Test drive Dacia Spring Extreme Electric: A leap forward

Dacia also offers the cheapest car on the market in the electric segment. Now even in a quite attractive version.

Being cheap has its price. Dacia couldn't quite hide this in the first edition of the Spring in 2021. In terms of purchase costs, the small electric crossover was indeed unrivalled in its affordability. However, ambience and technology demanded many compromises in return. Some of these compromises still have to be made by buyers of the comprehensively renewed version. Others no longer do – particularly with the newly introduced top model "Extreme Electric 65" for 20.000 euros (approx. 21.080 USD).

Even externally, the facelifted Spring makes a big leap in all variants. The new body design in the burly style of the large SUV Duster suits the 3.70-meter-long five-door vehicle well. The "Extreme" model features additional body cladding and decorative strips. Those who wish can complete the look with the optional roof rack (260 euros, approx. 274 USD).

No more dull hard plastic

Inside, there are gray-green fabric upholstery and an upgraded ambiance compared to its predecessor. The drab hard plastic desert has become a modern-looking cockpit. With colored decorative elements, a digital display, and a mounted, high-resolution screen between the two seats. With probably similar material and production costs, the whole thing now looks significantly more homely.

The interior designers couldn't squeeze more space out of the small crossover, of course. However, with a height-adjustable steering wheel now standard, many drivers may at least find a better seating position. A seat height adjustment is still lacking. Adults in the back still can't expect much comfort, and even children sit rather cramped. At least, the Renault subsidiary fairly dispenses with the pretense of a third seat and always offers the Spring as a four-seater. The trunk, at just over 300 liters, is typically small for its class, with a somewhat narrow opening.

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Under ideal conditions, just over 220 kilometers of driving

The fact that the Spring is primarily a car for the city is not the fault of the small trunk. Rather, it is limited by the technology, which was not revised during the facelift. As before, a relatively small battery with a capacity of 27 kWh supplies energy to the 48 kW electric motor in the top model. This is enough for about 220 kilometers (approx. 136,7 miles) of driving under ideal conditions, which was at least somewhat realistic for the predecessor in purely urban traffic and mild temperatures.

Charging the battery requires patience, however. At a public AC charging station, the Dacia charges single-phase with a maximum of 3.7 kW instead of the now-standard eleven kW. Thus, plugging in during restaurant or supermarket visits is hardly worthwhile. Without a parking space with its own wall box, it's difficult to manage daily electric life with the Spring. Those who need significant amounts of energy on the go can use the CCS charging connector (600 euros resp. 632,40 USD) to charge at a fast-charging station. There, the small crossover-styled car allows for up to 30 kW charging power.

Moderate performance

Given the Spring's moderate performance, it's better not to leave the city area. Although the small car weighs just over a ton, allowing for brisk city traffic maneuvering, outside urban areas, the maximum 113 Nm of torque starts to drag. Overtaking maneuvers need to be well planned. However, the instantly available traction does provide a small starting advantage at traffic lights.

For those who really travel leisurely, there is a 33 kW variant. With this one, considering the tempo of 100 sprint time of almost 20 seconds, you're more likely not to venture onto the highway. The base model costs 17,000 euros (approx. 17.918 USD), however, it is not available with the "Extreme" trim.

Loud, harsh suspension

Marvels cannot be expected from the suspension either, which tends to be rather bumpy. The prominently present rolling noises entering the cabin do not contribute to comfort. However, the Spring has special qualities in city use: Its small dimensions allow it to find a parking space anywhere, the good visibility aids in maneuvering, and the small turning circle makes spontaneous direction changes a breeze.

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The Dacia Spring has significantly improved through the redesign. Especially the "Extreme" variant appears modern and high quality on the outside. Together with the spruced-up interior, the city crossover now almost has a lifestyle flair. The stark quality drop compared to other similarly priced models from the brand is not as noticeable anymore. However, compromises are still demanded by the moderate comfort and the unfavorable combination of limited range and sluggish charging performance. But the Spring does not aim to be a primary or travel car; as an affordable option for a city car, it is likely to emotionally resonate with its customer base much better now.