacia has revealed the second-generation Spring, giving its little electric hatchback a complete makeover while sticking to the formula that made it popular. More than 210,000 Springs have been sold across over 40 countries since 2021, and the new one is bigger, roomier and considerably more modern.
The new Spring is based on Renault Group’s new small-EV platform and has grown significantly compared with its predecessor. It is now 15 cm longer and 18 cm wider, measuring 3.85 metres long and 1.74 metres wide.
Power comes from an 80 bhp electric motor producing 175 Nm. It can accelerate from 0 to 100 kph in 12.1 seconds and has a top speed of 130 kph. It gets a 27.5 kWh LFP battery with a WLTP claimed 249 km range. Charging is equally straightforward. The standard 6.6 kW AC charger can take the battery from 15 to 80 per cent in nine hours using a regular household socket. A 7 kW home charger cuts that time to 2 hours 55 minutes.
There is also an optional ‘Charge Pack’, which adds an 11 kW AC charger and a 50 kW DC charger. Using a DC fast charger, the Spring can go from 15 to 80 per cent in just 28 minutes. The Charge Pack also brings vehicle-to-load capability, allowing the car to power small electrical devices such as lights, coffee makers or e-bike batteries.
The new Spring looks considerably tougher than before, too. Its design is more upright and geometric, with pronounced wheel arches, chunky bumpers and black trim connecting the headlights and tail-lights. Dacia’s new light signature is inspired by its Link emblem, while a black strip visually separates the roof from the body. Inside, things remain simple but are far more modern than before. There is a new 7-inch digital instrument cluster, while the higher-spec ‘Journey’ model gets a 10.1-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Dacia has also added plenty of storage and its clever ‘YouClip’ mounting points, allowing owners to add accessories such as phone holders, cup holders and storage solutions. The Spring has a 337-litre boot, which can be expanded to 1283 litres with the 50/50 split-folding rear seats folded down. There is also an optional 18-litre storage compartment under the bonnet. Dacia has also kept the car relatively light. The new Spring weighs 1212 kg and consumes a claimed 12.7 kWh/100 km, making it one of the more efficient electric cars in its class.
The new Spring will be offered in two trims — Expression and Journey — with both using the same 80 bhp motor, 27.5kWh battery and standard 6.6kW charger. The Journey adds features such as 16-inch wheels, a reversing camera, hands-free entry and the larger infotainment system. UK prices are expected to start below £18,000 (Rs 22.7 lakh), keeping the Spring firmly in affordable-EV territory. It will be built in Europe at Renault Group’s Novo Mesto plant in Slovenia.
