As the week draws to a close, it’s time for me to say goodbye—or perhaps, just “see you later”—to the Dacia Spring. I spent some quality time with this little electric vehicle, and the question hanging in the air is: *Was it good?*
I know what you’re thinking. You probably expected a fun-ride novelty car, or maybe something that feels aggressively budget. What I found was something far more reliable, surprisingly capable, and frankly, brilliantly honest.
So, let’s dive into it.
First Impressions: The Price Tag Doesn’t Tell the Whole Story
The very first thing you can’t ignore is the price. Starting at £11,990 (or a £12,990 for the top-spec Extreme as tested here), it hits you immediately that this vehicle is serious value. For an electric car, seriously affordable. It forces you to reconsider what modern EV ownership needs to cost.
But here’s where they surprise you: despite the budget badge, you get more than you might expect. The list of standard features isn’t something usually seen at this price point—I noticed four electric windows, power-folding mirrors, wireless Android Auto, and remote locking. Pretty much every functional modern requirement for a city car has been ticked off the board.
It feels like Dacia is saying: “I will give you all the technology and convenience you need to survive in the city, but I’m not going to charge you for my fancy Italian design studio time.” And honestly? I appreciate it.
Efficiency and Range: The Numbers Speak Volumes
Let’s talk numbers, because that’s what matters most when you’re dealing with batteries and charging anxiety.
The Spring rolls out with a solid 26kWh battery pack. During my general testing period, I averaged about 6.2 miles/kWh. That equates to a very sensible theoretical range of around 161 miles for daily use—more than enough for most commutes.
But then I took it out on our specialized Eco Town test route, which involved all the stop-start traffic and low-speed weaving that defines city life. The result was genuinely impressive: 7.9 miles/kWh. This elevated figure put the theoretical range comfortably above 200 miles, and actually more efficient than the legendary windknife the original Ioniq.
This isn’t just a car for the supermarket run. It’s efficient enough to feel capable of tackling longer day trips when required, making it a surprisingly versatile package.
he Driving Experience: Built Tough, Not Flashy
When I get behind the wheel, I can tell immediately that this car was built to be practical—and its simplicity is both its charm and its biggest challenge.
There are plenty of hard plastics around the cabin, right down to the dashboard surfaces. It screams “economy.” But honestly, in a city runabout where every surface gets scratched or chipped eventually, who really cares? I suspect they prove durable enough to handle the inevitable urban wear-and-tear.
As for handling, there were plenty of comments about the tyres and their grip in wet conditions. You can absolutely make them lose purchase if you drive like an idiot, but driven with sense, maintaining comfortable speeds and respecting the road, I had zero issues whatsoever. It kept up flawlessly with normal traffic flow and felt perfectly planted for what it is: a compact city mover.
The Final Verdict: Simple Is Perfect
So, after spending time with the Dacia Spring, I have to conclude that this car doesn’t try to be anything it isn’t—and that is precisely its greatest strength.
The Spring is an “honest” little car. It delivers what you need it to deliver without unnecessary complexity or expensive gimmicks. It’s incredibly affordable, hyper-efficient, and perfectly happy navigating the tight streets of town. But crucially, when life calls for a longer journey, it didn’t quit on me.
It may not be the most sophisticated EV model languishing on the market today; it certainly lacks the premium feel or complex tech found in its flashier rivals. But at this price point? It doesn’t need to be.
The Dacia Spring proves that sometimes, stripping things back and focusing purely on utility, efficiency, and affordability is exactly what you needed all along.
