Volkswagen Group is still working on finding a profitable strategy for selling an affordable EV, but Renault has already cracked the code.
Through its budget-friendly Romanian brand Dacia, Renault has found success with the Spring since its debut in 2022, with over 140,000 units sold to date. In 2024, the Spring is undergoing significant updates, although it’s more of a substantial facelift than a complete redesign.
The exterior changes bring the 2024 Spring in line with Dacia’s latest design language, borrowing elements from the new Duster SUV. This includes plastic body cladding and square wheel arches, giving the simple EV a more modern and rugged appearance compared to its previous iteration, which seemed outdated.
Inside, the 2024 Dacia Spring receives an all-new dashboard, featuring a seven-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10-inch touchscreen. The cabin also sees redesigned climate controls, new air vents, and an updated steering wheel carrying the new DC corporate logo, now adjustable in height.
Additionally, a new gear selector and smartphone holder are notable additions. Despite its small size, the Spring remains practical, with a front trunk capacity of 35 liters and a rear cargo area expanded to 308 liters (six more than before), or nearly 11 cubic feet.
Folding the rear bench increases the luggage capacity to 1,004 liters (35.5 cubic feet). Various storage compartments throughout the cabin offer an additional 33 liters (1.16 cubic feet) of storage space.
Measuring just 3701 millimeters (145.7 inches) long, 1767 millimeters (69.5 inches) wide, and 1519 millimeters (59.8 inches) tall, with a wheelbase of 2423 millimeters (95.4 inches), the Spring offers decent packaging. Depending on the trim level, it rides on 15 or 16-inch wheels, with new Safari Beige and Brick Red colors introduced with the facelift.
Powering the Spring is a base motor with 45 horsepower, while a more potent 65-hp option is available. The latter enables the EV to reach 62 mph (100 km/h) in under 14 seconds. Equipped with a small 26.8-kWh battery, the Spring offers over 137 miles (220 kilometers) of range and supports bidirectional charging.
Despite improvements in standard equipment and driver assist tech to meet EU regulations, the Spring remains lightweight, weighing under 1,000 kilograms (2,204 pounds). The fully loaded top trim version weighs just 984 kilograms (2,169 pounds).
While not designed to thrill enthusiasts, the Spring appeals to those seeking affordable, eco-friendly transportation. Its practicality makes it ideal for urban environments and small businesses.
Pricing for the updated version has not been disclosed, but the previous model was priced around €20,000 in Romania before incentives. Produced in China, the Spring has a Renault counterpart known as the City K-ZE, both derived from the Renault Kwid introduced in 2015 with combustion engines.
