DRIVEN! NEW DACIA SPRING. IS THE UK’S CHEAPEST EV REALLY GOOD ENOUGH?

EV Channels Review

The Dacia Spring arrives as the UK's most affordable electric car, starting at £14,995. This revamped model features a completely new exterior and interior, with only the roof panel remaining from its predecessor. While compact, it offers a surprisingly practical boot space of 308 litres, expandable to 1,400 litres with the seats folded. Interior upgrades include a new 7-inch digital driver display and a 10-inch infotainment screen with wireless Apple CarPlay. The reviewer highlights the physical climate controls and easily cleanable surfaces as practical advantages. However, rear passenger space is tight, particularly headroom, and there's a lack of rear door bins or charging ports, reinforcing its positioning as a city car or for children. The 26.8 kWh battery offers a WLTP range of 137 miles, with real-world expectations around 100 miles. The reviewer praises the car's exceptional efficiency, achieving an impressive 7.4 miles per kWh, and notes that the 65hp motor provides adequate performance for urban driving, with improved steering feel over the previous model. Despite its budget nature, the reviewer is pleasantly surprised by the Spring's driving dynamics, interior tech, and overall value, deeming it a necessary and well-executed addition to the EV market.