TESTED 12.7.23, OXFORDSHIRE ON SALE 2024
Europe's aving introduced cheapest electric car in 2021, Dacia has confirmed it will make the Spring Britain's most affordable EV next year, when it launches the facelifted version in right-hand-drive form. UK buyers haven't been offered a sub-£20,000 EV since the government ended financial incentives for electric car take-up last year, but as of 2024 the Spring could be on sale here from as little as £18,000.
That should be low enough to secure the standout status Dacia wants for this car, even with several competitors, both European and Chinese, preparing to launch direct competition for it. You will no doubt guess how that's possible: the Spring is built in China, as part of a joint venture between Dacia parent Renault, alliance partner Nissan and Dongfeng Motor Group. Whatever you think about that, it certainly gives Dacia the chance to engage with the likes of BYD and MG Motor, in Europe, on more level terms than some of its competitors might enjoy- and the company is grabbing the opportunity with both hands.
The Spring has found 120,000 homes in Europe so far and is already a different car from the one Dacia launched in 2021. Having been introduced with a 44bhp electric motor, the company now offers a 64bhp version with not only a higher power output than the base car but also shorter reduction gearing (and therefore more torque at the driven front wheels) and much-improved performance think 0-62mph in under 14sec rather than barely less than 20sec.
Denne historien er fra July 26, 2023-utgaven av Autocar UK.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra July 26, 2023-utgaven av Autocar UK.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
MG 4
An EV changes your driving style - but not to the detriment of pleasure
PEUGEOT E-208
Time with our French hatch is up. Is it good riddance or au revoir?
In the hot seat
Is the best automotive job in the world actually in miniature scale? Hot Wheels' design boss assures STEPHEN DOBIE it is
Correcting the record
Autocar invented the road test back in 1928 - or did we? KEITH JONES trawls the past to find the true starting point
Road test rebooted
As the Autocar road test forges into its second century, its brief is expanding and it's returning to a familiar place. MATT SAUNDERS explains
Cyber attack
MG is back on the international stage and now trying to return to its sports car roots. MATT SAUNDERS sees if the Cyberster EV can match up to a rival from the present and a relation from the past
KIA PICANTO
As rivals fall by the wayside, Kia's popular city car gets a makeover
MASERATI GRANTURISMO
Latest coupé in a long line of Maserati GT cars hits the UK with V6 power
PORSCHE CAYENNE GTS COUPE
New V8 model gets all the goodies
TOYOTA PRIUS
Back by popular demand with a cool new look and greater driver appeal