Dacia Spring returns with futuristic new look and 155-mile range

Dacia has launched a new version of its compact Spring EV, bringing more range than before alongside an edgier exterior design.

The current Spring, which is the UK’s cheapest car at £14,995, offers a range of up to 140 miles on a single charge. However, a slightly larger battery means that the new second-generation Spring will manage up to 155 miles between trips to the plug.

Dacia says that a full charge via a standard 7kW home charger will take just under three hours, while cars equipped with an optional Charge Pack will manage a 15 to 80 per cent top-up in 28 minutes when connected to a charging unit that can deliver over 50kW of power.

Connected to the battery is a 60kW electric motor which can get the Spring from 0-60mph in just under 12 seconds and on to a top speed of 81mph.

On the outside, the new Spring stands 18cm wider and 15cm longer than before which gives it more presence on the road while boosting interior space. Four exterior colours are available – Agave, Shadow Grey, Diamond Black and Glacier White – will be available while short overhangs ensure the Spring remains just as easy to park as the car which came before it.

Inside, there’s a new seven-inch driver instrument panel – standard on all cars – and a 10.1-inch infotainment system to run all key media and navigation functions which comes on Journey trim and above. In other cars, a phone holder in the upper central section of the dashboard allows drivers to use their smartphone as a navigation device securely.

Thanks to a size increase, the Spring can offer a larger boot than before with 337 litres eclipsing the 308-litre boot of the older car. It also benefits from an 18-litre ‘frunk’ under the bonnet to store charging cables. The frunk storage area is available as an optional extra, however.

No pricing information for the new Dacia Spring has been announced as yet, but it’s expected that this will be announced soon.