Dacia Spring
Used Car Review

Overview

Thinking about making the switch to electric without breaking the bank? The Dacia Spring might be exactly what you’re looking for. This affordable electric city car proves that going green doesn’t have to cost a fortune. It’s the car for people who want the environmental benefits of electric driving while maintaining the value approach that Dacia is famous for. The Spring strips away unnecessary complexity to deliver simple, efficient electric mobility.

From the moment you see it, the Spring stands out as refreshingly honest. Its compact dimensions and practical design give it a confident urban presence that rivals like the Citroen Ami can’t quite match in terms of proper car functionality. But the real appeal becomes clear when you consider the running costs. The interior feels surprisingly spacious for such a small car, with everything laid out clearly and logically. You get the sense that every element has been designed with practicality and affordability in mind.

Driving the Spring is a relaxed, stress free experience. The electric motor is smooth and quiet, making city journeys feel effortless while keeping running costs incredibly low. It handles neatly around town, giving you confidence in tight parking spots while remaining comfortable enough for daily use. It’s a car that aims to make electric driving accessible to everyone. While it comes with some compromises compared to more expensive EVs, you’re getting genuine electric mobility at a price that makes sense for many budgets.

What's the Dacia Spring Like to Drive?

The Dacia Spring is designed to be efficient and practical rather than exciting. The single electric motor produces around 65 horsepower, which is perfectly adequate for urban driving and short trips. It feels responsive from a standstill thanks to the instant torque delivery that electric cars provide. The 0-60 mph time of around 13 seconds won’t set any records, but it’s more than sufficient for city commuting and occasional longer journeys on quieter roads.

Where the Spring really impresses is in its efficiency and refinement. The motor is whisper quiet, creating a serene driving environment that makes even busy city streets feel calm. The small electric hatchback strikes an excellent balance between usability and running costs. The suspension is tuned for comfort rather than sporty handling, soaking up most bumps and potholes effectively. This makes it an easy and confidence inspiring car to drive in all urban conditions. You get the sense of a well engineered machine that’s built to deliver maximum efficiency with minimum fuss.

Inside the Dacia Spring: Comfort & Features

Step inside and the Spring’s focus on simplicity becomes immediately apparent. The dashboard is clean and uncluttered, with physical controls that are easy to understand and use. The materials are basic but feel solid enough for the price point. You won’t find soft touch plastics everywhere, but everything from the door handles to the gear selector operates with reassuring solidity. The driving position is comfortable with adequate adjustment to suit most drivers.

The cabin is surprisingly spacious for such a compact car. There’s plenty of headroom up front and the seats provide decent support for longer journeys. Road and wind noise are well controlled, creating a peaceful environment that enhances the relaxing nature of electric driving. Standard equipment includes essentials like air conditioning and a basic infotainment system with smartphone connectivity. Higher spec models add conveniences like electrically adjustable mirrors and additional storage solutions that make daily life easier.

The Dacia Spring succeeds brilliantly at its intended purpose of making electric driving affordable and accessible. It delivers genuinely useful electric mobility at a price that makes sense for many buyers. The running costs are exceptional, potentially saving thousands compared to petrol cars over several years. The urban focused design and excellent efficiency make it ideal for city commuting and local trips. The compromises are clear but understandable given the price. Range, performance, and interior luxury all take second place to affordability and efficiency. It’s not the most exciting car to drive, but that’s not its purpose. Its purpose is to provide clean, quiet, cost effective transport for people who want to go electric without paying premium prices. If your budget allows and you prioritise value and low running costs over performance, the Spring makes a compelling case for electric driving.

Nicholas Zapolski Car Expert

How Much Does It Cost to Run a Dacia Spring?

As one of the most affordable electric cars available, the Spring delivers exceptional running costs that put it ahead of virtually any petrol or diesel equivalent. Charging costs are remarkably low thanks to the small 27kWh battery pack. You can expect to travel around 4 to 5 miles per kWh in real world driving, making it one of the most efficient EVs available. Insurance costs are also very reasonable due to the car’s modest performance and strong safety systems.

The main consideration is the initial purchase price, which starts from around £15,000 for the basic model. This makes it one of the cheapest new electric cars you can buy, though it still represents a significant investment. When it comes to maintenance, electric vehicles require far less servicing than conventional cars, with no oil changes or complex engine maintenance required. Flexible car finance options can help spread the cost, making the Spring accessible to more buyers. Overall, the Spring offers some of the lowest total cost of ownership figures in the entire car market.

Is the Dacia Spring Practical for Everyday Use?

For such an affordable electric car, the Spring offers impressive everyday usability. The 300 litre boot is a decent size for the class, easily handling a weekly shop or several small suitcases. The rear seats fold to expand cargo space when needed, though the opening is quite narrow. Inside the cabin, you’ll find adequate storage spaces for phones, drinks, and other daily essentials, though they’re fairly basic compared to more expensive cars.

Where the Spring shows its limitations is in rear passenger space and longer distance capability. The back seats are fine for children or occasional adult passengers on short trips, but legroom is tight for taller adults. The 140 mile range also means you need to plan longer journeys more carefully than with conventional cars. For urban commuters, couples, or small families who mainly drive in town, however, the Spring offers excellent practicality compared to other used Dacia cars. Its compact dimensions make it incredibly easy to park and manoeuvre in tight city spaces.

The Dacia Spring stands out in the electric car market by offering genuine EV benefits at an accessible price point. It wraps efficient electric driving, low running costs, and practical urban design into an affordable package that makes electric mobility possible for many more drivers. While it may not offer the longest range or most powerful performance in the EV market, it excels in the areas that matter most for city driving and daily commuting.

You choose the Spring because you want to go electric without paying premium prices. Its exceptional efficiency, quiet operation, and minimal running costs make every journey both environmentally friendly and economical. It’s perfectly suited for urban life and short to medium distance trips. If you’re looking for an electric car that prioritises value and practicality over performance, the Spring should definitely be on your shortlist.