Dacia Spring is the cheapest electric car on the market. I looked into it and came to a surprising conclusion. Test

Photo: Tomasz Kamiński / Auto Świat

Dacia Spring

So it is certain that Dacia Spring is not an obstacle for other road users. In addition, it happens that it can start from the light more efficiently than a more powerful gasoline or diesel engine. However, this is possible as long as we travel in a normal car configuration. After turning on the ECO mode, the car becomes less powerful.

While driving the Dacia Spring, I realized how much influence the weather has on driving pleasure. When driving with a full set of passengers (Dacia Spring has 4 seats), there are problems with wiping the windows during rain. I turn on the airflow on the windshield, it clears quickly, but the side windows are fogged up.

So I turn on the air flow for the passenger, and at the same time, the air flow from the side vents is directed to the windows, which effectively reduces it, but the windshield blows again. There is no choice – you have to change the direction of the air flow constantly. During rain, you should also accept the fact that one front wiper does not collect water from the entire surface of the windshield.

Dacia Spring – interior

The interior of Dacia Spring looks ordinary, but at the same time clean. It’s true that the passenger compartment is finished in hard plastic, but they don’t look cheap. The upholstery of the seat is artificial leather, which is not pleasant to touch on cold days (it becomes very cold after the car has been parked for a long time, brrr), but on the other hand it will be easy to clean. .

Photo: Tomasz Kamiński / Auto Świat

Dacia Spring

The operation of the board equipment turns out to be simple. Individual functions can be activated via the 7-inch touch screen or via solid buttons and knobs.

Interestingly, the engine is started with a traditional key inserted into the ignition, not with a button. This is an unusual solution for an electric car.

Photo: Tomasz Kamiński / Auto Świat

Dacia Spring

A different topic is the design of the seats. Comfort is average, although it is quite enough when driving short urban distances, but there is no side support. We agree, however, that when traveling at the speed of the city this is not a big problem.

Photo: Tomasz Kamiński / Auto Świat

Dacia Spring

When you look inside the car, the first impression is: There is very little space here. However, when you sit in the front seats, it turns out that the space is quite enough for the driver and the next passenger.

Importantly, the driving position is also comfortable. As you can see, you don’t need to adjust the seat height or make any adjustments to the steering column to get comfortable – at least for a short city trip.

Photo: Tomasz Kamiński / Auto Świat

Dacia Spring

What about those behind you? It is certain that people taller than 180 cm will not have enough freedom above their heads or at knee height. However, short passengers can ride here in tolerable conditions.

Except, however, that we don’t go back. The sound signal that informs about approaching an obstacle behind the car has a high volume, and the loudspeaker is above the head of the person sitting behind the driver. The effect? Unpleasant and very loud situations.

Dacia Spring – trunk capacity and adjustment

Dacia Spring has a trunk whose basic capacity is 290 liters. This is not enough for a large weekly purchase. Especially since part of the trunk volume is taken up by the battery charging cables.

Photo: Tomasz Kamiński / Auto Świat

Dacia Spring

The cargo area can be expanded after folding the integral seat backrest, giving you a space of 620 liters. However, in this configuration, the large sill on the trunk floor makes it difficult to transport large items.

Dacia Spring – energy consumption and operating costs

Dacia Spring has 26.8 kWh batteries on board. After filling the electricity to 100%. range according to the manufacturer is 230 km in a mixed cycle or 305 when driving only in the city. Unfortunately, it’s actually not very good.

After filling energy to 100%. the on-board computer showed a range of about 160 km. When driving with frequent stops, it increased slightly – up to about 170 km. The truth is, however, that in this city it is still a sufficient distance, and moreover, we took the test drives at a temperature close to zero (at least it was good to be included).

Photo: Tomasz Kamiński / Auto Świat

Dacia Spring

Charging time to 100%, using a 230 volt outlet, is approximately 13.5 hours. Using a 3.7 kW wall, we will fill the electricity to 100%. after 8.5 hours, and with a power of 7.4 kW – after less than 5 hours. On the other hand, when we use a 30 kW charger, the battery will be full of energy by 80%. after about 56 minutes.

Dacia Spring – driving

Well, this is not the signature discipline of Dacia Spring. Although the soft-tuned suspension ensures a good enough ride, at the same time you can worry about dynamic cornering.

Well, it’s not too bad to be afraid, but we advise you to approach the reinforcing arches with caution. In such a situation, the body tilts significantly, and the driver’s body leaning out of the seat increases the uncomfortable feeling.

In addition, there is an incorrect operating system that takes on a life of its own. Not only does it not provide enough feedback on what is happening to the front wheels, but also after turning the steering wheel does not automatically return to the front position and must be adjusted accordingly.

When driving in the city, we will appreciate the excellent maneuverability of the Dacia Spring. A turning diameter of 9.5 m combined with the vehicle’s small external dimensions ensure easy maneuvering and trouble-free parking.

Dacia Spring – financing and warranty

Dacia Spring costs a minimum of PLN 101,490, but this amount applies to the Cargo version with 2 seats and a luggage space of 1000 liters. The passenger version of the Spring is the Expression variant that costs PLN 106,900.

Not so much for an electric car, but a lot when you consider the finish of the Spring Spartan. However, it must be admitted that for this amount you get a car with good equipment.

Standard equipment includes: electric windows and mirrors, air conditioning, digital gauges, 7-inch touchscreen, satellite navigation, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, reversing camera, four airbags, curtain air, emergency brake, E-Call alarm system. or metallic paint.

A battery charging cable from a home socket is also common, while a type 2 charging cable from a Wallbox will cost PLN 1,500, and a charging cable from a 30 kW charger will cost PLN 2,850.

DACIA Spring – gallery

Dacia Spring – is it worth buying?

Yes, because in my humble opinion, electric cars should be like Dacia Spring. To work well in the city, they should be small and should provide enough driving comfort and at the same time have enough space for four people with small luggage. Their range and performance should be sufficient for driving in the city and for frequent trips outside the city. And one more thing – such a car should be expensive. Dacia Spring does not meet this single criterion.

In a sense, the idea of ​​Dacia Spring refers to the pioneering times of the automotive industry. After all, it was inexpensive models such as the Volkswagen Beetle, Ford Model T, Fiat 500 or Citroen 2CV that contributed to the popularity of cars, not the expensive and large limousine. Right now, electric cars are at the same stage of development as cars were 100 years ago. So why not follow such a path…