Dacia Spring ELECTRIC (2021): Der Discount-Stromer - Vorfahrt (Review) | auto motor und sport

Video Summary

The Dacia Spring is the most affordable electric car in Germany. It starts at just over 20,000 Euros.

In France the Spring costs around 17,000 Euros.

It is offered in Germany with a subsidy premium down to 11,000 Euros.

This price buys 27.4 kWh of battery capacity that is usable. Gross capacity is 28.3 kWh.

Charging is single-phase. It is a nose loader and uses a Type 2 connector.

DC fast charging is an optional 600-Euro extra that is only offered on higher trim lines and charges at up to 30 kW. The onboard charger does 6.6 kW.

The Spring is based on an Indian-designed Renault Kwid platform. It was developed in India.

The version for the German market has a reinforced body, six airbags, and front assist features omitted in China.

Worldwide, the model only has one windshield wiper blade, and not two.

The wheel rims are very well-made covers, and the tires are low-resistance Linglong-brand.

The battery pack is positioned in the underbody, only extending underneath the rear seat.

The battery weighs 186 kg.

The trunk has 290 liters of space, and folding the rear seats increases it to 1100 liters. There is no designated place to store the charge cable, but there is space for the spare tire, jack, and tool kit under the trunk floor.

The car is pleasantly quiet, the recuperation is light, and is not adjustable.

The 33-kW, 45-hp electric motor, with 125 Newton-meters of torque, is surprisingly sufficient for city driving.

It reaches a top speed of 125 kph and the Spring is electronically governed.

The heat pump is not offered, and the battery is air-cooled.

It consumes only 13.9 kWh including charging losses and has a range of 230 km as measured by WLTP.

In the Business version, the materials are basic. However, it has a 7-inch navigation screen.

The 7-inch navigation does not offer long-distance planning or routing. It also doesn’t feature charging costs or status updates.

It uses a traditional ignition key to start.

For the reviewer, the seat is positioned high. The height is not adjustable on the seat and the steering wheel position cannot be adjusted. The rear seat is tight, but has foot room.

The question: can affordable be good? At this price point, wonders shouldn't be expected. With a few shortcomings, it's a fit-for-purpose vehicle that gets the job done.